Lot 118

London 2017

1980 Ferrari 400i

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£33,350 GBP | Sold

United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom

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Chassis No.
30679
Documents
UK V5
  • Former demonstrator for Maranello Concessionaires
  • Long-term ownership with extensive documentation included with the sale
  • Elegant yet sporty; practical yet powerful

The Ferrari 400i, the first Ferrari road car offered with an automatic transmission, was introduced to the public at the 1976 Paris Auto Show. As the replacement for the 365 GT4 2+2, the 400i offered the legendary Ferrari V-12 with the comfort of a modern four-seat grand touring car. The 400i featured a smart Pininfarina body which, though somewhat muted compared to other offerings by the storied coachbuilder, was a very attractive overall package for those interested in a more practical Ferrari for everyday use.

With 310 bhp from the 4,823-cc 60-degree Colombo-designed V-12 engine and the ease of driving provided by a three-speed automatic transmission, the Ferrari 400i was, and still is, a phenomenal road car. It handled well for a car of its size due to the independent front and rear suspension and also featured self-levelling technology. The 400i boasted many of the most popular Ferrari styling cues of the period, including the famous pop-up headlights, five-spoke wheels and a sporty pre-airbag steering wheel.

This car, chassis number 30679, was delivered to Maranello Concessionaires of Surrey in February of 1980 and was initially used as a sales demonstrator by that firm. It was then sold to a retail customer in April 1980 having seen just 835 miles from new. The car next appears in the records of Maranello Concessionaires in February 1988 when then-owner, Mr George W. Robinson of London, returned the car for body repairs and fresh paint following corrosion. Included with the sale is extensive documentation of this work. Later service records and vehicle inspection test certificates are also included.

Still in fantastic condition and presented in its original livery of blue paint over cream upholstery with blue inserts, this Ferrari 400i is a comfortable yet exciting grand touring car which combines the song of the storied Ferrari V-12 with a measure of practicality into one thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.