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Description

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 a  5 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.