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This series of special bodied right hand drive Ferrari 456 GT models, built for a member of the Brunei royal family, comprising cabriolets, four door saloons and station wagons, have intrigued Ferrari enthusiasts since they were first spotted in the late nineties.

The origins of the "VENEZIA" or "VENICE" name is one of the mysteries of this series to be resolved. All examples left the Ferrari factory in Maranello as standard 456 GT models, and were converted to their current specifications at the Pininfarina facility in Turin. 200mm has been added to the chassis rails to increase the cabin space and allow the incorporation of four doors, all with warning lights on their trailing edges. The body flows smoothly into the near vertical tail section, featuring a top hinged tailgate topped with a composite aerofoil, between standard tail light units. Tinted glass is fitted all around, which blends well with the dark Forest Green paintwork to enhance the smoothness of line.

The engine is a standard 5.5 litre V 12 with a 3-speed automatic gearbox. The 456 GT Venice pictured here was delivered by Pininfarina straight to England. The chassis number 103190 indicates a 1995 model build year, the construction took place during 1996. (Info originally published by Keith Bluemel in the FOC UK magazine N° 134, Summer 2002)