365 GT/4 2+2/400/400i/412 Production Numbers

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http://www.ferrari400.com/

 

Looking at the existing production numbers thread ? http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196388

 

The Ferrari 400 Register gives production numbers and the auto/manual breakdown for the 400 and the 400i but gives only total 412 production of 576 units, stating somewhat misleadingly "The optional GM three-speed automatic or in-house five speed manual was still available" whereas Ferrari factory literature refers to the GM automatic as the transmission furnished and to the 5-speed "on request".

I inquired of an acquaintance, Brian Milleman, head of Ferrari North America's Aftersales Department, about the breakdown of 412 auto/manual numbers. Here is his response,
forwarding the factory's response to his inquiry:

Answer #1:

"Brian , they did not give any numbers for manual or auto on the 412. The 400 had a run of approximately 50% manual and 50% automatic ( I see no issue with the same formula being used on the 412). Total cars for each year is as follows:

1985 – 43
1986 – 233
1987 – 170
1988 – 93
1989 – 37 "

Answer #2 from Brian, received fewer than ten minutes after the first:

"Update

Just received another email stating it was 1/3 production."

What this says to me is that Ferrari themselves have not a clue. First note their guess: "approximately 50% manual and 50% automatic" and their acknowledgement "I see no issue with the same formula being used on the 412". Then, oh excuse me it was 1:3 perhaps, and I suppose the fellow at the factory saw no reason not to apply THAT ratio !

My recollection is that the 400 series did not make the 5-speed manual an "on request" option; rather, that the factory determined production schedules on its assessment of what the market wanted and would buy. Whereas for the 412, the 5-speed manual was very clearly and by the factory's own acknowledgement in the brochure an "on request" option.

Until someone can give me definitive evidence to the contrary, for the moment I'm sticking with my original opinion of 20% of 412 production being manuals, meaning total world production 115, none factory-homologated for U.S. sale. Of these, a small number were imported to the States and "federalized" for EPA and DOT clearance, perhaps 20-30. Meanwhile, I'm combing my files to see if I can find the source of my original opinion.

P.S. I'm aware of a RHD 400i 5-speed manual that is being offered in Britain at 27,995 sterling = approx $44,800.US. My 412GT has a bit under 34,000 km = 21,000 miles, well cared-for, multiple Ferrari Club Platinum Awards, etc. Present asking = $59,750., not so crazy for a splendid example with history.

 

i reckon its more like between 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 being manual which stacks up with whats currently for sale (though very small numbers for both), Europeans seem to prefer manuals more than UK judging by 400i numbers. (1 in 6 are manual RHD and compared to 1 in 3 LHD)

your valuation is interesting, Chris Evans (UK Celeb) bought a mint low mileage 412 manual (Black) about 18 months ago and was believed to be around £35-£40K which equates to $60k

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iainmclauchlan/6178168557/

 

thanks Rob; I thought the asking price fair.

 

Chris Evans' 412 is probably this one : http://www.f400club.com/76506-la-412-right-hand-drive-de-robert-michaels/

 

No, the Chris Evans car was previously owned by one of the UK members here.

M

 

Don't know who you re talking about..