1981 | Ferrari 400i

"Everything we do is driven by Ferrari"

Once upon a time, purists dismissed the Ferrari 400i as the polite nephew from Maranello. Too comfortable. Too mature. And, god forbid, four seats. But tastes change — and, as so often, time has proven to be the greatest equalizer. Today, the 400i has grown into one of the most coveted “hidden gems” in Ferrari history. Together with its blood relatives (365 GT4 2+2, 400, and 412), it forms Ferrari’s longest-running model series: 17 years of uninterrupted production. That’s not achieved with mediocrity, but with genius.

Beneath that long, elegant bonnet lies no compromise, but pure Ferrari DNA: a direct descendant of the Colombo-designed V12, the same royal bloodline that powered the legendary Daytona. In this case delivering 4.8 liters, 340 horsepower, and a soundtrack that begins as a warm growl and crescendos into an Italian opera. The kind of sound that makes neighbors three streets over drop their espresso. Only 884 of these masterpieces ever rolled out of the factory — making it as rare as it is desirable.

Our example was discovered in a collection in Germany and is a feast of good taste: Beige Doré Metallizzato over a two-tone beige/brown leather interior — a combination that at the time was only available through the options list. And that options list? Thoroughly ticked off here: full leather trim extending even to the headliner, original Blaupunkt radio/cassette, power windows, BOSCH telephone, air conditioning, and more delights.

The result? A Ferrari that wears elegance like bespoke couture, yet with the long breath and raw heartbeat of a V12. For the connoisseur. For the enthusiast. For anyone who understands that this is no polite nephew, but the uncle your parents always feared — stylish, charismatic, and unforgettable.