A little 400 model help

365
Manual
Carbs

 

Nathan said it all

 

I prefer a manual as well, but they are rare in the UK. The clutch and gear change are a bit heavier than say a 308. If you feel you have enough 'sporty' Ferraris then an auto will suit you just fine.
Later injected 400s (1983-1985) and 412s tend to be in better condition than early cars which may be hiding rust issues.
365s are nice but expensive now.

 

RHD cars are actually usually cheaper than LHD, not the case with some other Ferrari models. forza288 have a nice late auto, the very last RHD 400i. There's an earlier 400i coming up at auction soon, in its original colours, but you would need to examine the bodywork thoroughly. There are some RHD 400s and 412s for sale in Italy that could be worth investigating.
David

 

H&H classic auctions on 14 Oct. Estimate 18-20k. Used to belong to an Fchatter. I haven't seen it but it looks original ( apart from the door mirrors).

 

Nathan, Klaus, why 365 over 400 if both have carbs and 5spd?

 

Last of the mighty 365 range,last of the knockoff wheels,manual only...no auto option,not officially brought into the 'States,usually a premium price over the 365....

400GT would be an option and rarer than the 365.

...anyone else??

 

the 365 is more comfortable to drive. seat is positioned much better. my legs do not hit the steering wheel. they do on the 400. very much so. I can lay my arm on the 365 window sill. not possible on the 400. I can see much better out of the 365. all that said. the 365 is noticeable quicker. there are a few other things but driver comfort is a biggie for me. entry/exit easier. of course the sound of those carbs. sucking money is great.

 

Because I have a 365

 

What budget have you set yourself?

 

On a side note, have You tried to adjust the steering column ? Had the same problem but can be adjusted quite easy to perfect position.

For many the 365 is the purest looking and most coveted but it has skyrocketed in price. The 400GT is an excellent candidate and a more exclusive car in many ways with its plush leather interior and still clean looking. It is also the most powerful of the range with 471 Nm / 347 ft/lb and will outperform all of its siblings only surpassed by the 412 in top speed.

The 400GT is also the rarest with only 127 LHD and 20 RHD. It can still be bought cheaper than the 365 but are on its way upward rapidly.

I just completed a 1500 km trip through Norway/Sweden/Poland. Few things can compare to hours of hours of steady 100mph highway cruising in these cars accompanied by the webers and free flow exhaust. Cars approach from the rear,pedal to the floor and they become small dots in the mirrors. Comfortable - Effortless - Priceless.

This is what these cars where made for and it is a privilege and a thrill to experience these great cars in this way

A

 

Agree for the seat position. much lower and sportier in the 365 as this is the same seat as in the sportier GTC/4 sibling. I am over 1.90m tall and I have still plenty of headroom in a 365, and nearly none is left in a 412.
In any case, early type dashboard from 365 and Series 1 400's have IMO a much better ergonomics than the Series2 / 412 type, especially on the passager side, whose legs are likely to collide with the glove box if she/he is too tall. Early type middle console also a little more vintage with all the chromed levers and wooden trim.

But clutch and gearbox are much sweeter in a 365 than in the 308!

 

Can it be that the early 400GT has the same low seating position although not same seat ? I'm 1.92 and have plenty of room left. I've never sat in a series 2 but these seats look bigger and more fluffy.

When it comes to classic old style looks nothing can beat the 365/400GT and the series 1 400i. Especially the interior design is what tipped the weight for me.

 

I removed these spacers from under the drivers seat in my 1980 400I. They were not fitted in the passengers side or on any of the seats of my other cars. I find it a much better driving position without them.
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to his original question, the 365 for me as it is more rare and a better investment;
personally, I prefer my '84 400i A injection, auto, some upgrades and lower price

 

All good points.

 

Another advantage to the 365s could be there were some made prior to 1976 and that can mean no IM test. That's why I ended up with a 1975.

 

And pre 1974 tax free in the UK

 

Farr1 (Nick).
Have you seen the manual carb 400 that Justin Banks had just advertised? That should be worth a look, even rarer than he states, and somewhat cheaper than 365s.