1983 400i Auto S/N 44699 CA BAR

I purchased this car as a light project earlier this year; however, we are relocating and I need to sell one of my cars (keeping the 308, 930, Model S, and Intermeccanica Italia)

There is a thread on the car when it was listed for sale previously: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/365-gt4-2-2-400-412/435185-sale-400i-usa.html. The comments are typically critical, as they often are 'round these parts when folks are looking at pictures from the safety of the Internet. In person, the car presents as very solid, clean and worthwhile.

Since I purchased it, the car was carefully cleaned to evaluate and address any needs. I started with the engine and transmission, which needed only a tune-up and flush, with seals replaced in the auto trans.

Here's a brief summary. Please feel free to contact me directly through email or pm with serious interest.

THE GOOD:
+Southern California, blue-plate car, imported directly to San Diego and federalized in January 1983. Car has never been registered anywhere outside of SoCal.
+CA BAR certification.
+No rust.
+Silver paint is very good and presentable, with only minor chips as might be expected of a car of this vintage.
+46,000 miles on the odometer, supported through documents.
+All records from importation, federalization, smog certification, etc.
+Original owner's pouch, manual, warranty cards, dealer/service directory, sales brochures.
+Original jack kit and hazard triangle.
+Original trouble light and manual window crank.
+One original set of keys.
+Huge files of service documentation going back to new, with many thousands of dollars spent at Bobileff Motors.
+Engine runs strong and smooth, with even compression across all cylinders. Tune up, and engine and coolant flush performed in August.
+Transmission shifts perfectly (3-speed auto).
+Self-leveling suspension operates as it should.
+Tan leather interior and grey carpets are very presentable, complete and generally in decent shape for the age and miles. It does appear that someone tried to re-dye the leather but my detailer removed all the gunk (paint) and the leather is coming back nicely with rejuvenator. There are no rips or cracks but the leather is not as supple as new.
+Black trunk carpet and black engine bay liner are original and excellent.
+No leaks or drips from engine or transmission. Very clean underneath.
+Electric windows operate very well. Interior cabin lights are operational, too.
+Wheels are in excellent condition.
+CA BAR certified (worth mentioning again)

THE NOT-SO-GOOD/BAD:
-The bumpers are dimpled. It's not as bad in the front as in the Babelli photos but obviously the prior owner used the touchy-feely method for parking.
-The brakes are mushy.
-Needs new tires (TRX = approx. $500 +/- apiece).
-There is a hole in the driver's side, rear muffler.
-The front lenses are faded, and the right side lens is broken.
-Crack in the rear windshield.
-Much of the center console switches and the radio are disconnected. I have not figured out why this was done nor have I endeavored to hook it back up yet, as nothing is labeled and it is a time-consuming task to figure the puzzle out. However, as a result, the electrically-operated gas door, trunk and hood releases, the hazards, the turn signals, remote mirror controls, and fans (except for the rear passenger fans) are not working. Strangely, other electrics - like the windows, exterior lights, interior lights, ashtray light, etc. work great.
-The car has been off the road for the past four years.
-The headliner is starting to sag very slightly over the driver's side.
-There is a crack in the instrument cover near the clock. Again, not nearly as bad as in the Babelli photo but it is there. Found the thumb-screw fasteners in the ash tray.
-The switch cluster works fine but is showing wear and tear and cracks in the plastic. If I were to keep the car, I would send the switch cluster to Verell to restore (once he gets himself restored again).

I have tried to give an honest and complete description of the condition but I'm sure I have missed a few (or more) things. Obviously there is no substitute to a PPI or personal inspection. I will email pictures upon request but, truthfully, find it difficult to "manage attachments" in the posts, although i have succeeded in the past and will try to re-size the ones I have.

I am asking $38k.

 

Pictures.

 

Pictures
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Jack kit

 

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Crack in rear windshield
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Rear view
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Thanks Brian for the information about the bumpers and the well-wishes. I've owned Ferraris from three decades and it always amazes me that the soul remains the same, despite the different engines, CEOs, the Fiat influence, the us govt, etc. While each model gains recognition in its own time and in different ways, all Ferraris have the same heart.

 

UPDATE - car is still available. It's at Rathmann Auto Works in Poway that did the restoration on Klaus's beautiful white 400i.

Recent work - rebuilt brake booster and master cylinder. Flushed and replaced brake fluid. Installed new vacuum hose to booster. Repaired hazard switch, turn signal and headlight switch. Cost at $1833.81.

Needs - exhaust system, tires, rear windshield, and front lens. Right rear shock has slight leak (could be rebuilt or just live with it) and headliner over driver's side is starting to sag)

Otherwise, the car is in excellent mechanical condition with just under 46k documented miles. This car has all paperwork and records back to new and is BAR certified. The body is in amazing condition with no rust whatsoever.

I will post pics of the interior.

 

Front seats
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Interior
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Rod,

I will give you a ring tomorrow.

If anyone wants pictures, send me an email or PM. I cannot size the photos to fit in one post. Technologically challenged user.

Regards, Ben

 

Quick update - the car is still available. I have had a lot of interest, particularly from abroad, but nobody has closed on the car.

The exhaust is shot. Could be repaired but should be replaced. Tires need to be replaced. Brake booster and master cylinder were replaced.

If a buyer wants a great base with excellent mechanicals, body and interior, this is a great California-legal 400i with all records back to new.

Priced right for the condition and needs, in my opinion. If I replace the tires and the exhaust, obviously it will increase the purchase price.

 

Dropping the price to $35k to sell as is.

The car is really too nice to leave CA with its BAR sticker but I don't see the point in doing the exhaust and tires unless it's staying here and so far most interest has been from out of state or abroad. This is a great opportunity to pick up a very straight, clean accident-free CA car with all books and records for a very reasonable price.