Description
Completed and invoiced by the Ferrari factory on 28th July 1984, this elegant 400i Automatic was delivered new to Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, Thorpe, Surrey. One of just 281 right-hand drive automatic Series I & II cars officially imported to the UK — and reportedly only 70 remain, with a mere six finished in silver.
Specified in the striking combination of Argento Metallizzato (101/ C) over Rosso leather (3171) with matching Rosso carpets, this example was not just any customer order. Ferrari’s own factory records confirm it was prepared for the 1984 NEC Birmingham Motor Show, where it was displayed alongside the debuting 288 GTO and Testarossa — a truly landmark moment for Ferrari. One can imagine that a little extra care went into its assembly for such a high-profile appearance.
First registered as B386 JPG on 30th November 1984 to its first owner, Dr. M. S. of Surrey, the car passed through a small number of careful custodians thereafter:
30th October 1986 – sold to Mr. M. M. of London
30th November 1988 – purchased by Mr. R. M., a 41-year-old entrepreneur (founder of a well known restaurant and pub chain)
31st December 1990 – acquired by Mr. P. A., an economist from Essex (later Surrey), who retained the car for over three decades
Shortly before Mr. P. A.’s ownership, HR Owen carried out a series of remedial works, including the replacement of the speedometer head on 13th June 1990 at 39, 009 miles. Maintenance thereafter was entrusted to respected Ferrari specialists Grimaldi Engineering in Essex, who have cared for the car ever since.
Notable maintenance highlights include:
August 2014 – stainless steel exhaust system fitted (at 40, 051 miles)
May 2024 – major service completed (at 41, 390 miles)
The odometer currently reads just over 41, 000 miles (2, 390 since speedo replacement), and the car comes complete with its original service book, owner’s handbooks, Ferrari brocade wallet, and a file of past invoices and MOT certificates.
Being a late-model Series II, this 400i benefits from Ferrari’s revised camshafts and exhaust manifolds (adding an extra 5 bhp), gas-filled self-levelling rear suspension, and the improved “soft” leather interior introduced in the final production run.
A wonderfully original and beautifully specified example — with rarity, provenance, and show history that sets it apart from the rest.
