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
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
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
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.
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
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.
you must be psycho/physic er something. With all the cars for sale her (USA) why go to another world.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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
Here's a very nice example. and it's for sale... http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244079 Cheers!
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.
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
