Ferrari 400i Automatic | 1981

Ferrari 400i Automatic | 1981

Highlights:

– 4.8-litre V12 engine, petrol, 3-speed automatic transmission

– Azzurro blue exterior paired with a beige leather interior

– Multiple long-term owners with a well-documented ownership history

– 111,318 km

The seller offers for sale this 1981 Ferrari 400i Automatic, powered by a 4.8-litre Ferrari V12 engine, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Azzurro blue over a beige leather interior, this 400i presents a particularly elegant and distinctive colour combination that suits the timeless Grand Touring character of the model. The car has passed through multiple long-term owners during its life, contributing to a clear and traceable ownership history, and it is accompanied by documentation supporting an engine overhaul at approximately 82,926 km, carried out by Ferrari specialist France Italie Automobiles in Paris. The car recently passed inspection without remarks.

Given its age, the bodywork shows some minor cosmetic marks consistent with genuine use, and light delamination is visible in the rear window. The front seats display general, use-related patina and the leather shows some localised dryness, characteristics that fit an original and authentic example rather than a car presented as fully restored. The wheels have been repainted and finished with a clear powder coating, and in 2024 the car was fitted with a new set of Michelin TRX tyres matching the original wheel specification.

Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1979, the Ferrari 400i succeeded the 365 GT4 2+2 and continued the Pininfarina-designed 2+2 Grand Touring line that began with the 400 in 1976. The 400i introduced Bosch fuel injection to meet tightening emissions requirements, and it was the first Ferrari offered with the option of a three-speed automatic transmission alongside the traditional five-speed manual, a configuration that made it a genuine gentleman’s express rather than a purely sporting proposition. Around 1,300 examples of the 400i were built between 1979 and 1985, with automatic-equipped cars forming a smaller share of that total, making this a comparatively scarce specification today.

The long bonnet, low roofline and restrained Pininfarina proportions give the 400i a quietly confident presence that relies on elegant lines rather than aggressive styling. Beneath the bodywork, the V12 delivers the smooth, torque-rich character for which the model is known, and the automatic transmission suits relaxed, long-distance touring particularly well. The beige leather interior, wrapped around a clear dashboard layout and a comfortable 2+2 cabin, reflects the luxurious Italian Grand Touring ethos of the period. For collectors seeking a usable classic Ferrari with a documented history rather than a static concours exhibit, this 400i offers a compelling combination of character, comfort and provenance.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Groningen province, the Netherlands.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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