Buying a 400i | FerrariChat

Buying a 400i

Discussion in '365 GT4 2+2/400/412' started by Drivejay, Dec 2, 2009.

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  1. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    Hi everyone,
    i'm about to buy a 1980 400i and i was wondering if there are specific things i should look at or be carefull for before i purchase it.
    I have some experience with old cars so i generally know what to look for, but i have little experience with Ferraris.

    I know for example that belts can be a pain on Testarossas or in general on mid engined Ferraris, does that apply to the 400 as well?

    Any help much appreciated.

    Thanks
    Jerry
     
  2. aidanparte

    aidanparte Formula 3

    Jul 18, 2004
    1,231
    Good luck with your purchase. The 400 series has timing chains rather than belts, so nothing to worry about there although the chains need adjustment over time.

    I would look at the condition of the exhaust system, trim, lenses, etc., as they are expensive to replace. I assume that there is little or no just evident.

    Aidan
     
  3. ulf rickard

    ulf rickard Formula Junior

    Sep 28, 2009
    424
    Sweden
    Full Name:
    Ulf Rickard


    I suggest You start to "scan" the Fchat, reading all info possible. You have to learn some fact about our cars, how the are built, which kind of motor, drivetrain, wheels and so on.

    One thing is completely clear, these cars are NOT cheap to run, no V12 from the 70-80ties are cheap to run.

    I suggest a yearly budget of 4k USD, some years cheaper, some years more expensive

    Good luck
     
  4. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    i have three left and i really like them. The cars are great cruisers not GP cars. While they do not have belts for timing the chains do need replacing and they in tale a lot of $$$ labor. A very reliable car when in tip top condition. That said have deep pockets.
     
  5. dstacy

    dstacy F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2006
    11,998
    GMT -5 & GMT +1
    Full Name:
    Dave
    Which car are you looking at? We probably know it and can lend some observations.
     
  6. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    Thanks everyone for the information.
    I don't think you would know the car as it's in Europe. I'm going over to see it next Tuesday and if it's ok i'll buy it.
    I will read up on the car here over the weekend. Thanks again and i'll keep you posted.

    Jerry
     
  7. ArtS

    ArtS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2003
    13,369
    Central NJ
    Get a pre-purchase inspection by a knowldgeable Ferrari mechanic.

    Regards,

    Art S.
     
  8. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    33,242
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    And be present during the inspection. You will learn an immense amount about the car.
     
  9. dstacy

    dstacy F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2006
    11,998
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    Dave
    I'm betting that won't happen. Sounds like we've made up our mind already.

     
  10. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    That's a good remark :)

    My mind's made up to buy it if i think it's interesting and the price is right. There's no time to go for a full inspection as it's at an auction.
     
  11. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    you must be psycho/physic er something. With all the cars for sale her (USA) why go to another world.
     
  12. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    Maybe because i'm from that other world? You know, the one Ferraris come from.
     
  13. Fritz Ficke

    Fritz Ficke Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 3, 2006
    2,266
    Tucson, AZ.
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    Fritz Ficke
    I like that world, the coffee is good there, beside some other stuff.
     
  14. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    foot in mouth Again. maybe
     
  15. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    33,242
    MA
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    John
    Easy assumption to make since Jerry hasn't filled out his profile or told us where he is located.
     
  16. brettski

    brettski Formula 3

    Feb 29, 2004
    1,754
    north of toronto
    Full Name:
    brett swaykoski
    #16 brettski, Dec 7, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2009
    it does seem a strange time to buy in Europe though...
    if you consider that, historically, this series sells for much more over there (as it should)...
    combined with the fact that the $ is historically low versus Euro...it doesn't add up.

    it would be interesting to know more...and as you pointed out John, it may be 'local' to him.
     
  17. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    It was actually a British car, and as the Pound is historically low versus the Euro as well, i can easily go over there and pick it up myself. I live in Belgium so i'm only a good 4 hours away from London by car.
    If i import a car from the US (which i've done a couple of times), i have to add the freight, customs and VAT as well. I don't have that when i buy European.

    The car itself was at an auction in London. The description said it needed some TLC, but in the end it turned out to be a "rust bucket", the driver door was rotten at the bottom, so were the two front fenders. There was a lot of history with it and the oil pressure was good, but i didn't feel like spending as much as the final bid so i let it go.

    In the end it was sold for the equivalent of roughly 8500€. I can buy a sorted one in Germany for less than double so i figured the price was too high.

    BTW i'll fill out my profile, thanks for reminding me!

    Best regards
    Jerry
     
  18. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 5, 2002
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    John
    #18 Ashman, Dec 8, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2009
    So you were talking about the one at the Baron's auction in Surrey? I thought so since I couldn't find any other auctions in Europe this week with a 400i listed. What threw me is that I never really thought of the UK as "Europe" but that is maybe just because they don't think so either! But what do the Limeys or an 'Murican know anyway? :)

    When I looked at the description the other day, I could not help but marvel at the description of how the car only needed some cosmetic attention but that, oh by the way, it failed its MOT:

    This 1980 example of the 400i has covered just 43,000 mile from new and is equipped with a stainless steel exhaust system (replacements are £3,500). The car comes with a comprehensive history file, has recently had all four wheels refurbished, complete with new centre medallions and new Pirellis all round. Minor electrical problems have been addressed and the brakes have had new pads fitted all round. Overall the vehicle is in extremely good mechanical condition but requires cosmetic attention to make an excellent car.

    Finished in blue with duo tone beige/brown leather interior, the car offers outstanding value for money.

    Note: The car has failed the MoT on the following. Headlights to low - Front brake discs - Exhaust clamps corroded and Nearside front suspension mounting excessively corroded.

    Exhaust clamps corroded: not so bad.

    Suspension mountings corroded: Very, very bad!
     
  19. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    That's right, itr was the one at the Barons auction. The interior was ok, it was especially the body that was really bad.
    It was definitely "underdescribed" in the auction catalog, but i'm glad i saw it.

    Jerry
     
  20. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    i have Pete Townshend's very nice RHD here in Kentucky. A convertible. new top/interior. runs very nice. windscreen broken in transit. Dark blue exterior paint needs a repaint. Small rust bubbles in a few areas but very few.
     
  21. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    Hi,
    thanks for letting me know but i'm not looking for a convertible. Actually i'd prefer a 365 to a 400, LHD and if it's a 400, a manual.

    Best regards
    Jerry
     
  22. Challengehauler

    Challengehauler Formula 3

    Jul 28, 2008
    1,315
    NE Connecticut
    Full Name:
    DB
  23. dstacy

    dstacy F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2006
    11,998
    GMT -5 & GMT +1
    Full Name:
    Dave
  24. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    Why did i think a RH drive would be of interest? how bout a 365GT4 2+2 1976 motor/trans out Two cyl. on right have low 100 lb.
     
  25. Drivejay

    Drivejay Rookie

    Jun 4, 2009
    18
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Jerry De Weerdt
    Hi Bundas,
    not sure about a project, i've almost finished the projects i had (they're all up and running now) and i don't know if i want another one... I guess a lot depends on the state the rest of the car is in and of course the price.
    Cheers
    Jerry
     

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