Vehicle Description
1983 Ferrari 400i 2-Door Coupe, PininfarinaChassis No. 46013- One
of 1,305 400i's produced including 422 with the manual
transmission.- Recently refinished in proper Nero over Nero
leather.- Equipped with factory air conditioning, power windows and
cassette stereo.- Documented major service including the fuel
injection system.- Southern California car once owned by Sony
Pictures President Sanford Panitch.- Accompanied by its original
tools and operating manuals.When Ferrari introduced the 400GT at
the Paris Salon in October 1976, a surprise was in store for the
Ferraristi. It marked the very first time a new model was
introduced with an automatic transmission as standard equipment. A
joint press release from Ferrari and Pininfarina, explained it
thusly, "the result of a different concept of the automobile which
had developed and asserted itself especially in countries with a
high density of automobiles, and which will find increasing favor
in Europe in the future." Ironically, the new grand touring 2+2
Ferrari was not initially offered for sale in the United. States.
The three-box design, so evocative of its time, is attributed to
Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina.To keep the Ferrari faithful
satisfied, a traditional 5-speed manual was made optional. Of the
1,305 400i units built through 1985, just 422, like this example,
were equipped with the manual transmission; adding to their
desirability today. Compared to its predecessor, the Columbo V-12
underwent several modifications. The stroke was increased to 77mm,
enlarging the total displacement to 4,823cc (about 400cc per
cylinder, hence the 400 name). The camshafts and valve timing were
also modified. Breathing through six Weber 38 DCOE carburetors, the
horsepower remained at 350hp at 6500rpm.In mid-1979 Bosch K
Jetronic fuel injection was added to improve cold starting, run
quieter, and afford a cleaner exhaust. Horsepower was revised to
310hp at 6500rpm and torque to 389lb/ft at 4600rpm. Come Fall of
1982, further changes were made by Ferrari, both cosmetic and
mechanical. Engines received modified camshafts and new exhaust
manifolds. Power was increased to 315hp at 6400pm and torque to
303lb/ft at 4200rpm. Suspension mountings were softened at the
front and the rear self-leveling system was linked to a separate
fluid source and pump.Finished in a classic combination of Nero
over Nero leather, this lovely example was imported new to
California by Ferrari Compliance, Inc., of Santa Anna. It was
enjoyed by several Southern California owners including, more
recently, film executive Sanford Panitch, President of Sony
Pictures Motion Pictures Group. A refinish in the factory-correct
shade of Nero was completed in July 2021 as was a major service
including the fuel injection system, painting of the valve covers
and a professional replating of many hardware fittings to their
correct factory finish. The five Cromodora wheels are fitted with
Michelin TRX radials and the 400i includes factory air conditioning
and a Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo cassette radio with four speakers. It
is accompanied by tools, manuals, and the aforementioned service
and refinishing documentation.
