1977 Ferrari 400A

Lot details
Registration No: DUI 733
Chassis No: 21889
Mot Expiry: None

After eighteen months without a true 2+2 model in the range, Ferrari introduced the 365GT4 2+2 at the 1972 Paris Salon. The conservative Pininfarina design featured a large glass area with the aim of creating an airy feel to the sumptuous interior, and good all round visibility for the occupants. With an increase in capacity from 4.4 to 4.8-litres and a few other minor changes, the 365GT4 2+2 evolved into the 400 that debuted at the same Motor Show four years later. The newcomer could be distinguished from its predecessor by the five-bolt rather than central knock-off fixings for its road wheels, paired rather than triple rear light clusters and small spoiler on the nose. The model will be recalled for being the first ever production Ferrari to be available with automatic transmission - the so-called 400A featuring the three-speed General Motors Turbo Hydramatic THM400 unit. In its new 4.8-litre guise, the immortal Colombo-designed V12 had an output of some 340bhp, which was sufficient to accelerate the big four-seater to 60mph in a whisker over 7 seconds.

This right-hand drive Ferrari 400A passed through the gates of Maranello in 1977. It is finished in traditional Rosso Corsa and trimmed in Crema leather. It was purchased by the vendor in February 2006 with the intention of improving it and using it for leisure motoring. However, his situation changed and he never found the time to progress the idea, so the car has been dry stored ever since. He is now offering the Prancing Horse either as a project for somebody else or a source of spares. The vendor informs us that the V12 engine is in running order, though apparently "requires some tuning of the ignition and carburetters", and the automatic gearbox is "all working". He describes the bodywork as "sound but edgy", the paintwork as "bright overall", the seats and headlining as "very good" but the carpets as "tatty or missing". 'DUI 733' is being sold without reserve, and with GTOs having long since gone stratospheric and many other models of V12 Ferrari having appreciated greatly in the last few years, this 400 provides an interesting opportunity for the many fans of the marque.