1978 Ferrari 400 GT Auto
Highlights
- Original UK market RHD car
- One of only 137 RHD Automatics built
- Just six registered keepers from new
- Dry stored since 2008 for recommissioning
- Low mileage 400 that starts and runs
- Rare carburettor model
- Older restoration across paintwork and interior
The Appeal
Its chiselled looks were a firm departure from what went before and influenced a generation of GTs and coupes. The 365 GT4 evolved into the 400 when the sinuous V12 got bigger - now 4.8L and 340bhp - and the interior received a makeover.
More changes arrived with the new car in the form of Ferrari’s first automatic. It proved to be a wise choice, its effortless cog shuffling suiting the 400’s louche demeanour. These were cars for the rich and glitterati, which likely explains why just 355 400A Automatics left the works over three years. Just 137 of them were RHD models like this one.
This UK market car has passed through a mere six keepers in its long life and amassed less than 68,000 miles. In recent years it has been in long-term storage but we understand that it starts and runs albeit with a few fluid leaks, sticky brakes, etc. so a full recommissioning would be required before returning to the public highway.
It is finished in classic red, which appears to be an older restoration that included colour coding the bumpers and fitting clear light lenses used on the later 400i. The interior was retrimmed some years ago and looks fetching in black with grey inserts, a light patina of age adding an extra hint of character.
Due to the limited recent use the car may require a check over before hitting the road. The 400A is one of the rarest and prettiest Ferrari GTs of recent years and project cars like this do not come along often.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 20th October 1978
- Believed to be an original UK market RHD car
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Six registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since November 2007
- Eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on age
- Last MOT in 2007 shows car has covered less than 600 miles since
- One of 137 RHD 400As from a total run of 355
- Various invoices from early Noughties covering mechanical and retrim work
The Condition
- Older restoration in classic red with generally good overall finish
- Paintwork shows some marks and scuffs visible in photos
- Bodywork appears straight with good panel fit
- There are some localised areas of deterioration to note to panels in photos
- These include bubbling to sills, nearside arches and rear wing
- There is also some bubbling to note to offside front arch
- There is also deterioration to the ‘slam panel’ below the front side lights
- Car has been upgraded to colour-coded bumpers and later clear side light lenses
- Lights in good general order with some aging to rear lenses as shown
- We have not tested the electrical pop-up headlights
- Five spoke Cromodora alloys with matching spare in very good condition
- Car is fitted with Pirellil tyres but these are likely to be aged and may need replaced
- Glasswork presents well with no obvious misting or damage
- Black leather interior with grey seat inserts in very good condition for age
- Leather seats show light creasing as shown but little wear to driver’s side
- Fitted with front and rear seatbelts
- Rear seats in good order and appear barely used
- Veneers to console in good condition with little deterioration
- Black dashboard in good order with no obvious damage or cracks to report
- Interior received some retrim work prior to car going into long-term storage
- Black carpets presents well through cabin and boot areas
- Switchgear looks original and shows some light wear
- Veglia dials in good order with clear plastic shrouds
- We have no reports of electrical, switchgear or other functional issues
- Underside shows some corrosion and buyers should check photos carefully
The Mechanics
- F101 4,823cc 340bhp Ferrari hand-built V12
- Six DCOE Weber carburettors
- General Motors 3spd automatic gearbox
- Low documented mileage according to history file and MOTs
- Car has been in long-term storage since 2008
- Some checks and servicing may be required
- We understand that the car starts and runs
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make Ferrari
- Model 400
- Colour Red
- Odometer 67,835 Miles
- Engine size 4823
Listing Details
- Seller type Trade
- Town Epping Green
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
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