The 400GT was a larger engined version of the 365GT4 2+2 that it
replaced. The 4823cc V12 engine provided the new 400 GT with much
improved performance over its older sister. All Ferraris built in this
period were costly, low-production machines, based on increasingly
complex tubular chassis frames and clad in hand-crafted body shells.
These body shells had been styled by Pininfarina and were produced at
the Scaglietti coachbuilding works in Modena. The 400GT looks very
similar to the car it replaced, different lamps and spoiler are the main
differences. This model is perhaps best known for introducing automatic
transmission to Ferrari customers, an option never listed before. Made
from between 1976-1979 and only 500 examples were produced in total.
Unconventional and very rare, this Ferrari 400 GT is presented in
“metallic gold” with beautiful aged cream leather interior with dark
brown inlays and real wood trim that decorates the high console and a
traditional three spoke steering wheel that dominates the drivers view.
The power comes from the renown and powerful V12 front mounted engine
with a capacity of 4823 cc, double overhead camshafts on each power bank
and 2 valves per cylinder.Breathing through a set of 6 double Weber
DCOE38 carburetors. Producing about 340 bhp and is mated to a5 speed
manual gearbox with a limited slip rear end.
The 400 family has the record of being in production for longer than any
other Ferrari body style. The three box coupe styling from Pininfarina
is a real child of the seventies. With distinctive wedge shapes and pop
up head lamps. The gentle surprise of a slightly eccentric GT and is
definitely in vogue today. It had a sixteen year production run simply
because customers were still buying them.
This timewarp example, one of only 142 produced, is finished in the
unusual and highly attractive shade of Oro Metallic paint and equipped
with the desirable combination of a manual gearbox and Weber carburetors.
In previous ownership the 400GT benefited from a 24500 Swiss Franc
service at Carrozzeria Ascari SA in Lugano, Switzerland, which included
the fitted of replacement tyres, all fluids, filters, a suspension
overhaul, engine tune and adjustment of valve clearances. In 2011 this
impressive GT became part of a Belgian collection, imported with all
taxes paid but retaining the Swiss registration document.
Offering many of the same attributes as earlier V12-engined GT Ferraris
of the 1960s and 70s, this is a wonderfully stylish Ferrari, very well
suited to crossing continents in consummate ease.
#ForSale via Coys at their Techno Classica auction, 8th April 2017:
www.coys.co.uk/cars/1979-ferrari-400-gt
#Ferrari #GT #V12 #2+2 #Pininfarina #Scaglietti #Italian #70s
