Ferrari 400 - overlooked classic?

[LongLiveTazio]

It's the "Ferrari for a new hatchback price" as the cliche goes, but is it any cop? I saw quite a few at the Racing Days in June and some were in very good nick. I think their lines have aged quite well and I've always had a thing about 2+2s, especially when they have a V12 in the front (hello Espada!). I imagine the main problem is that because of the depreciation a lot haven't been looked after as well as possible, and build quality on some of the older cars is hardly superlative? Given their relative rarity, in a few years having a mint one may even start to give you some appreciative nods!

[tomtom]

I love the 400. They got a good write up in C&SC a few months back (may have been the Ferrari special issue, can't remember).

Edited by tomtom on Wednesday 2nd January 12:09

[chris.mapey]

Speaking of 400's...

Does anyone remember the 70's stuntdriver that used to do all of his big (jump) stunts in his own 400i?

His reasoning was that if he bought the farm, so to speak he would be going in his Ferrari, rather than a clunker from the scarpyard...

I seem to recall that he attempted to jump the harbour in Monaco in it...

Or is my mind playing tricks on me?

Chris

[medieval]

I recently fell for the charms of a 400GT back in October - I mean where can you get a Ferrari front engined carbed V12 for such little money.

Pleasant to drive as a high speed tourer and smells wonderful - the heady cocktail of fuel, oil, leather and old carpets - can't beat it for the money.

The body on mine is good but the interior is poor to be frank and this is the area thats planned for attention later this year.

I would strongly recommend them as I can't think they will be this cheap for long.

Regards all.

[LongLiveTazio]

"Once, twice, three times a Ferrari..."

[Davey S2]

Old man bought a 400i on a whim at an auction. Knew nothing about them but fortunately it was a good one.

Ran it for over 2 years without any major problems. Servicing was about £3k.

Had a great 8 days around Europe in it and it was a good long distance tourer.

They look a lot better in the metal.

Good car if you get a good one but as with all V12 Ferraris will be a money pit if you buy a bad one or are unlucky.

[ApexJimi]

How odd that you should post this thread!

I saw a black one yesterday parked in Largs, hadn't seen one before and didn't have a clue what it was. Browsed the PH classifieds when I got back home, and turns out it was a 400.

I would never have guessed that it was packing a V12 (if I had to put money on it, I would have guessed at a V8)

[AndrewW-G]

Great cars with a terrible and undeserved reputation, if you have a look in the last edition of Ferrari news there's an artictle on Factory tours where a couple are being restored cost no object!.....fantastic toys for the money ........but not this one

jsc15 said:

Ferrari 412 for me. I've seen decent examples from £8k to £20k but you just know there would be a £5k bill lurking around the corner.

On a related note, check this out for a dealer markup....

http://www.classic-auctions.com/lotdetail.php?loti... Bought for £11500 inc bidders fees in November

http://www.runnymedemotorcompany.com/ForSale.htm On sale for £22950 in December (see the 2nd stock page)

[tali1]

Basically its (now )a poor mans ferrari 612

[AndrewW-G]

tali1 said:

Basically its (now )a poor mans ferrari 612

Or a car appreciated by the cognoscenti for its understated & elegant design as well as for it's in period performance and criticised by armchair enthusiast with no real world knowledge, until you’ve owned one (or several) you may want to reserve your judgement

[steven f]

AndrewW-G said:

tali1 said:

Basically its (now )a poor mans ferrari 612

Or a car appreciated by the cognoscenti for its understated & elegant design as well as for it's in period performance and criticised by armchair enthusiast with no real world knowledge, until you’ve owned one (or several) you may want to reserve your judgement

hi andrew long time since you have been about happy new year and hope your buisness takes of this year

[ted 191]

steven f said:

AndrewW-G said:

tali1 said:

Basically its (now )a poor mans ferrari 612

Or a car appreciated by the cognoscenti for its understated & elegant design as well as for it's in period performance and criticised by armchair enthusiast with no real world knowledge, until you’ve owned one (or several) you may want to reserve your judgement

hi andrew long time since you have been about happy new year and hope your buisness takes of this year

[tali1]

AndrewW-G said:

tali1 said:

Basically its (now )a poor mans ferrari 612

Or a car appreciated by the cognoscenti for its understated & elegant design as well as for it's in period performance and criticised by armchair enthusiast with no real world knowledge, until you’ve owned one (or several) you may want to reserve your judgement

Sorry , wasn't intended as critcism, just an observation, Best description for 400 is Italy's answer to rolls camargue?

[360boy]

If you want probably the best 400i in the UK, it's for sale on E-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1980-FERRARI-400i-RED-Perfec...

[burriana]

That is gorgeous

[LongLiveTazio]

That's me in the pink shirt in the ad! I remember admiring it on the day.

[trackcar]

360boy said:

If you want probably the best 400i in the UK, it's for sale on E-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1980-FERRARI-400i-RED-Perfec...

that car looks absolutely stunning

[CUE99T]

Funny was watching Rain Man last night and Tom Cruise drives one of these as his daily!!!

Nice Countach's too....

Sorry as you were.....