1979 Ferrari 400 Automatic Coupé

• Rare right-hand drive model
• Automatic transmission
• Bodywork re-sprayed in 2016/2017
• Present ownership since 2019

Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the 400 GT had acquired a 4.8-litre version of Ferrari's four-cam V12 engine but otherwise differed from its 365 GT4 2+2 predecessor only in detail. The 400 GT re-affirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury sports saloons and was intended to attract the type of mature yet discerning customer who previously might have opted for a Bentley or Mercedes-Benz. This latter requirement made the option of automatic transmission a necessity. The unit chosen - General Motors' three-speed Hydra-Matic - was widely regarded as the world's best, having been used by Cadillac and subsequently by Rolls-Royce and Jaguar among others. Ferrari's splendidly equipped 2+2 featured self-levelling independent rear suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and optional air conditioning. Sadly, even after it received fuel injection, the 400 GT - now the 400i GT - remained effectively a Europe-only model because of the expense involved in crash-testing two cars for US safety assessment.

One of only 502 Ferrari 400 GTs made, this rare right-hand drive example was acquired by the immediately preceding owner in August 1992, seeing only occasional use thereafter. In more recent times (2016-2017) this Ferrari underwent various improvements including a re-spray of underlying bodywork; the supply and fitting of a new rear windscreen (the original broke when being removed for the re-spray); and replacement of the dashboard's black leather trim (distorted by sunlight). The rest of the interior is original.

Our vendor purchased the Ferrari at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed sale in July 2019 (Lot 370). The new owner commissioned an extensive service, with many detailed corrections and improvements, by Italia Autosport of Holmforth, West Yorkshire including tuning the engine, renewing fluids and filters, and servicing the brakes, suspension, lights, etc. The current owner has covered approximately 1,500 miles in the Ferrari, which has been kept garaged and much loved.

This rare Ferrari Gran Turismo is offered with a comprehensive box file of history from the previous owner, as supplied by Bonhams in 2019 and updated by our vendor. The owner's handbook and tools may be found in the boot.