Description
1983 Ferrari 400i automatic
First registered 1st August 1983
54, 000 miles from new
Silver with black leather and red carpets
Comprehensive history portfolio
Original service book
Original spare wheel
Original jack/ tool kit
Full stainless steel exhaust system including manifolds
MOT until March 2023
Lots of recent work which has equated to a very well sorted car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed.
Bodywork:
The body of the car presents exceptionally well, having benefitted from a £8000 body ‘restoration’ / respray in 2008 (minimal mileage travelled since and always dry stored) the paint quality is exceptionally good with no noteworthy blemishes. All panel gaps are good and there are no signs of corrosion
Interior:
The black leather is in excellent order with the only minor signs of use to the drivers seat bolster (just minor discolouring, could be recoloured but looks honest as it is) the dashboard is in very good order with no leather shrinkage (an issue that can often be seen on other 400/ 412s)
The red carpets are original and in excellent order for their age and mileage.
Dynamically everything seems to work as it should, the windows work with reasonable haste and all lights and switch gear work as intended. The cabin feels very tight and civilised on the road.
Engine:
The engine starts with ease and sounds beautifully smooth, oil pressure is strong at all temperatures and the car runs at the correct temperature with the fans kicking in as and when required.
The engine benefitted from a major overhaul in 2007/ 8 at huge expense to its very enthusiastic owner who left no stone unturned. All parts were bought new from Ferrari (maranellos) to the tune of £12, 000+, highlights from the parts list include all new pistons, rings, bearings, valves, oil pipes, gaskets etc. The labour was carried out by the then owners trusted mechanic (a classic Mercedes specialist who maintained his collection of cars)
It is unusual but reassuring to find a 400 that has had such sums of money spent considering their relatively low value Historically, many cars aren’t so fortunate and can easily catch a naive purchaser out.
Uniquely, this car wants for nothing mechanically, it performs admirably and leaks nor consumes no oil or coolant. The car has just benefitted from a full service which included all oils, filters, auc’ belts and spark plugs.
Gearbox:
At the same time as the engine rebuild the decision was made to overhaul the automatic transmission, as a preventative measure and to ensure absolute reliability going forwards, the whole transmission was rebuilt at a cost of £3500. Naturally, this now operates very well changing gears smoothly and responsively.
Suspension:
At the same time as the engine and transmission overhaul, all suspension components were removed, blasted and refinished. All new wishbone bushes were installed along with new front dampers. The car rides beautifully and the self levelling system works as it should.
Brakes:
The car received new brake lines ahead of its last MOT. The brakes stop the car very well with no issues to report.
Wheels and tyres:
The car wears correct Michelin TRX tyres, all of which appear as new with a huge amount of tread remaining. The rims are all in excellent order.
History:
The car has an exhaustive history file with ownership and maintenance documented from day one! Maintenance was largely through the main dealer network until the mid/ late 90s at which point specialist maintenance took over. The majority of the restoration and improvement work occurred whilst in the hands of the previous owner who purchased the car from ‘the school garage’ and then set upon the process of investing over £30, 000 on the car, only to barely use the car and store it!
The documentation is really interesting with photographic evidence of the engine build along with detailed documents and correspondence between the garage carrying out the work and the then owner, invoices date back to the early 80s and the low mileage is fully supported by this exceptional history file.
The car retains its original service book which is very well stamped.
To summarise this is a very well sorted classic Ferrari that has had all of the expensive jobs associated with buying a 40 year old V12 Ferrari taken care of. This is a car that is ready to enjoy. Superb value and fantastic to drive, a great investment!
Serious buyers please call Tom
No time wasters
