It’s not every day that a twelve-cylinder Ferrari from the disco era pops up for sale—especially one that’s this well-preserved. Listed here on eBay and located in the United States, this 1979 Ferrari 400i Automatic is a clean and complete grand tourer showing just over 67,000 miles. The seller has owned it for four years, primarily using it for shows, and the 4.8-liter V12 under the hood was reportedly rebuilt in 2020. The car is said to be drivable, with a remarkably well-kept original leather interior. It’s offered with a clean title and no warranty, as-is.
The Ferrari 400i is something of a sleeper in the world of classic exotics. It replaced the 365 GT4 2+2 and continued Ferrari’s tradition of front-engined V12 grand tourers. While the “i” designation would later refer to fuel injection in 1980, the 1979 cars like this one still used six Weber twin-choke carburetors—making them more sought-after by enthusiasts who prize old-school performance. This model also carries the 3-speed GM-sourced automatic transmission, a somewhat controversial but historically correct choice for the era, favored by buyers looking for comfort over outright sport.
According to the listing, the V12 was fully rebuilt in 2020 and has only seen 200 miles since then. Supporting photos of the rebuild are included in the ad. The carburetor air filters were replaced during this time for improved drivability, though no other major modifications are mentioned. It’s clear this was a garage-kept showpiece rather than a regular driver.
The gray paint presents well in photos, and the interior is stated to be original leather in near-perfect condition. While the Ferrari 400i doesn’t have the immediate flash of some of its more famous stablemates, the elegant lines penned by Pininfarina and the long, low proportions give it a commanding presence. This one’s subtle looks, combined with that twelve-cylinder soundtrack, make for an intriguing package.
These Ferraris have long flown under the radar, but rising interest in ’70s and ’80s European exotics has started to pull them into the spotlight. If you’re looking for a unique, V12-powered Italian cruiser that won’t blend into a crowd, this might be one to watch.
That’s a beauty, Elizabeth! Wedge: check. Pop-up headlights: check. Silver with red leather interior: check. 5-speed manual… er.. It seems as if the 400-series rarely came with a manual; maybe that was the GT aspect. Between these and the Mondial, they may be the last affordable Ferraris.
Apparantly the autoloader worked beautifully in this beast and suited its GT nature perfectly.
400 auto, marked on the rear panel. 400i was introduced in 1979, but was marked as such with the number on three places on the body.
Besides, the pictures clearly show the carburetors
Always liked the style but just like the v12 jag of this era: they just take your hard earned money and never give it back. a new power plant, hum? Something new and maintenance free. Buy it cheap
I recall reading that the 512BB with Webers revved higher than the later injected models – the redline was limited by the injectors’ ability to fire, I guess. I would bet that this is also true of the V12s in the 400s, but with the automatic, I doubt redline was seen often.
Pinifarina did an outstanding job of the body design – so few adopted straight lines and sharp angles well. The proportions are excellent, and the car probably sounds great with a manual transmission. Grey looks really good on this car, too.
Bosch K-Jetronic on both 400i and 512BBi, so the injectors don’t ’fire,’ per se; no such limitation there.
Am I the only one that loves the 6 Weber set up? That’s awesome
Carbs are awesome until you have to tune them, looks like a nightmare to tune up this power plant. No plug & play here…..
Carbs are awesome until you have to tune them, looks like a nightmare to tune up this power plant. No plug & play here…..
There is an instrument for tuning Weber multicarb units. It’s expensive and in Athens Greece a mechanic can borrow one (if he is in good terms with the mechanic owner!). Yet all the carbs should have the same wear and all the cylinders of the plant be similar in wear and tear (compression rate)
A automatic and a red interior, i would rather have the sellers other Ferrari listed, a 365GT4 2+2, but yes more money.
Has anyone else noticed links to eBay from the articles acting wonky? I wanted to see the price so I clicked and got the home page. If I refreshed I would momentarily get the listing but then it would go away and the home page came back. What?
The vehicle registration expired in 2016, does this mean the buyer faces a load of back taxes to California before it can be registered elsewhere???
I haven’t lived in Cali for a long time, but back in the day there were no fees or fines if you filed a “non-operative” form with DMV.
Been here thirty-five years … was $0 for a long time, but when my ’96 Nissan King Cab didn’t pass smog (check engine light) a couple years ago, non-op was $60 … I didn’t pay it, dropped it at the local Nissan dealer which fixed it (oxygen sensor), paid a late fee (less than a non-op) and I was good to go …
I know I will probably get banned for saying this. But when I first saw the picture of the full on rear of the car, I thought of the 75-80 Chevy Monza/Pontiac Sunbird coupe.
GM already copied the ’71-72 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 greenhouse for their Monza/Sunbird/Starfire/Skyhawk hatchbacks, so little surprise the Monza/Sunbird notchback coupes may also have taken some inspiration from the tail of the ’72-76 365 GT4 2+2 (the first-gen of this body design).
I see the “glasshouse” of a 79 Malibu
I agree. That side view looks a lot like my folks silver 1979 Chevy Malibu coupe, especially the roofline/C-pillar.
man gotta love anything with 6 Weber DCOE’s
I owned a 365 GT 4 back in the late 70s early 80s. I would rather have a 400i auto. Cars would go out of tune continuously. And I really didn’t think much of the manual gearbox. The cars still look elegant for quite a large vehicle.
If you’re looking for a “cheap” running and driving Ferrari, it doesn’t get much lower than this one.
It has the glasshouse of a Chevy Malibu of similar vintage
Both of them among the many designs inspired in various ways by Pininfarina’s highly influential Lancia Florida II show car of 1957:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/pininfarinas-revolutionary-florida-the-most-influential-design-since-1955/
Located in: Yorba Linda, California,
Bidding ended on Fri, Jul 18 at 2:23 PM.
US $15,300.00
14 bids
Reserve not met
The seller has relisted this item
https://www.ebay.com/itm/167656586795
The most expensive car you will ever own is a cheap Ferrari.