Looking for a 400 or 412 in the Southeast

stick? auto? budget?

 

check with bundas on this site he has several for sale. I purchased a 400i cabriolet with good results.

Howard Musolf
1981 308gtsi
1982 400i Cabriolet
Maserati Spyder

If it don't fit force it, if it breaks it needed replacement anyway.

Friends don't let friends use Framm filters on their Ferrari's

 

Lexington KY, i have three left. Convertible one black/tan two cyl on RH bank read 100(low) needs head pulled and valves done, $10000. convertible one dark blue/tan RHD, Pete Townsend's car.New top/interior. windshield broke in shipping otherwise a perfect car. One red/dark blue no problems car however cannot get title from Fla. It came with valid title. Beats me. call any time Mitchell 8596191441

 

why not stretch the budget just a bit for Ashman's Series 2 400i 5-speed ?
it looks really nice...

 

Wait for the right car - if you prefer a 412, the right one will come along. My only suggestion: increase your budget a bit and buy a really top notch car - you will be much happier in the end. If you are willing to travel, there is a really pretty one in Sheehan's shop in CA.

Regards,

Art S.

 

So if you do spend more and buy one with service records, there is no guarentee that it will run or last any longer than one without service records. When they break they break, records or not. Most shown mileage on this series of Ferrari are incorrect anyway. Once the car was imported and "DOT'D" the speedos were changed over to miles from k'm's. In many instances they started the new speedo at zero, not accounting for the previous mileage on the replaced speedometer.

So what ever Ferrari you decide to buy, have it totally gone over by a tech with Ferrari knowledge. I bought my 400i with little or no service information. That did not deter me from purchase. I did a bumper to bumper hands on inspection of the car. I was buying a Ferrari from someone I did not know and having it delivered for my approval and inspection to Hershey Pa, while there for the swapmeet, I live in Seattle

I had a local Goodyear dealer put the car up on the hoist and checked the car out from rust issues, to previous body damage. I checked for oil and coolant leaks. I pulled wheels and checked brakes, rotors, and suspention issues. I cross measured from opposite corner to corner for a diamoned frame. I looked for abnormal tire wear. They were so interested in having a Ferrari in their shop they did not charge for the time or use of the hoist.

I did my dudilligence and was very pleased with the results. In my opinion (based on nearly 40 years owning automotive service centers) no amount of service records would surplant a hands on inspection by an expert.

I have seen over the years a number of ficticious documents regarding service on cars offered for sale. With the advent of the computer a dishonest car owner can create reams of documents describing services preformed in glowing terms, when in fact they are totally bogus and completly inaccurate, only designed to inflate the cars value and saleability.


If you are able to do a bit of your own work, these cars are relative easy to work on. The fuel system is standard run of the mill Bosch fuel injection. Most all European cars of the same era used the same basic system. The transmission is GM and reliable Most any transmission shop can perform minor and major service with no trouble, parts are quite inexpensive. The front suspention is European generic and very easy to service as are the brakes and wheels bearings(check Ebay for listing)

Now for the Motor, yes it is expensive to rebuild or major service. There are a number of folks here that have posted alternatives to expensive o/e parts and repairs. The most difficult service issue would be the timing chain and tensioner and the water pump repaclement or rebuild. This I would suggest having done by a Ferrari Service expert.

A good automotive electric shop can diagnos most electrical problems and make necessary repairs. The electrical system is pre diode pre computer systems. Power in/ power out/ thru a relay somehwere. Not complicated just takes a bit of time.

My guess is, this is the best basic entry level Ferrari you could purchase. I'd rather have a 400 series than a 308 as a basic beginner Ferrari. Now I know there are chatters here that will take exception to this statement but keep in mind I have a 308 that we totaly restored mechanicaly, chassis and full strip, rust repair and refinish, before I purchased the 400i.

Before you purchase, check it out, then take it out and drive it hard find the faults before you buy. Nothing takes the place of a through professional insection, and a long hard road test. Oh yes have the attending tech give you a written inspection, listing brake % front and rear, fluid leaks, exhaust system, rust, and previous damage, compression, blow by, "ph" of the coolant, check the oil for signs of coolant, and residue in the oil filler tube, check the output of the electircal system, belts hoses, these are just a few of the basics that might serve to put your mind at ease.

Hope this helps,

Howard Musolf
1981 308 gtsi
1982 400i Cabriolet
Maserati spyder
2 many brass era cars

If it does not fit force it, if it breaks it needed replacement anyway.

Friends don't let friends use Framm filters on their Ferrari's

 

I have a 1986 412 Auto for sale in PA . I am the second owner; 47K miles; Black/Tan. I can tryto send you pics if interested and details of all service I have had performed. I have onwed for almost 5 years and put 10k miles on it. Only stranded me once requiring me to replace the fusebox ($1500+). I wasn't going to post until spring after I had fluids and some work performed.
Let em know.

 

Welcome to FCHat and the 364GT4/400/412 section! Is your car s/n 63755 by any chance? What are you asking for it?