1983 Ferrari 400i |

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1983 Ferrari 400i

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Sold Price

£25,000

Mileage~54,806
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine4.8L
LocationOttershaw

SOLD

1983 Ferrari 400i

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Photographer and Editor

A gentleman’s express in a smart and stylish Pininfarina business suit.

As a symbol of Ferrari’s ability to create a comfortable, stylish and fast 4-seater with panache and presence, the 400i also met the criteria of what was considered impossible - the first automatic Ferrari. The purists were horrified, yet it delivered the very best in performance and control and it anticipated the trend for self-shifting Supercars. Those who owned the Ferrari 400i knew they were onto something special, as proven by its impressive 17-year production run. In its second decade, Ferrari had progressively updated the car and it was now using a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, new camshaft profiles and exhaust headers and showed off a significantly revised interior. It was still powered by the silky smooth 4.8L V12 engine and those elegant Pininfarina lines looked equally as sharp at the end of its production as it did when first unveiled in 1972.

This is a well-maintained example of a 1983 Ferrari 400i finished in "Celeste Blue" with a dark blue leather interior. Showing just ~ 54,806 miles, it comes with an impressive provenance, showing an excellent record of servicing, maintenance and upkeep. Retained by its current keeper for ~21 years, it was serviced just 400 miles ago and has seen £4,000 worth of spending in the past 10 years. It comes with two keys, its full owner's wallet and booklets and an MOT to April 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I love how the squared dials are turned to face the driver, the Berber carpet headlining, and the sumptuous body-hugging soft leather.

David's original intention was to attend an auction to bid on a rare PMG Rapport Estate but got outbid. At the same auction, he was impressed with the elegant style and V12 potency of the Ferrari 400i and focused his attention on that car. He quips with us "I was never allowed to go to an auction alone again after that!"

He told us that the attention to detail is impressive on the car, and that "I love turning up at Italian Day at Brooklands – it sits like a serene grandad amongst all those excitable little red juveniles!" After 21 years of pleasure, he has decided to part ways with the Ferrari, as he'll be leaving the country for pastures afar at the end of the year. David will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

David

Vehicle Owner

David saved £4,500* when they
sold their Ferrari with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Pininfarina’s timeless style and angular lines still maintain an impressive presence on the road.

Wheels and Tyres

The alloys are free of significant damage and present well with a little age-related wear, they look like they would clean up nicely with a bit more elbow grease.

The Michelin TRX tyres are over 10 years old but have not travelled more than 1,200 miles. They all have even tread and look in good shape visually.

Bodywork

The exterior presents positively, confirmed by flush fitting panels and positive shut lines. The floor pan, wheel wells, boot floor and engine bay are solid too. A treatable dent was noted on the lower section of the nearside door. All doors open and close with ease.

The car has minor under-paint blemishes that look to have come with age. We spotted a cluster on the lower nearside rear wing and lower offside wing near the arches and there are a couple of minor bumps under the paint on both front arches. There were also imperfections noted on the left-hand side of the scuttle panel, nose edge, offside corner of the bonnet edge and on the offside C-pillar near the rear screen.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The appealing "Celeste Blue" paint has a consistent coverage and a positive lustre. There are a handful of minor marks and evidence of overspray around the front and rear screen seals. The top of the nearside rear wing boot well has some minor marks but overall, there is nothing that distracts.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

Both the windscreen and rear screen have signs of de-lamination, but the windscreen is only limited to the driver-side bottom corner. The lights and lenses all look good, although the nearside front indicator has sun faded. The chrome trim is complete and in good shape.

The bumpers are flush to the body and free from scuffs, with some minor signs of age noted on the paint.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Original with a little patina in places, the lavish and opulent cabin has lasted well.

Seats and Carpets

The blue leather seats show age-related creases, but considering the age have generally dated well. There are no major rips or tears to note, there are some spots that look to have sheening to the leather colour or staining as pictured.

The carpets are complete and are all damp-free.

Dashboard

The leather dashboard is free of damage but shows mild signs of age in places. Some wear was noted on the edge of the binnacle padding. The centre console switches show signs of age, but David has informed us that all work as they should. The dials are all legible.

