Owning a Ferrari with four seats seems incredibly altruistic. What a practical way to share an awesome driving —and riding– experience with more than one of your favorite passengers! In fact, it triples the sharing! Those who agree can benefit from the ironic twist that a back seat is the kiss of death for Ferrari values. As exotics go, cars like this 1982 Ferrari 400i in Independence, Oregon lag behind the value curve compared to sportier models like the mid-engine 308. Listed as an all-original survivor here on eBay, this V12 Grand Touring car has attracted at least 65 bids and a market value beyond $12,000.
In addition to the 2+2 seating (small rear seats not ideal for adults or long trips), the 400i has a trunk that’s not crammed full of fluid tanks and plumbing, letting you travel with actual luggage. Mid-engined exotics typically offer just enough cargo room for a shaving kit and a platinum card. The black tail panel marks this as an early ’82, built before an interior and exterior overhaul graced later production cars (thanks to Wikipedia for some details).
A light-gray interior is a personal deal-breaker, but they seem popular, and certainly different from black. Sadly, yes, that’s an automatic transmission, Ferrari’s first! Surprisingly more of these cars came with automatic gearboxes than manual. Considering Ferrari made its last manual transmission in 2011, the 400i automatic was clearly ahead of its time.
The “i” in “400i” indicates the Bosch fuel-injection added in 1979. The seller states that this stored collectible was started occasionally during its long hiatus from road travel. For decades it’s been possible to purchase a Ferrari for under $30,000, but Ferrari ownership is not for everyone. Before bidding, make sure you budget at least $5000 per year to keep it running. A built small-block Chevy 350 would make more power than this complex V12’s 310, but only shooting the Pope rates as a surer way to attract angry Italians. Got what it takes to restore a Ferrari and share your awesomeness? If you could invite anyone, what three passengers would you bring along?
HA! I almost hurt myself laughing at this one, great post, Todd! I have always liked these cars even when they were looked down upon by the Ferrari fanatics, like the good old days when Porsche fanatics used to frown upon the 912, 914, and 928. The 400i and maybe a Mondial used to be affordable Ferraris, I’m not sure if there is such a thing anymore. Three passengers? Hmm.. this is still a family show, isn’t it? I’ll wait to hear everyone else’s responses.
Thanks, Scotty. I love these cars, and I’ve been watching them for, well, a long time. One of the young car guys at work said “It looks like it could have Nissan or Toyota badges.” Ouch! Maybe a Skyline GTR. After working on the Kugelfischer those twin injection pumps kind of give me the willies. I’d want a five-speed but, man, these things are about as cool as it gets from the early ’80s.
Charlie? Charlie Babbit? Is that you? How’s Raymond?
I think these used GM TH350 gearboxes, so a small block Chevy swap should be less complex than other options.
Personally, I think a Coyote V8 is a much more interesting middle finger.
Nice!
Another ‘middle finger’ move that I’ve been thinking about for a while would be to pull the engine from one of these, rebuild it and outfit it with a symphony of Weber carbs, then put it in a Shelby Daytona kit car.
The smartass in me just loves that.
LOL, Superformance Cobra kit or go home!
Loved these even before Tom Cruise drove one in RainMan. Mine would have to be a manual and it would have to be a latter 412. But very unique.
Who would I invite? The Kardashians. All relegated to the rear seats.
I’ve sat in the back seat of one of these. None of the Kardashians that I have seen pictures of would fit.
Always liked these, pretty cool looking boxy styling.
I’d want a 5 speed though and the interior colour is not the greatest.
How do you change the oil without making a huge mess?
At least filters are easy to get at.
Heard bill Cosby had one of these….
My Subaru had the same deal with the oil filter. Not a fan of it.
Wonder how many who paid big bucks for these knew they were driving around with a Chevy transmission?
Strictly speaking it’s a GM corporate transmission. From memory it was the trusty TH-400
Given production numbers, likely fewer than the Jaguar and Rolls drivers who did the same….
Having owned Ferrari vehicles for over 25 years, I have 3 comments of relevance:
1. Multiply the purchase price by 3, and this should get you to a roadworthy and presentable
2- driver car.
2. Add $7.00 per mile driven for maintainance
And repairs.
3. Make sure you are an AAA member to call for towing assistance.
Agree for sure! What’s worse than not owning a Ferrari? Owning a Ferrari automatic 400 or 412.
Geez… I dunno… 4 seats, automatic transmission, funky 80’s 2+2 styling… so, none of the excitement of a Ferrari, but all of the maintenance expense. Not to mention the unbelievable wad of cash that must be dropped getting it into respectable condition… and the buy-in, don’t forget the buy-in.
As many times as I’ve promised myself a Ferrari before I pass to that great racetrack in the sky, this won’t be the one.
I always liked the styling on these which was not a popular opinion when they were introduced. I passed on one of these about a year ago at $27k – kicking myself today. For comparison, there is a much nicer 412 on auction currently ending today that has already reached $62,500. It will probably reach $75k – no nice cheap Ferrari’s left.
A v12 Ferrari, what can I say, not the most desirable model but it still makes the right noises.
As Ferraris go, I’ve always found this to be the best looking car. As long as the V12 engine runs like it should, I’d be willing to pay the money for it.
There was one of these in blue for sale here in Mexico.
I think they wanted around $30,000 USD for it.
I wouldn’t be able to handle the repairs where I am, but it does have flip up headlights, so that is reason enough to buy it.
I’ve always liked this model. The prices have gone up on them after resting near bargain rates for a long time. I am not near a dealer or an independent who knows these cars, so i would have to take a pass. And the interior doesn’t bother me as long as it isn’t Black, Red, or Green.
Fine, fine- you angry guidos don’t like the 350? I’ll put in an LSX then!
Fixed it…
I have to admire the older Ferraris. And I defenitly have a soft spot for them. Automatic is a downer but look at the bright side, no clutch overhaul is needed. Plus, these engines have timing chains not belts. Those chains usually go 60,000 miles before they need to get changed. Just finished clutch and cam belts on a 612 Scaglietti, $15k and it’s drivable again (for another 3-5 years😣).
I owned one. Loved the looks but it had completely lack luster performance especially with the automatic. And the exhaust note was not all that.
I always wondered how you change those oil filters, then a former Ferrari owner told me that you punch a hole in the top to allow it to drain before you remove it. Can anyone confirm that this is the standard method?