For Sale at Auction: 1979 Ferrari 400 GT in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. 26761
Engine No. 000419

Drawing on the design of its predecessor, the 365 GT4 2+2, penned by Pininfarina and so strikingly modern in 1972 that its lines would remain relevant well into the late 1980s, the 400 GT brought a significant increase in performance. Its 4.8-liter V12, breathing through three twin-choke carburetors, produced 340 horsepower and propelled the car to a top speed of 245 km/h (approximately 152 mph).

For the first time in the history of the Cavallino Rampante, an automatic transmission was offered as an option. It proved to be the overwhelmingly favored choice at the time, making the mere 147 examples fitted with the highly desirable five-speed particularly rare today.

The Ferrari 400 GT chassis number 26761 is one of the particularly sought-after few examples fitted with the five-speed manual transmission. Built in December 1978, it was imported into the United States in October 1979, finished in Blu Scuro, an elegant dark blue livery, over a tan leather interior with black accents, a combination the car retains to this day.

Although the Ferrari 400 GT was never officially exported to the United States-Enzo Ferrari having judged American regulatory standards restrictive, and the European clientele sufficient unto itself-a small number of examples were nonetheless acquired by determined American owners. Chassis 26761, among them, was imported new by Barbara Hiesiger, as confirmed by its federal safety compliance label, still affixed to the door.

Superbly preserved example with many original finishes intact, the car has benefited from a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment by Sport Auto in Ridgefield, Connecticut, documented by the mechanic's report and photographs retained on file. It is further accompanied by a matching spare wheel, tool kit, and jack housed in its original bag.

Exceptionally rare and desirable manual example and presented in an attractive configuration, this 400 GT, in a fine state of preservation and accompanied by its accessories, having benefited from a significant mechanical refurbishment, will undoubtedly appeal to the discerning collector.

Please note this vehicle is titled with chassis no. F101CL26761.