Description
This car is Lot 177 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 177
1981 Ferrari 400i Automatic
Registration no.
Chassis no. F101CL* 33559
Delivered new in Germany
Striking colour combination
Automatic transmission
Recent recommissioning by Stratton Motor Company
Offered without any registration document
Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the 400GT had acquired a 4. 8-litre version of Ferrari's four-cam V12 engine but otherwise differed from its 365GT4 2+2 predecessor only in detail. The 400GT re-affirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury sports saloons and was intended to attract the type of mature yet discerning customer who previously might have opted for a Bentley or Mercedes-Benz. This latter requirement made the option of automatic transmission a necessity. The unit chosen - General Motors' three-speed Hydramatic - was widely regarded as the world's best, having been used by Cadillac and subsequently by Rolls-Royce and Jaguar among others.
Ferrari's splendidly equipped 2+2 featured self-levelling independent rear suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and optional air conditioning. Due to its non-homologation in the US, the 400GT now the 400i GT remained primarily a Europe-only model, which contributed to its limited production and exclusive nature. By the time production of the final 412 version ceased in 1989, Ferrari's finest 2+2 had been in production for a remarkable 17 years, though its exclusivity meant that there were seldom more than 200 sold in any one year.
Built in September 1980 and delivered new in Germany through the importer Autobecker, this Ferrari 400i with automatic transmission was owned in the late 1980s by Tony Erker. It has been under the care of its current Middle Eastern owner for the past decade. More recently, this 400i underwent recommissioning by the renowned English specialist Stratton Motor Company.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5. 5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
