Most car-crazy teenagers don’t know about Ferrari’s 400i, and it typically takes a back seat to mid-engined models like the 308, F40, and Enzo, cars that the 400i one-ups simply by having a back seat. This Ferrari shares its fun with four people, and the V12 plays a symphony that American muscle cars only dream about. This 1985 Ferrari 400i features a drop-top conversion by Straman. Located in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where convertible weather extends from late May through early September, this black beauty could be yours just in time for Summer with a high bid here on eBay
For a while, some 15 years ago, I thought I might like to own a Ferrari 400i, though I never considered a convertible. At the time you could get a decent one for $17,000 to $24,000. Perhaps more daunting is the rule of thumb that any exotic car will cost at least $5000 in maintenance every year, and that number is probably higher today.
The supple leather buckets beckon, saying “What’s your name, darling? Hop in and we’ll roll to the beach.” The Ferrari steering wheel angle has been criticized for being rather bus-like, but who cares? The 400i may draw eye-rolls from the Ferrari faithful, but one evening you can leave your arrogant friend standing in the parking lot with his 308 while you roll away to ZZ Top singing “…a fine fox in front… [and] three more in the back.” Well, three might be a tight squeeze but hey, we’re all friends here. Sadly, yes, that is an automatic shifter you’re seeing there… in a Ferrari… just like every Ferrari made today.
Interestingly, most 400i transmissions came from America; perhaps you’ve heard of General Motors’ Turbo-Hydramatic 400? (Thanks to petrolicious.com for some details). The 310 HP (net) fuel-injected V12 vaulted the 400i to 60 in, well, 7.1 seconds… but this was the mid-’80s when the Corvette delivered a mere 230 HP. I didn’t dare look up current values for these cars, and I’m not sure how the Straman convertible modification affects their value. This may represent an entry-level Ferrari for someone banking on their values hitting their stride in the near future, or a practical yet uncommon entity: an Italian V12 that you can drive to The Historic Festival at Lime Rock with your kids legally seat-belted in back. What’s that worth to you?
A friend at schools dad had a hard top version so always known about these.
An ugly car but with prices as they are they might be only hope for those wanting to own a Ferrari.
There is one down the street from me under a car cover in the driveway. I’ve tried to buy it several times with no luck.
That must be some neighborhood you live in, I would more likely see an old K-Car where I live. Call yourself lucky they won’t sell, can you just imagine what parts and servicing cost for a car like that? Of course, if your just a nasty old flipper trying to take the next non thinker for a ride, then, it might be right up your alley.
Nasty old flipper?
Never cared for them when new but now I think these are pretty. Esp the rear end and tail lights.
They are actually getting more desirable than the “magnum PI” model due to rear seats (usable rear seats – I’m looking at you Porsche!).
The TH400 was used in a lot of exotic cars, Rolls Royce and Bentley used them too. Since this car is already modified I would deff. Swap the trans to something with OD for highway use. What’s a direct replacement for th400 with overdrive? The 200-r4 maybe?
Always thought these 400i ferraris were pretty cool looking even though they are the red headed stepchild of ferrari they are so different there cool! Ill never own one but if i did it would have to be a stick.
Apparently people bought them to repower other ferraris making them even rarer with original drivetrain.
Sometimes people say we’re too critical with our comments here, but sometimes it fits. Editor’s not doing his job, doesn’t recognize the 4 seat 308 (GT4), ironic as it was once dumped with the 400i at the bottom of the barrel in terms of collector’s desirability and now for my negative slam, – “oh my, don’t those over-stuffed seats look like they just got ripped out of a Chrysler TC Maserati.” (sic)
The transmission goes away to be replaced by a Tremec 5 speed which increases driveability and gas mileage increases by one third. You need to own the car near either a servicing dealer or an independent who knows what they are doing. And yes, these cars were a real bargain at one point. But everyhting has increased in price. Rising tides lift all boats. It’s a hell of car and a joy to own.
A Ferrari with automatic transmission. Some say that’s the reason it took a backseat.
Seems like such a waste ordering a ferrari with an auto. Might as well have ordered a Citation X11 and had a top conversion done…meh.
It’s more of a tourer? I doubt they handle great so not much of a sports car.
When the listing says: “The fuse box was rebuilt.”, might be time to walk away!
I take it you’ve never owned a Fiat, or it’s up-market derivative with a Prancing Horse? A rebuilt fuse box is not entirely unexpected and from a functional standpoint could be a good thing if the ceramic fuses have been trashed and replaced by good old Buss types! As one who likes to drive cars with a degree of reliability, more than I like to quibble about every single detail’s correctness, I don’t regard this as a bad thing! I’d rather not scrape corrosion off the fuse connections on the side of the road on a dark night in a rainstorm! Been there, done that!
I would prefer the coupe to this drop top. The styling is clean and elegant, though not what most guys would think of when the name Ferrari comes up. I do imagine that the upkeep would be the biggest expense. I would love having a car like this in my stable, but my financial situation would make it the only hobby car I could have. Not really a bad thing. I won’t be surprised if the price hits 30k.