Evening all, I'll be looking to buy my first 365/412 in a few months' time so thought I'd say hello and learn a bit more about them from current owners before I start looking in earnest. I've had a look through the "show us your 365/400/412 thread; there are some stunning machines in there, well done guys. Anyway, hello all, I look forward to learning a lot from you in the future. Cheers.
Hello, In addition to Ferrarichat is unavoidable, we have in Europe the European Ferrari 400 Club where you can find all the information necessary for the proper understanding of this car. You can go here: http://www.f400club.com/ We hope you find the right car. Theodore http://www.f400club.com/forum/
Looking for a 365 or 412 ??? Bloody cheek - what's wrong with the poor old 400/400i then ??? You've only just joined and already offended every 400/400i owner in the world - just remember that I don't live that far away from you so will have to track you down and beat you to death with my 6xtwin Webers and constantly empty petrol can !!!
Merci Theodore. The photos from Le Mans Classique are fantastic! Something to put in the diary for 2014 hopefully. Sorry Rusty! I'll have to buy you a pint (of petrol) some time to make up for my insolence!
Apology accepted - lets just try to put this behind us and move on....... Whichever version of this lovely car you end up with it shows you have taste and some class. I'm not a Ferrari owner really, I just love the shape of this car and always have done so decided to take the plunge last Christmas and buy 78 carbed 400a with 35k miles and masses of history. I would have preferred a manual GT but they're real hard to find and this car was so good I just couldn't refuse. So far zero major expense (except fuel which is punishing) but there are some minor oil drips, a lazy starter when hot and a few electrical gremlins which come and go at will so I'm sure that the wallet will be out soon (well, as soon as I have something in it to take out anyway !) Next time you're coming to the London end of the M11 let me know as I'm 5 mins from there and always happy to meet a 365/412 lover and show them the error of their ways! Russ
Yeah, agree with that. I'm not a "Ferrari" person either (was thinking today the worst part of owning one would be answering the question "What do you drive?" with "a Ferrari"), but I love the shape, think they have a timeless style and that noise.... my god that noise... I have to have that V12 in my life. Having a nosey around yours would be fantastic, thanks. Pleased to read there haven't been any major expenses so far.
Yeah then you're in it for the right reasons. Those looking for a "starter' Ferrari are horribly disappointed. Really great and unique cars that don't draw a ton of attention on the road but when folks have a chance to get up close to them, are always complimentary. I have a 400i 5 speed and a 412 automatic. Don't let the auto scare you off- it suits the car extremely well and they're a blast to drive. I definitely have done more "Spirited" driving in my auto 412 than in the 400i, the car just wants to play! You have the advantage of having far more cars to look at. Here in the states there are only a handful for sale at any given moment. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Jay, your cars look really lovely and you're a lucky guy to have both a manual and an auto. It's funny because I, like most people, would have initially preferred a manual but I can understand why so many of these cars were auto considering the "executive" target market. Having driven both manual and auto 400/400i models, the manual is far harder work compared to the relaxed feel of the auto. I suppose there would be little contest in an outright drag race but in the real world how often does that really happen or matter ? Funny really, I remember my first Corvette which was a '67 Coupe with a 2-speed powerglide and felt exactly the same about that. Mind you, it would do almost 80mph in first which was an odd experience considering there was only one more gear to come ! That said, when I have some spare funds and have sorted my 400a out the way I want it to be and resprayed my 53 Cadillac convertible as well (not cheap !!) I'll definitely be looking for a 400 GT manual so I can be a greedy bastard just like you.
As far as a drag race it's no contest- the 412 will smoke the 400. Don't get me wrong- a stick shift on these cars is much more of the "real" Ferrari experience, but i like enjoying these cars exactly as they were designed for the times- the big elegant Gt car with enough Ferrari sound and feel to make it unique. The fact that its' comfortable and the A/C works and you can put four Les pauls in the trunk- well that's a bonus.
Interesting. So let me get this right .... the 412 is faster but is auto? Unless I've gone colour blind and mixed up my clear/coloured indicator lenses the pix show the auto selector in a red interior (which must be the silver 412 as the white 400i seems to have a black or dark coloured interior as far as I can see). Maybe it's faster because its a 412 with higher hp than the 400i but I was always lead to believe that the manuals were faster - period !
