A Ferrari V12, a five speed manual gearbox and enough room to bring the family. Taking the scenic route just became a very easy decision. The Ferrari 400i has a charm all of its own. A long bonnet, crisp Pininfarina lines, pop up headlights and discreet proportions give it the presence of a proper Italian Grand Tourer. Finished in Grigio, it looks effortlessly distinguished. The twelve cylinders under the bonnet take care of the less discreet part of its personality.
Its lineage began with the 365 GT4 2+2 in 1972, evolving into the 400 and then the fuel injected 400i in 1979. It carries on Ferrari’s longstanding tradition of front engined V12 coupés designed for travelling in style. Four seats, useful luggage space and an engine that gives you every reason to book a hotel a little further away.
Only 422 Ferrari 400i examples were built with the manual transmission, making this a genuinely rare specification. More importantly, that five speed gearbox lets you enjoy the V12 on your own terms: choose your gear, let the revs build and savour the experience. A rather good reason to leave the motorway behind. Our example, chassis 35095, was first registered in Italy on 15 September 1981. It is an early Series 1, retaining the beautiful dashboard and centre console design, natural alloy grille detailing and dark rear panel that preceded the revisions of late 1982. These details give the earlier cars a particularly appealing period character, perfectly complemented here by the Grigio exterior.
Currently showing 71,334 km, this unrestored example presents beautifully. The bodywork is in excellent condition, with consistent panel gaps throughout. The doors fit perfectly and close with a satisfying click, while the chrome trim remains in good condition. Fresh tyres are fitted, and the air conditioning has recently been serviced and blows perfectly cold. Even on a warm Italian afternoon, the gentleman behind the wheel can keep his cool.
The car’s history adds another layer of interest. Its historical Modena registration plates, MO 809448, have been preserved, providing a tangible link to its Italian past. The Ferrari was first registered in Belgium on 9 April 2013 and was presented at the 2014 Antwerp Concours. Belgian Car Pass records document its mileage progression from 2013 onwards. The accompanying collection includes Ferrari 400i literature, the 1981 Ferrari Sale and Service Organization publication, spiral bound model documentation and a 1985 maintenance chart. Event and club memorabilia have also been retained, together with the original jack and a Ferrari tool kit. A lovely collection to explore alongside the car itself.
For us, the attraction is clear: early Series 1 styling, elegant Grigio presentation, preserved historical documentation and that rare manual V12 combination. This is a Ferrari that invites you to make plans.
