Consider it a "Resto-Rod". The Horror. It probably is a great driver.
Good day Xenu, From how the ad reads, it implies to me that the new engine, etc update has not been done yet: Maybe I am wrong, but it looks like the project is midstream? Cheers, Sam
The project is "complete-able", but requires some fabrication and special welding techniques to give it a professional quality finish. The question is...Why would you give up a V-12 Ferrari engine for a Chevy? That's like having dinner with the Royal family and bringing Mickey D's for the meal!
It is easy to get in over your head. I have built a few hot rods in my day....with the help of some very skilled Fabricators and Machinists. My toughest one was putting an Oldsmobile 394 in my 50 Fastback Olds. I had to have a friend in the San Fernando Valley build me headers from scratch. I was able to get a pair of flanges and all the remaining gaskets remaining on the planet to finish the car. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
For the record here are the pictures: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes it is. I have been a Fabricator/Machinist/Mechanic for well over 40 years and that is what most don't understand. A project of this nature is not for the hobbyist/weekend warrior. The skills to do a project of this magnitude come with years of esperience. Metal shaping, welding & finishing to make it look factory takes time, dilengence,experience &.......(wait for it).....MONEY. Guys that are good don't do it on the cheap. I get paid well for what I do, and proud to use words that pertain to my profession that have since been long forgotten......Master Craftsman.
Since the engine is gone the best that could happen here would be to use the original GM/Ferrari transmission if still available along with a different(big block?) Chev V-8 until a proper engine turns up at a price that makes it worthwhile. The seller's crate motor will have more value to traditional hot rodders or simply as an expensive replacement engine and sell at a modest discount from low retail. The new trans will be a very, very hard sell. I'm afraid another one meets a bad end.
Good day All, Just adding more Doc on this car... The pictures are the same as already posted and so it is assumed not too much else was done on the car since last year. 1983 Ferrari 400i Cabriolet Color: Red Exterior with Black Interior Mileage: 19000 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA USA VIN: ZFFFB06B000045099 Chassis: 45099 Auction: $19999 (Buy It Now) Ferrari : Other CABRIOLET in Ferrari | eBay Motors
Without the matching engine the car is worth $7000 tops for parts. The LS3 motor is worth about $1.25 to a Ferrari Person. If there is a Ferrari 400i out there somewhere with several busted up fenders, a cracked windscreen, and crushed bumpers, this could be the body to stick the running Ferrari V12 into. Here are the details from the current listing: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Reading between the lines of the eBay sale, it appears that the "eRod" LS3 crate motor and 4-spd auto are no longer available. The units the seller bought for the 400i must have made their way into one of the Corvettes he mentioned earlier. So now what you get for your $19,999 BIN is a cab conversion roller that's spent the last 20 months first being disemboweled, then rolled into the alleyway next to some derelict garage, alternately to rust, mildew, and bake in the sun. I try to keep an open mind about the tastes of fellow old car hobbyists, but the seller's use in his ad of three crappy cellphone photos that I'm guessing were taken by the previous seller at a Cleveland gas station in February 2012 -- when the car was still fully operational and in good #3 condition -- is a level of disrespect for this machine that has pushed me across the line. I mourn in advance for the '75 Jensen Interceptor cab that this guy claims to have picked up, for any of the "old Corvettes" that have been or will be the subjects of his attention, and any other special interest car that this guy gets his hands on.
Translation I came to my senses and bailed on this stupid project Please pay me 20G's so I can come out whole.
400i engine (disassembled in 'perfect' condition ) for $25K or what the heck, make an offer Hasn't listed yet but supposedly will soon, he mentions it on an eBay listing for 400i headers: Ferrari 400i Engine Exhaust Manifold Headers Set | eBay