http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23593/lot/211/
1984 Ferrari 400i GT Coupé
Coachwork by PininfarinaRegistration no. A162 WHK
Chassis no. ZFFEB7S000050811
Engine no. to be advised
*Originally owned by Peter Livanos
*Resident in the USA 1987-2015
*Rare manual-transmission model
*Original paintwork and interior
*Resident in the USA 1987-2015
*Rare manual-transmission model
*Original paintwork and interior
Footnotes
- Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the 400GT had acquired a 4.8-litre version of Ferrari's four-cam V12 engine but otherwise differed from its 365GT/4 2+2 predecessor only in detail. The 400GT re-affirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury sports saloons and was intended to attract the type of mature yet discerning customer who previously might have opted for a Bentley or Mercedes-Benz. This latter requirement made the option of automatic transmission a necessity. The unit chosen - General Motors' three-speed Hydramatic - was widely regarded as the world's best, having been used by Cadillac and subsequently by Rolls-Royce and Jaguar among others. Ferrari's splendidly equipped 2+2 featured self-levelling independent rear suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and optional air conditioning. Sadly, even after it received fuel injection, the 400GT - now the 400i GT - remained effectively a Europe-only model because of the expense involved in crash-testing two cars for US safety assessment. By the time production of the final 412 version ceased in 1989, Ferrari's finest 2+2 had been in production for a remarkable 17 years, though its exclusivity meant that there were seldom more than 200 sold in any one year.
We are advised that this left-hand drive 400i GT was privately imported into the USA in 1987 by first owner Peter Livanos, the Greek shipping magnate and former financial backer of Aston Martin. A rare manual-transmission model, the Ferrari was purchased in Florida by the present owner in 1994, by which time it had covered 11,000 miles (the current odometer reading is 29,976 miles). Impeccably maintained, the car received a new clutch in 1995 and a full Borla stainless steel exhaust system in 1999, increasing maximum power from 340 to 370bhp.
From 2000 to 2015 the Ferrari resided in California; imported into the UK in 2015, it has been kept in dry storage since arriving here. The car retains its original paintwork and full leather interior, and has been upgraded with an Alpine audio system (with Bluetooth) and improved power windows (now rack-and-pinion operated). Described by the vendor as in generally excellent condition, this rare Ferrari Gran Turismo is offered with a V5C document and MoT to 19th July 2016
