Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1984 Ferrari 400i
Warranted 55, 000 miles from new
Estimate
£28, 000 - £32, 000
Registration No: PAZ 3150
Chassis No: 49159
MOT: T. B. A
1 of just 152 UK-supplied, right-hand drive examples
Just 55, 000 warranted miles and five former keepers from new
Large history file including the original book pack with stamped service book in the Ferrari wallet
Significant documented maintenance and improvement expense with specialists
Entered from the ownership of a long-term Ferrari Owners' Club member and multiple Ferrari owner
Introduced at the 1976 Paris Salon, the Ferrari 400 shared the same crisp Pininfarina styling and Type F101AL tubular steel chassis frame as its 365GT4 2+2 predecessor. Powered by an enlarged 4823cc 'quad-cam' V12 engine, the occasional four-seater featured all-round independent suspension (self-levelling to the rear), power-assisted recirculating ball steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. Notable as the first Maranello product for which automatic transmission could be specified; the 400 also boasted such luxuries as Connolly hide upholstery, electric windows, and optional air conditioning. Arriving in mid-1979, the 400i enjoyed greater refinement, lower emissions, and better fuel economy thanks to its adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection. Credited with some 310bhp and 289lbft of torque, the newcomer was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 5 seconds and 149mph. A true front-engined, rear-wheel drive V12 Ferrari from the old school, the 400i remained in production until 1985 by which time some 873 automatic variants had been sold (though, just 152 of these are thought to have been to right-hand drive UK specification).
Chassis number ‘49159’ was supplied new by H. R. Owen of London, being first registered on the 27th of January 1984. Finished in Blue Sera paintwork with Magnolia leather interior upholstery, the 400i was specified new with Blue hide to the dashboard and centre console. Entering into previous ownership in 2007, most recently the 400i has been in the vendor's custodianship, who is a long-term Ferrari Owners Club member and multiple Ferrari owner. Offered now having covered a warranted low mileage of just 55, 000 miles from new, ‘PAZ 3150’ has had only five former keepers. A ‘matching numbers’ example, the Ferrari is offered with its original torch and jack as well as a large file that includes the original book pack presented in the Ferrari wallet including the owner’s guide and the stamped service book displaying ten entries covering the 1980s and 1990s.
Additionally included in the file are a significant number of invoices dating right back to the 1980s for expenditure with Ferrari main agents and specialists with some of the notable work with the current and previous owner including bodywork repairs and a full repaint by TDH Classics Ltd., attention to the rear suspension, and a brake overhaul. Most recently serviced under 500 miles ago by Kent High Performance, the 400i is due to be supplied with a fresh MOT certificate in time for sale and has a current V5C document. Elegantly understated and seemingly great value, this Prancing Horse is a rare opportunity with only 152 UK-supplied, right-hand-drive examples of the 400i produced.