Ferrari’s run of Pininfarina-designed V12 2+2 cars, the 365 GT4 2+2, Ferrari 400 and Ferrari 412, spanned the seventies and eighties, with the 400 being the first Ferrari offered with an automatic gearbox.
Utilising the Tipo F 101 Colombo V12 at varying capacities, they had a luxury GT focus and with limited production numbers have become sought after in recent years. This example of a 412 is very well preserved having spent over a decade in storage and benefiting from a recent recommissioning.
Finished in an-all red colour scheme, it has covered just 52,406km from new and with fresh brakes and a brand new stainless steel exhaust is ready for many more. The automatic gearbox makes for a more laid back experience than many of the brand’s more famous products and, with a delicious-sounding V12 for company, the next owner should be able to savour every one of those.P6201427.JPG3.1 MB
The History and Paperwork
Built to EU specification
Exported to Japan
Owned by a surgeon who became too busy to drive it and dry stored it for 12 years
Imported to Belgium; export certificate and customs certification are with the car
Fully recommissioned with refurbished brake callipers, new pads and hoses all round, fuel pumps in aluminium tank (also cleaned out), fuel accumulators, fuel heat regulators, all 12 injectors and spark plugs
New stainless steel exhaust at cost of €5,000 with receipt
When whoever ordered this car specified the colour scheme, there’s no doubting their enthusiasm for the colour red. With red leather seats, a red dashboard and red leather headlining, it’s the whole nine yards and notoriously difficult to capture accurately in the photographs.
Fortunately, the seller reports that when you’re settled behind the attractive three spoke Ferrari steering wheel, it feels cosseting rather than overwhelmingly red and, this being amongst the most luxury-focused Ferraris, it’s a very comfortable place to be.
It’s all worn very well, too, with just some light patina on the driver’s seat bolster and a tiny (2mm) burn mark on the passenger side of the dashboard the only items to note in a cabin that is consistent with the car's limited mileage.
The headlining deserves special mention, being of red leather and completely unmarked. Back in the boot, there is a full sized spare wheel beneath the floor, wearing its original tyre.P6201397.JPG2.72 MB
The Exterior
Traditional Ferrari colour scheme
Presents very well
Brand new Michelin TRX tyres
During its time off the road in Japan, the car was dry stored and the benefits can be seen in the condition of the exterior which still presents very well today. The bumpers have fared less well than the paintwork however, with some cracking and increased brittleness but you have to be up close to really notice it. Fortunately the feature that everyone loves - pop up headlights - works very smoothly.
The wheels are all in very good condition with generous sidewalls helping to guard against kerbing and the tyres are the genuine Michelin TRX fitment and are brand new on all four wheels. The view of the underside is dominated by the gorgeous stainless steel exhaust pipes but the seller reports no signs of damage or corrosion.aY2PIhX4JVqAkvYv2a68xKSNsqrBfdqvVpHQWwpw.jpeg2.34 MB
The Mechanics
4943cc Colombo V12
3 speed automatic transmission
Limited slip differential
With its brief as a luxury GT, the 412 steers a careful line between performance and comfort and the seller describes it as being somewhere between a contemporary S Class and Aston Martin to drive, likening it in many ways to a Porsche 928.
Thoroughly refreshed and ready to go, the V12 fires up at the turn of the key and idles with an exhaust note that belies the number of cylinders but without being too loud or shouty. On the road, it reportedly pulls hard, brakes well and changes smoothly with three speeds being ample due to the available torque.
Under the bonnet is very original and, although the seals are thought to have been changed in Japan, there is still some evidence of some oil weeping from the old gaskets. There is no sign of leakage under the car and no smoke when the car is running.
Overall, the vendor reports that it’s in fine fettle and ready for the next owner to enjoy.P6201393.JPG3.19 MB
Summary
A rare 2+2 V12 GT in lovely condition with a Prancing Horse badge which should bring a great deal of pleasure to its new keeper.
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