Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: ZFFEB06BO 00044309 Mot Expiry: None
A true front-engined, rear wheel drive V12 Ferrari from the old school, the 400 is currently among the best of supercar bargains. Product of a brief to design a handsome yet understated four-seater, its clean Pininfarina lines were less flamboyant than those found on its 'sportier' brethren. Purists may have derided the availability of the capable General Motors Hydramatic automatic transmission on the 400 (a Ferrari first) but it won the Maranello firm new buyers from the model's 1976 Paris Salon launch onwards. Always well equipped, Ferrari's luxury sector contender featured all round independent suspension (self-levelling at the rear), power assisted rack and pinion steering, powerful disc brakes, electric windows and optional air conditioning. With 310bhp on tap from its mighty 4,823cc, ohc, V12 engine, it was capable of 150mph.
Finished in special order metallic green with tan leather upholstery and wool headlining, this particular left-hand drive example was purchased new by HRH Prins Bernhard of the Netherlands. A marque devotee ever since his acquisition of a second-hand 212 Inter in the 1950s (which prompted Enzo Ferrari to dispatch a team of mechanics to the Dutch Royal Household gratis) the Prince's distinctive 'AA-13' number plate was seen on various 250GTs, 365s and a 500 Superfast over the years as well as both this 400i and its 412 successor. Part of the collection since 1993, it is believed to have covered just 35,072km and to sit on a longer than standard wheelbase (however, this latter claim has yet to be verified). Benefiting from automatic transmission and five-spoke alloys, the accompanying history file includes numerous press cuttings chronicling its royal connections.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035