Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Supercar Fest 2026 on Saturday the 16th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. The Ferrari 400i is part of an incredible line that commenced with the 365 GT4 in 1972 and remained in production for 16 years which is without precedent for a Ferrari. The reason, surely, is Pininfarina's exquisite razor-edge four-seat bodywork. From its earliest days Ferrari had made four-seat cars, but mostly in small numbers, however, the 365 GT4 was its first serious attempt to capture the high-speed luxury segment of the market and, from the start, it was a car which combined Ferrari dynamics with comfort, space, and four full seats.
The 400 GT was a larger-engined version of the 365 GT4 2+2 that it replaced, and the 4, 823cc V12 power unit provided the new car with much-improved performance over its elder sister. With the arrival of the 400 GTi in 1979, the two banks of three side draught Webers carburettors were replaced with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system (and concurrently a single distributor mounted at the right rear of the engine, with a Dinoplex electronic ignition layout) to improve emissions, a requirement of the time.
The car presented here is a 1980 Ferrari 400 GTi (Type F101CL, chassis #ZFFEB07Cthe details below) in striking Azzurro Metallic paintwork with a Crema leather interior, which was delivered new via Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. of Egham in Surrey - making it one of only 25 examples with a manual gearbox built for the UK-market in right-hand drive – so real exclusivity! Although ordered for and supplied new to the UK-market, we understand that it wasn’t initially registered here (and may well have been sent to its original Hong Kong-based owner). Its accompanying UK V5 document shows a registration of ERU 261Y and Date of Registration as July 1983 (registered to a Hampshire-based business), with this keeper being such for just over 42 years. ERU 261Y received servicing back with Ferrari in August 1983 and July 1988 (at 24, 206 miles).
For reasons of which we are unaware, not long after this mileage-wise (by the early 2000s, we are told), this very special Ferrari was destined for a 20-year ‘hibernation’ at Southern Car Storage, also in Hampshire; going away in a low-mileage, unadulterated and original condition meant that is exactly how it has remained, professionally stored safely away from the elements. In early 2026 it was treated to an extensive c.£13, 000 recommissioning process with Ferrari specialists Radley Motors Ltd. of Hampshire, being MOT’d on the 20th February. Having covered just over 31, 000 miles, this ‘single-owner’ car (i. e. HPI shows ‘no former keepers’) is an exceedingly rare model (even more so now, as how many of the 25 examples remain?) and has real potential, should any new owner want to take it to the next level. Accompanied by its original Ferrari booklets, including service schedule (with filled-out warranty card), complete tool-box, jack roll and two sets of keys.
These four-seat, 400 Series Ferraris were essentially 'Grand Tourers' but with the manual gearbox, 300bhp+ and 1, 700kg they were no slouch, and a top speed of 150mph is within reach. Classic V12 Ferraris are becoming exceptionally difficult to source, particularly really good 400s, so low-owner, low-mileage quality cars are finding a ready market.
This rare, manual gearbox car in a super colour combination is particularly desirable and is deserving of a good home.
