Highlights
- Only 100,000 kms from new
- Desirable European specification car
- Recently repainted in original Grigio Scuro to a high standard
- Extensive mechanical overhaul since 2021
- APK roadworthiness certificate until August 2025
- New Pirelli CN12 tyres on refurbished Cromodora alloy wheels
- Reliable fuel injected 310bhp 400 model
The Appeal
Ferrari worked hard to make its big GT offering of the late 70s and 80s better. A bigger engine turned the 365 GT4 into the 400 and reliable fuel injection created the 400I. Today these later cars are revered for good reason: who doesn’t want a V12 Ferrari that was also one of Pininfarina’s finest designs?
Just 873 Automatics left the works over six years and this 1980 car was amongst the first. It was built to European specification but spent the early part of its life in the UK. It was repatriated to the Netherlands in 2021 after which a comprehensive bodywork, paintwork and mechanical overhaul commenced. The investment was considerable, involving a full respray in resplendent Grigio Suro and a range of mechanical work that ensures the big 4.8L 310bhp V12 runs like clockwork.
Elsewhere the originality of this beautiful low mileage 400i has been carefully preserved. The interior, with its black leather and neat switchgear and veneers, is a particular treat.
The 400I is one of Ferrari’s greats and the sort of car that works as part of a collection or could be used, reliably and in comfort, for classic car tours and events. This car’s APK to August 2025 underlines the quality you can see in the photos and read in the history file.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on February 28, 1980
- Built as a European specification 400I but first registered in the USA
- Independent inspection available with car
- Imported from the USA and registered in the Netherlands in July 2021
- Dutch roadworthiness certificate (APK) valid until August 2025
- Extensively restored with invoices to support since arriving in Netherlands
- This work covered paintwork, mechanicals and general checks
- Fitted with a LoJack tracker system
The Condition
- Recently repainted in original Grigio Scuro and presents very well
- Bodywork is to a high standard with consistent panel gaps and alignment
- We are told that the panels open and close smoothly indicating the quality of the restoration
- Sits on pretty 15in Cromodora alloys that have been recently refurbished
- Fitted with new Pirelli CN12 tyres all round
- Original black leather interior has been reconditioned but favouring originality
- Black leather complemented by tan leather carpets that are in very good shape
- Very attractive and original interior with smart switchgear and veneers
- Dashboard, door cards, pleated headlining and carpets present well
- Interior features period-correct radio/cassette, veneer centre console and three spoke leather factory wheel
- Front seats and rear bench in neat condition with minimal signs of use
- Includes factory spare wheel
Certain colours enhance the 400’s crisp Pininfarina lines and grey metallic is definitely one of them. This is a truly beautiful car. The effect is in part due to the recent bodywork fettling and respray, resulting in a deep gloss to the well fitted panels. It is indicative of the car’s quality that the doors, bonnet and boot open and close smoothly.
Inside you’ll find one of the greatest GT interiors of the last 50 years, a sea of leather, veneers and intricate switchgear that is as rewarding to admire as it is to use. This car blends the refurbishment of the exterior with a very original interior that exudes a gentle character of age. It is a delight.
The Mechanics
- 4.8L hand-built Ferrari V12 310bhp engine
- 400I with reliable fuel injection system replacing earlier carburettors
- 3-speed automatic transmission
- Well-functioning fuel injection system according to seller
- Reconditioned shock absorbers and renewed wheel bearings
- Suspension and brakes overhauled but maintained to original specifications
- We are told that the gearbox functions smoothly and correctly
- Starts and runs well according to seller
- Documented 100,000 kms from new
- No reported running or driving issues
The 400i may be beautiful and, with its four seats and big boot, practical too. But what makes it a Ferrari, of course, is that sonorous V12 4.8L unit beneath its long bonnet. These later 400s got a more reliable Bosch fuel injection set up to replace the earlier sextet of Webers and are good for 310bhp in European specification, as here.
This car received a comprehensive mechanical overhaul following its arrival in the Netherlands in July 2021. Additional work covered the brakes, shock absorbers and wheel bearings. It is said to start and run very well and the 3spd automatic gearbox functions smoothly and correctly. The APK run to August 2025 for further reassurance.
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