Ferrari 400i

Ferrari is known by nearly everybody worldwide. But only a few models are as well known as the brand itself. These include, of course, the supercars like 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and LaFerrari. But also selected classic models like the 275 GTB, the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ and of course the 250 GTO have burned their designs into the collective memory. But some people do not even know that the Italian company have been offering four-seaters alongside their two-seater sports cars since 1960 as well.

From the 250 GT 2+2 (called ‘250 GTE 2+2’ from 1963) this ancestor series goes over the only 50 times built 330 America, the 330 GT 2+2, the 365 GT 2+2, the 365 GT4 2+2, the 400 GT (called ‘400i’ from 1979), the 412i, the 456 GT and the 612 Scaglietti to the FF and the recent model GTC4Lusso. Because of their lower profile and reduced sportiness compared to the more compact two-seaters, these models achieve lower prices in the used-car and classic-car market. It’s a pity, because these vehicles still have a great fascination – especially if they have been ordered in unusual colors. While customers of the two-seaters often choose red, yellow or black, buyers of the four-seater models also dare to use more unusual paint colors such as green or blue. A good example is a 400i in ‘Blu Metallizzato’, currently offered at classic car dealer Movendi.

The history of the 400i goes back to the 365 GT4 2+2, presented in 1972. It’s Pininfarina styled body shell was modified in 1976 with new bumpers and four instead of six round taillights. The car was called 400 GT and got a V12 engine with 4.8 liters displacement, while the 365 had 4.4 liters. Another three years later Ferrari mounted a K-Jetronic injection system from Bosch instead of the double carburettors, making the car the 400i. Many customers of the 400 GT and the 400i ordered their cars with an automatic transmission instead of an also available five-speed gearbox from ZF.

Movendi now offers a 400i produced in 1982, first delivered in Italy. It is painted in the rare light blue color ‘Blu Metallizzato’ and fitted with black leather upholstery. Today only 70,825 kilometers are on the counter, which is proved by the service booklet and a comprehensive documentation. In addition, it is one of only 422 cars with manual gearbox. Interested parties can take a look at this car inside the Classic Remise Düsseldorf and even buy it directly for 99,500 euros.

Images: Movendi