Description
The Ferrari 400i holds a special place in Maranello’s history. Successor to the 365 GT4 2+2, it embodies Ferrari’s take on grand luxury touring: an elegant 2+2 coupe styled by Pininfarina, powered by a majestic naturally aspirated 4. 8-litre V12 mounted at the front, built to cover long distances with exceptional comfort. Introduced in 1979, the 400i adopts Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, delivering a more flexible and more civilised feel while keeping the noble character and unmistakable soundtrack of Ferrari’s twelve-cylinder. For a long time largely under the radar, it’s now being rediscovered by enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless elegance, refined execution, and status as the last “proper” classic Ferrari V12—very much in the spirit of the big coupes of the 1970s.
The example offered, bearing chassis number 36535, was first registered on 20 January 1982. Supplied new in Italy—its country of origin—this Ferrari has retained all the elegance that defined the earliest 400i models.
Its presentation is particularly appealing, thanks to a superb colour combination: an anthracite grey body with a cream leather interior. This pairing of tones—both understated and refined—beautifully highlights the elegant lines penned by Pininfarina, and underlines the exclusivity of this grand tourer.
As with many Ferraris from this era, its history is unfortunately not well documented. However, it benefits from substantial recent servicing, allowing you to enjoy this exceptional mechanical package properly today. Its V12 proves especially supple, coming on smoothly even from the lowest revs and delivering all the nobility that made Ferrari’s great engines so renowned.
This 400i also stands out for its distinctive exhaust system, which quite literally elevates the V12’s personality. Without being intrusive, it reveals a deep, metallic and mesmerising sound, turning every acceleration into a genuinely immersive sensory experience. At that point, the song of the twelve takes on an exceptional dimension, evoking the great Grand Turismo Ferraris of the time.
On the road, the car impresses with its balance, comfort and ease of driving. It eats up miles with remarkable ease, while giving the driver authentic sensations from an atmospheric Ferrari V12: precise steering, generous power delivery, and a soundtrack that naturally encourages you to savour every step up the rev range.
Often dubbed “the Ferrari of gentlemen”, the 400i continues to attract a discerning audience looking for a car that’s both elegant and discreet, yet equipped with an outstanding engine. Pininfarina’s design has carried through the decades with remarkable timelessness, while its V12 remains one of the most noble motors Ferrari has ever produced.
With its Italian origins, its stunning anthracite grey presentation over a cream interior, its recent servicing, a specific exhaust line delivering an absolutely entrancing sound, and excellent road manners, this Ferrari 400i represents a rare opportunity to own a genuine Ferrari grand coupé—one that can blend comfort, elegance and mechanical emotion on every journey.
