Vehicle Description
The tradition of the four-seat Ferrari took shape in 1960 with the
introduction of the 250 GTE, which holds the distinction of the
first serial production Ferrari with four seats. It was an
immediate success, proving there was sufficient demand among
Ferrari buyers for a practical and luxurious Grand Tourer. Ferrari
sold nearly 1,000 GTEs, making it the most successful model to that
point in the marque's history. The commercial success of the GTE
further elevated Ferrari's standing as a legitimate road car
manufacturer and secured the company's future for years to come.
With that success in mind, Ferrari wasted little time developing a
suitable follow-up. After the GTE came the 330 GT 2+2, then the 365
GT 2+2 "Queen Mother," further cementing Ferrari's standing in the
luxury GT market. When the final 365 2+2 rolled out of Maranello in
1971, the classic 60s styling showed its age. The new Daytona
ushered in a new era for Ferrari design language, with sharply
defined lines replacing soft, flowing curves. In 1972, Ferrari
unveiled its latest front-engine four-seat V12 GT car - the 365 GT4
2+2. The masters at Pininfarina, under the guidance of Leonardo
Fioravanti, penned the GT4's understated body with its elegant
details and just a hint of the performance potential - like a boxer
in a finely-tailored Italian suit. The chassis was also shared with
the GTC/4, with fully independent suspension and self-leveling Koni
dampers in the rear, but was stretched to accommodate two rear
seats. The 4.4-liter V12 also shared with the GTC/4, allowed for
its distinct low-profile bonnet line while delivering ample thrust
to propel the car beyond 150 miles per hour. The GT4 2+2 became the
400 in 1976, with lightly freshened styling and a bump in
displacement to 4.9-liters. Then came the 400i with the addition of
Bosch electronic fuel injection for improved refinement and
drivability. An optional GM-sourced TH400 automatic transmission
marked the first time Ferrari buyers could have self-selecting
gears. The 400 series saw steady sales throughout the 1980s until
the final iteration, the 412, arrived in 1986. Produced from 1972
to 1989, it was the longest-running series in Ferrari history, and
it carried the torch for the traditional front-engine V12 long
after the rest of the line went to mid-engine designs. This 1985
400i is a rare and desirable 5-speed manual-equipped example of
Ferrari's elegant businessman's express, presented in
well-preserved original condition and showing just 12,000 miles
from new. Finished in black over a beige leather interior, it
exhibits consistent, factory-quality paintwork and rides on
original 5-spoke alloy wheels fitted with new and correct Michelin
TRX tires - the original date-coded TRX tires are available to the
next owner. It is desirably equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox,
fuel injection, and front/rear air conditioning and has been in the
care of one long-term owner since approximately 1987. Inside,
occupants are met with swaths of beige leather covering the seats,
console, dash, door panels, and headlining. The leather is original
throughout the cabin and in excellent order, showing just a light
patina from age but remaining supple, with no shrinking evident on
the dash or parcel shelf. Carpets are likewise in good order, with
some light discoloration in places but otherwise tidy and
well-kept. The original switchgear is excellent, as are the
instruments and controls. This car retains its original owner's
manual and a rarely seen factory tool bag/first aid kit housed in
the spare wheel. Thanks to the low mileage, it remains in very good
mechanical condition. It benefits from recent sorting following a
period of storage, with work including fresh fluids and filters,
proper new TRX tires, and the factory A/C being converted to R134
refrigerant. The original ANSA exhaust remains in place, and the
undercarriage is generally tidy, honest, and appropriately detailed
for a low-mileage original car. Well-preserved examples of the 400i
are rare, and of the 1305 built, just 422 feature the 5-speed
manual gearbox. Collectors have finally started to take notice of
these handsome and competent GT cars and the 400i is one of the
best values in the world of front-engine V12 Ferraris. This
excellent and desirable example is sure to bring miles of motoring
pleasure to its next custodian. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7267-1985-ferrari-400i-coupe/
