When I say wood, I MEAN wood!

I honestly never knew a steering wheel could be so objectionable!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FERRARI-400i-CONVERTIBLE-1982-V-12-RARE_W0QQitemZ150043648202QQihZ005QQcategoryZ6212QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

That is the most hideous steering wheel I've ever seen.

I like the logic in the description "IN 1982 THERE WERE ONLY 260 400i MODELS MADE FOR THE WORLD, NO FACTORY CONVERTIBLES AND NONE THAT WERE MADE FOR THE US MARKET. AS A RESULT THIS MODEL HAS 340hp!"

It has funky dials added to the console as well. Nice

 

how horrible

 

That steering wheel looks like a kids shop project gone south.

 

When I first saw it, I couldn't think of a really good description for it, but that hits the nail on the head (pun coincidental.....)

 

That wheel would look good on the wooden F50.

John

 

Something seems very wrong with this car. My 400i, an 82 model, does NOT have the 18 digit US VIN#, since these cars were never officially imported. I was under the impression that the long VINs started in 1983.

Mine only has the 5 digit serial number, stamped on top of the steering column.

Can anyone confirm this?

 

It would look better still on a fire.

 

On my list of VIN #'s I show this car is a 1983

 

I want that wheel for my boat!


Toot! ToooT!

 

This made me laugh out loud!!

 

And, as you can see from the pics, this is an 82 or older. VIN was probably taken off another car.

The ugly wooden wheel is the least of the new owner's problems!

 

I took a look at this car and the steering wheel. You can CHANGE the Steering Wheel, to something better suited for the car.
It looks like Olive Wood to me, there is a story behind it, I wonder what it is?
The Convertible Top keeps with the looks of the 400i, and if it drives decently, $20000. isn't too bad for a big V12 Ferrari Automatic 2+2 GT.
It ain't perfect, but it ain't $75000. either.

Ciao...Paolo

 

Yea, but what other horrible decisions did this guy make we can't see?

 

Hi LSU,

There are lots of bad decisions like a blue top and interior on a red body, the structural problems when they chopped the top, etc.
A proper PPI, with a tech and shop who knows and understands these cars-- 400i's, is a MUST, and more so with THIS Ferrari.
But if it's OK and the price is OK, I don't know the pricing of 400i's, these days, then OK! It's a nice family cruiser.
If the thing was rolled and put back together like Frankenstein, then who knows what it's worth?
I wonder who built that steering wheel?

Ciao...Paolo

 

The auction ended and $19100. was the price it sold for.
Was this a good price for a car that will need another $20000. to be safe and solid?

Ciao...Paolo

 

Ohhh my gawd, what did they do, put a log on a CNC machine?

 

Paolo,

The Value of 400s is completely condition dependent - a good PPI is required to determine condition. My guess, based on the pictures, is that the price was too high for the car and an additional $20k will not bring the car to a good condition - but this is only a guess.

Regards,

Art S.

 

Hi Art,

Finding those tech's and shops are rare, does anyone know of any that are proficient in the 400-412 series? I'm not buying that car, but would if many other things were "right". I am just getting educated on them and may buy one if I find a car that I like.

Ciao...Paolo

 

Its Gheto Fabulous

 

Bill Pollard at SportAuto in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, is knowledgeable about these cars - it would be worth talking to him before buying. He should be able to advise on model selection.

Aidan

 

Thank You, Aidan

I will contact Bill Pollard, on the chance I find a 400i or 412i.

Ciao...Paolo

 

Paolo,

I would look around the Chicago area, there must be vintage Ferrari experts there, Michigan to CT is a bit far when you need to take your car to the shop.

Regards,

Art S.

 

Art,

Thanks for your advice. I haven't done a search here in Michigan, for an 400 expert yet. If I found a 400 out East, then I would contact Bill Pollard, about it. He may even know the car and maybe done work on it. I think Chicago, has a lot of possibilities too. I'll do my research this Winter.

I am also looking at MB V12's, as the S Series are like Palaces, room wise.

Ciao...Paolo