1980 Ferrari 400i

Highlights 

  • 1 of 158 RHD cars, believed to be one of only 28 cars left in the UK 
  • Nero black paint over red leather interior 
  • Genuine barn find, just uncovered after 32 years
  • 4823cc V12 motor 


The Appeal 


There is something utterly appealing about barn find cars. 

Unearthing an exquisite automobile from its hidden resting place certainly has a special feel to it, none more so than when the car in question is adorned with the iconic prancing horse badge. 

What we have here is an incredibly rare UK right hand drive Ferrari 400i that has just been brought out into the natural daylight for the first time since the early 1990s. 

Believed to be one of just 158 right hand drive market cars, and one of just 28 left in the UK, this is very much a unique opportunity, and for someone who wishes to enter the world of Ferrari ownership, this may be one of the most interesting ways to do just that. 

In this 400i, one has an excellent candidate for a unique and highly rare restoration project that will look most excellent once revived.

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The History and Paperwork 

  • First registered October 1980 
  • Bought by previous owner in 1990 at which point it was put into the barn as an investment where it remained for the next 32 years 
  • V5 document will need to be reapplied for
  • MOT and tax exempt due to historic status 
  • Still sports original tax disc from 1990 

The former owner of this Ferrari purchased the car in December of 1990, in then immaculate condition as an investment, having only covered 66 thousand miles. 

They then proceeded to drive the car home and park it in a barn at the bottom of the garden where it remained, never to be driven again. 

Forward to 2022, following the passing of the previous owner, the car was subsequently discovered in the barn and is now available to someone who wishes to undertake a full restoration on this iconic 80s luxury cruiser which boasts hoards of uber cool retro Appeal.

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The Interior 

  • Red leather upholstery 
  • Black leather inserts 

Boasting one of the finest interior colour specifications in Ferraris of the era, the 400i would have looked marvellous with its sumptuous red leather upholstery, complimented excellently with contrasting black inserts back in October of 1980 when it rolled off of the forecourt. 

Unfortunately, at the time the Ferrari was put into the barn circa 1990, the owner decided to leave the drivers side window partially down to aid air circulation, however in reality it proved a welcome invitation to a squirrel with an appetite for a Ferrari lifestyle, consequently the rear seat and carpeting have suffered as a result of the squirrels teeth, with the carpets now having been removed. 

Naturally as the car has been sat for over thirty years, the interior will require restoration to bring up to the standard the car deserves.

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The Exterior 

  • Nero black paintwork 
  • Wonderfully styled by Pininfarina 
  • Five spoke Ferrari alloys 

A wonderful compliment to the red leather upholstery, the 400i was specified from the factory in brilliant Nero black, a marvellous dark hue still used on the finest modern Ferraris today.

Still clad in the general dust it sported in the barn it spent the last chunk of its lifetime in, the exterior of the Ferrari sits today in exactly the same condition in which it was when pulled out of the barn by the current owner. 

At ground level we find four of Ferrari’s five spoke alloy wheels, these are the same wheels that found a home on many iconic 1980’s Ferraris, including the wondrous 308.

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The Mechanics 

  • 4.8 litre V12 engine 
  • Automatic transmission ideal for grand touring 
  • Ideal candidate for restoration 

With the 400i being the grand touring option on the Ferrari forecourt, it was only natural that under the bonnet would be an exquisite, silky smooth V12 engine, perfect for covering long distances quickly and in comfort. 

Once restored, this 311bhp grand tourer will again have its 4.8 litre v12 motor rocket the car from 0-100km/h in just 8.1 seconds and roar on to the 235 km/h top speed.

The vendor would like to clarify that the vehicle requires a full restoration.
No attempt has been made to try and start the car or turn the engine over, as clearly after 32 years of being dormant the engine will require at the very minimum, lubricant down the bores, new plugs, filters and oil before any attempt to turn the engine over is made.


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Summary 


As barn finds go, this is certainly one of the more exciting ones. 

An uber cool 1980’s long distance cruiser sporting Pininfarina styling and a V12 engine under the bonnet. 

For someone who wants to own an iconic Ferrari, this will certainly be one of the lowest priced Ferraris to come to market in some time and will make a perfect restoration project to tailor to one's specific requirements.

The car will of course require collection by trailer / transporter.

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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1980
  • Make Ferrari
  • Model 400i
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 66,912 Miles
  • Engine size 4823
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Godstone
  • Location Surrey
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
56 bids
  • as•••• £23,250 20/05/22
  • da•••• £23,000 20/05/22
  • as•••• £22,750 20/05/22
  • da•••• £22,500 20/05/22
  • da•••• £22,250 20/05/22
  • as•••• £22,000 20/05/22
  • as•••• £21,750 20/05/22
  • da•••• £21,500 20/05/22
  • as•••• £21,250 19/05/22
  • mi•••• £21,000 19/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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