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Car Tales: Most Distinguished: Ferrari 400i 5-Speed

The beautiful Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, Ferrari 400 and Ferrari 412 are front-engined V12 2+2 grand tourers, made by Ferrari between 1972 and 1989, and all distinguished by their subtle sporty demeanor. The three cars are closely related, using the same body, chassis and engine which evolved over time.
1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed for sale
Following Ferrari practice, their numeric designations refer to their engines’ single-cylinder displacement expressed in cubic centimeters. The 365 GT4 2+2 was introduced in 1972 to replace the 365 GTC/4. It then evolved into the 400, which was the first Ferrari available with an automatic transmission. In 1979 the 400 was replaced by the fuel injected 400 i. The improved 412 ran from 1985 to 1989, bringing to an end Ferrari’s longest-ever production series.

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Although the option of an automatic transmission might suggest it may have been designed for the American market, no version of these grand tourers was ever officially imported into the United States – Enzo Ferrari believed that emerging environmental and safety regulations and a 55 MPH national speed limit suggested the company’s 8-cylinder cars would suffice in the US market. Many, however, entered as grey imports.
Ferrari turned to frequent styling partner Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, whose three-box design for the 365 GT4 2+2 had been a clear departure from its fastback predecessor, the 365 GTC/4.
1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed side view
It followed Fioravanti’s Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona as the second Ferrari to feature the characteristic swage line – swaging is a forging process that involves the use of compressive forces to deform and manipulate the shape of a workpiece via a die – dividing the body into upper and lower halves.
The soon-to-be highly distinguished Leonard Fioravanti had been born on 31 January 1938 in Milan, where he studied mechanical engineering at the Politecnico di Milano, specializing in aerodynamics and car body design. Joining the already legendary Pininfarina as a stylist in 1964, at the age of 26, he worked there for twenty-four years, eventually becoming Managing Director and General Manager of Pininfarina’s research arm, Pininfarina Studi & Ricerche.
Fioravanti then joined Ferrari as Deputy General Manager, and in 1989 moved to Fiat’s Centro Stile as Director of Design.
Two years later in 1991 he left Fiat to set up his own design studio, Fioravanti Srl. His two sons, Matteo, an architect, and Luca, an attorney, have also worked with him at Fioravanti Srl. Fioravanti developed a number of prototype and concept automobiles, often displayed under his own name.
1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed rear view
In 2012 he was appointed by BAIC Group, the Chinese automobile company, as a design consultant.
In 2009 Leonardo Fioravanti was elected Chairman of ANFIA Car Coachbuilders Group for a 3-year mandate from 2009 to 2011. Octane magazine awarded Fioravanti the International Historic Motor Award Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed interior
And we have one of Fioravanti’s masterpieces right now at Beverly Hills Car Club, a Pininfarina-designed 1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed with 49,831 kilometers on the odometer, or a mere 30,963 miles of pure driving pleasure. Draped in the captivating Rosso Corso exterior, this Ferrari exudes sophistication and timeless elegance. The striking red hue is perfectly complemented by a luxurious tan interior, creating a harmonious blend of style and comfort.
This European-market example is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, fuel-injection, quad-cam 4.8-liter F101C Colombo V12, four-wheel disc brakes, Veglia Borletti instrumentation, Pininfarina fender badges, quadruple exhaust outlets, 3-spoke steering wheel, center console, retractable headlights, fog lights, TRX five-spoke wheels with Ferrari-branded center caps, Michelin tires and a full-size spare tire fitted in the trunk. In addition to its timeless design, this Ferrari comes with a set of special features that set it apart from the rest; featured amenities include air conditioning, dual rearview mirrors, a Continental radio, analog clock, center console, and sun visors.

This particular 400i comes with a comprehensive collection of receipts totaling over $85,000, showcasing the care and investment put into this vehicle over the years. With $70,000 recently spent within in the last two years alone between August 2022 through June 2024, you can rest assured that this Ferrari has been meticulously maintained.
1985 Ferrari 400i 5-Speed engine
Maintenance history includes the replacement of fuel injection accumulators, spark plugs, and ignition wires in 2020, as well as brake, fuel, and climate control system servicing. The seats were also redyed for a refreshed look. In June 2024, dry ice blasting was performed to maintain the pristine condition of this classic Ferrari.

This example also comes with a clean CARFAX report, ensuring peace of mind for the discerning buyer.
Italian sports cars are constantly rising in value and this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-equipped 400i that is mechanically sound.
-Alex Manos, Owner
Ferrari 400i buyer Alex Manos

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