1983 Ferrari 400I

1983 Ferrari 400i 2-Door Coupe, Pininfarina
Chassis No. 46013

- One of 1,305 400is produced including 422 with the manual transmission.
- Recently refinished in proper Nero over Nero leather.
- Equipped with factory air conditioning, power windows and cassette stereo.
- Documented major service including the fuel injection system.
- Southern California car once owned by Sony Pictures President Sanford Panitch.
- Accompanied by its original tools and operating manuals.

When Ferrari introduced the 400GT at the Paris Salon in October 1976, a surprise was in store for the Ferraristi. It marked the very first time a new model was introduced with an automatic transmission as standard equipment. A joint press release from Ferrari and Pininfarina, explained it thusly, the result of a different concept of the automobile which had developed and asserted itself especially in countries with a high density of automobiles, and which will find increasing favor in Europe in the future. Ironically, the new grand touring 2+2 Ferrari was not initially offered for sale in the United. States. The three-box design, so evocative of its time, is attributed to Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina.

To keep the Ferrari faithful satisfied, a traditional 5-speed manual was made optional. Of the 1,305 400i units built through 1985, just 422, like this example, were equipped with the manual transmission; adding to their desirability today. Compared to its predecessor, the Columbo V-12 underwent several modifications. The stroke was increased to 77mm, enlarging the total displacement to 4,823cc (about 400cc per cylinder, hence the 400 name). The camshafts and valve timing were also modified. Breathing through six Weber 38 DCOE carburetors, the horsepower remained at 350hp at 6500rpm.

In mid-1979 Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection was added to improve cold starting, run quieter, and afford a cleaner exhaust. Horsepower was revised to 310hp at 6500rpm and torque to 389lb/ft at 4600rpm. Come Fall of 1982, further changes were made by Ferrari, both cosmetic and mechanical. Engines received modified camshafts and new exhaust manifolds. Power was increased to 315hp at 6400pm and torque to 303lb/ft at 4200rpm. Suspension mountings were softened at the front and the rear self-leveling system was linked to a separate fluid source and pump.

Finished in a classic combination of Nero over Nero leather, this lovely example was imported new to California by Ferrari Compliance, Inc., of Santa Anna. It was enjoyed by several Southern California owners including, more recently, film executive Sanford Panitch, President of Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group. A refinish in the factory-correct shade of Nero was completed in July 2021 as was a major service including the fuel injection system, painting of the valve covers and a professional replating of many hardware fittings to their correct factory finish. The five Cromodora wheels are fitted with Michelin TRX radials and the 400i includes factory air conditioning and a Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo cassette radio with four speakers. It is accompanied by tools, manuals, and the aforementioned service and refinishing documentation.