Driving a 400i in the rain | FerrariChat
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Driving a 400i in the rain

Discussion in '365 GT4 2+2/400/412' started by Californiacarguy, Feb 5, 2007.

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  1. Californiacarguy

    Californiacarguy Rookie

    Feb 5, 2007
    2
    #1 Californiacarguy, Feb 5, 2007
    Hello all,

    I'm considering purchasing a 400i, so I have read as much as I could find. I'm still left with a question however: can these cars be driven in the rain. I ask because I have (or have had) a number of unusual cars that leaked in to the cabin when it rained (even with new/perfect seals). It made going away for a weekend an issue, as I had to keep a constant eye on the weather forecast. I don't intend to drive this car in the rain as a rule, but if I get caught in a storm, I don't want it to be a major issue.

    Any insights would be appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
  2. aidanparte

    aidanparte Formula 3

    Jul 18, 2004
    1,231
    #2 aidanparte, Feb 5, 2007
    I have driven mine in torrential rain for long periods with no leaks at all.
     
  3. modena1_2003

    modena1_2003 F1 Rookie

    Aug 17, 2005
    3,954
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #3 modena1_2003, Feb 5, 2007
    This is interestingly ironic for me. My first Ferrari drive was in an 83' (or 85' )400i Convertible. It was a rare model that I found in a local paper for sale at around 40K. Thought I would do a little talk-the-talk, so I could get behind the wheel, and it worked!

    The car belonged to the seller's father who had a very nice home on the beach. We cruised for a good hour in it with the top down. Very nice. The next day I called and said I would like to take another look at it, though we met further inland and it was pouring rain. Still - very nice car, but there was a small drip in the corner of the driver's side window. All and all though a very nice drive.

    Kind Regards,
    Jon
     
  4. bernardo66

    bernardo66 The Crazy Cat Man
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 14, 2003
    26,488
    Montreal Canada
    Full Name:
    Bernie
    #4 bernardo66, Feb 5, 2007
  5. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
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    #5 Ashman, Feb 5, 2007
    Not only does the 400i stay perfectly dry inside during heavy rains, it actually performs and handles quite well. Good wipers, pretty good ventilation.

    John
     
  6. aleventhal

    aleventhal Formula Junior

    Jan 11, 2005
    661
    Sparks, MD
    Full Name:
    Alexander Leventhal
    #6 aleventhal, Feb 6, 2007
    I do - and I can confirm that it does not leak in the rain or snow! You will not have a problem. Repro 308 or real 328 wheels are the way to go if you want to fit a decent all season or snow tire, btw.
     
  7. Californiacarguy

    Californiacarguy Rookie

    Feb 5, 2007
    2
    #7 Californiacarguy, Feb 6, 2007
    Thanks for the info. That's very encouraging. The fact that people are even considering using these as daily transportation speaks well for the car.

    Again, thanks.
     
  8. modena1_2003

    modena1_2003 F1 Rookie

    Aug 17, 2005
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    Jon
    #8 modena1_2003, Feb 6, 2007
    It is a very good daily driver. You have the get-up-and-go without a million eyes on you all the time.

    I guess the car I drove had a bad fit to the top, but as I understand they are very good in all weather!


    Best
    Jon
     
  9. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
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    John
    #9 Ashman, Feb 7, 2007
    Since none of the cut cars came from the factory, the shop who made the conversion is a big factor in how well the convertible top fits.

    John
     

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