Lovely cars Jay, very envious of you having a manual and an auto! I'm not against the auto as such, I agree that an auto suits the car and in fact I think I'd prefer wafting around in an auto. Next on the list after this is something like a Cobra rep, which would give all the manual thrills I'd need. I'll of course need to try both before deciding which to get, but my concern with the auto is that they're only 3 speed, and at a cruising speed (80mph) I think they rev at about 3,500 against the manual's 3,000? If it were a 5 speed auto there'd be no contest.
I agree with Jay that you are looking at these cars for the right reason. In my case I wasn't even looking. Mine found me through a friend who owned it and wanted it to go to a good home. With the automatic the engine dosen't work very hard. You can manually shift the TH-400 and make the engine work though. I personally think the automatic shifts will always beat some guy with a clutch car due to lost time shoving the shift lever about. These cars are going to drink fuel. Mine gets @16 MPG in all circumstances. So ask yourself, just how many miles will I put on at 150 MPH? Resale might be better with the manual but so will the buy in cost. Then too, Ferrari built a lot fewer of those gear boxes than GM built of the TH-400. Repairs are worth thinking about when considering the options. I also had the qualms about saying "Oh, its a Ferrari" but trust me, you will get over it. These cars are great fun! Greg Image Unavailable, Please Login
This thread got me thinking. Jay, I am about the opposite to you in car ownership but agree with your sentiments. I have a 400GT (feels the same as a 365GT4 to me). It is a great 4 seater sports car. Not as good a sports car by a margin than the 365 GTC/4 but a sports car none the less. And those Webers, heaven. Nice warm feeling whenever you drive it. The 400iA is a competent sporting cruiser, go anywhere with 4 in any company, with style. Just for good measure I also have a 412GT. This is a gentleman's express. Feels faster than the 400iA but not as sporty as the 400GT (those Webers again I suspect) but more comfortable. Deceptively quick. Strangely feels bigger than the 400GT. I have never done tests of one against the other but have driven them on the same day. As for the AC Cobra, an entirely different fish, totally opposite to the 400 range. Amazing, puts a stupid grin on your face every time (and all the time) you drive it. 100% hoon car, only for the incurable extrovert (especially if it has side exhaust essentially unmuffled). And do they attract attention (is the Pope a catholic)? In your face and antisocial. Love it. Can't bring myself to sell a 400, they are such understated cars. Buy what you like and cherish it. Somebody will always have something better/ faster/ lower/ flashier/ more expensive so learn to live with what you have. Here endeth the lesson.
Well I could still fit four of him in the trunk. (Boot for you Brits) Yes the silver 412 has the red interior. My car has a shift kit in the auto- and it shift at redline and FAST, like a hammer. The 400i 5-speed is typical of Ferrari manual transmissions of the era- don't rush it. Look I love them both- there are days when I am in love with the 400and have no interest in the 412, then it flips the other way- That's why you need both!
Yea, and the lord spoke unto the unenlightened and as one they saw the light. Bless me father for I have sinned - I only have one 400a and want many, many more so I pray for guidance how to achieve my goal. Amen.
Aaahh, how to help someone from the land of the great unwashed. Tricky question you pose there Rustytractor. It is easy to let the seas be parted to get to the life blood of 400's so they can drink and bring merriment, but the path to multiple 400 ownership is littered with the souls of the bankrupt, or does it lead to to that, never figured that out. There must be equal parts insanity and irrationality, coupled with a decent dose of masochism. Add a few gushes from an oil well and let it simmer, stirred occasionally by the wrath of the better half. The only thing enlightened is the wallet. Think wisely my son, before venturing down this path, and be careful what you wish for as it may happen then all hell will break loose.
Wayne,did you know about the McKay rally on in March of this year in Tassie? A red 512 carby turned up at breakfast at Sheffield(I think)with it's keeper(not owner),to have a look at the assembled throng of carby cars'.
I don't know- I've spent a few keeping my cars sorted but no trip to the poorhouse yet. I like having the pair of these beauties sitting in the garage...
Simon, Yes I knew the 512 made a trip there and Roger enjoyed the company, we will have to make the next one, maybe with the 400GT. Sounded like a great time. I was caught in the jungle and came down for Targa the following week - not enough time off to do both I am afraid. Born to drive but forced to work. Did you drop into the Boy's Club for a poke around - some of the guys did I understand. Regards
