Lot 144 - 1980 Ferrari 400i
| Lot Number | 144 |
| Registration | 31583 |
| Chassis Number | 31583 |
| Engine Number | PJA 833W |
| Odometer reading | 37,055 miles |
| Result | Sold - £22,500 |
These magnificent 12 cylinder Ferraris have enjoyed cult status for some years now and the angular Pininfarina design was the motivating factor behind this front-engined masterpiece. The design was derived from the almost identical looking 365 GT4 2+2 which, itself, was based on the legendary Daytona. Production began in 1976 when Ferrari revealed its first car fitted with an automatic transmission, the 400, at the Paris Motorshow of 1976. The gearbox was a three-speed Borg Warner unit from the General Motors parts bin, reliable and certainly able to take the prodigious amount of power available. The injection version followed with Bosch K-Jetronics under the bonnet. The interior was lavishly appointed with rich leather, fine wood and high-end carpet and, together with the long-legged gearing and engine, made for excellent long distance touring. Today, its sleek lines and relatively limited production numbers have made good examples very collectable commodities.
Supplied new from Maranello Concessionaires in 1980 in Blue Sera with contrasting Corda carpets, as well as a Ferrari specified (UK fitted) sun-roof, a super-rare option at the time. This example has been cherished by the current owner for some eight years, and previously in a private family collection . During that time, highly respected Rosneath Engineering of East Sussex have undertaken much work including annual servicing as well as the most recent one in February 2016 with fewer than 500 miles travelled since. A positive five-page safety check also accompanies this service report. The exhaust manifold is a mild steel item feeding into a stainless steel exhaust running the length of the car. New shock absorbers can be found to the front, whilst the rear ones and the self levellers were reconditioned a few years ago. as well as many other items illustrating the care with which this example has undergone. All paperwork and invoices, including handbook, can be found within the history file as well as a new MoT test certificate. In good order throughout and super-cool, this Ferrari 400i represents an extremely sound example of its type.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.