The Berber carpet headlining looks good. The driver-side leather door card has worn but like the seats all free from rips. The boot is tidy, suggesting evidence of careful use.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic Ferrari Momo steering wheel has a little age-related wear but displays well generally, and could be further improved with the right product treatment. The automatic gear selector is clean, and the centre console surround looks good too.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The rumbling exhaust note is symphonic, and the effortless power combined with smooth automatic changes make it a total pleasure to drive.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without any issues. There were no knocks or unwanted noises. The dashboard warning lights all remained off as the engine idled. There was no initial exhaust smoke upon start up but we did notice a little when idling after the engine came up to temperature but it wasn’t plumes of black smoke. The engine is cleanly presented, showing evidence of maintenance, with decent ancillaries and hoses. There are minor signs of age on some metal components.

The gearbox operates without any reported faults, engaging drives smoothly without any unwanted noises. Watch the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension deals with the road with no outstanding faults, absorbing the surface without significant noise from the wheels.

The car brakes confidently, even and smoothly with no squeals or vibrations.

The Drive

The 400i appealed to those familiar with the brand, appreciating the luxurious interior ambience and the airy glasshouse. It cruises sweetly at urban speeds, with the considerable advantage of a supercar surge once the no-limit signs appear. For such a heavy car the 400i handles well, with no negative feedback when cornering. The test drive consisted of a 30 to 50-mph drive, which perfectly highlights the 400i’s cruising ability and ride comfort.

Once the engine had nicely warmed up, it pulled well with no hesitation. This allowed David to demonstrate its wide-range torque as he gently prodded the accelerator. It steers without any negative feedback, and the power steering works well with no play or vibration and stays true upon braking.

Electrics and Other

The original electronic ignition is no longer functional and has been replaced by a reliable MSD unit mounted in the boot. The digital odometer has been converted by specialists to analogue. The boot and fuel cap release buttons don't work as mentioned in the video, but the factory manual over-ride mechanism for both work fine.

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History and Paperwork

Meticulously maintained by specialists, this 400i has the invoices to back it up, comes to market from ~21 year ownership, presents well in its smart spec of Blu Celeste Metallizzato over dark blue leather interior.

Registered in January 1983, it comes with a binder of invoices, notes, MOT certificates, owner's booklets and an invoice for its purchase when David bought the car in 2004. Since buying the Ferrari, David has diligently taken notes of its expenditure, which tally up to more than £9,000. Early work under his ownership includes an overhauled metering unit, renewed brake lines, new discs and pads, refurbed injectors and general maintenance work to resolve minor leaks and running issues. There are further invoices back to the mid-90s.

More recent work includes a new fuel pump, cable turret, copper gaskets and a 2017 invoice for £2,350 which covers a valve clearance check, resolving minor leaks, engine cosmetic clean-up and a service.

It comes with 15 service stamps in its original booklet and 6 more recent instances of servicing - the most recent one carried out around 400 miles ago by a Ferrari specialist. It comes with its complete Ferrari wallet and its booklets, workshop manuals, MOT certificates back to 1988 and several photographs documenting some of the mechanical and bodywork repairs. Despite it being legible for free MOT and Road Tax, it has an MOT to April 2026 and comes with two keys.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
09-04-2025	MOT	54,786
09-01-2024	MOT	54,663
02-02-2022	MOT
27-09-2018	MOT	54,445
29-09-2017	MOT	54,445
05-05-2017	Independent Specialist Service	54,431
19-09-2016	MOT	54,376
20-05-2015	MOT	54,120
29-05-2014	Independent Specialist Service	53,829
14-04-2014	MOT	53,721
24-06-2011	MOT	53,616
01-07-2010	MOT	53,430
15-01-2009	MOT	53,340
28-01-2008	Independent Service
25-01-2008	MOT	53,140
12-02-2007	MOT	52,772
16-02-2006	Independent Service	52,509
10-02-2006	MOT	52,488
21-01-2005	MOT	51,593
16-11-2004	Independent Service	51,475
29-01-2004	MOT	51,475
31-10-2002	MOT	51,475
04-05-2001	MOT	51,474
28-08-2000	Ferrari Service	49,339
28-04-2000	MOT	48,330
12-03-1999	MOT	44,015
04-05-1999	Ferrari Major Service	42,952
02-06-1998	Independent Service	40,823
25-02-1998	Ferrari Service	40,205
06-02-1998	MOT	40,076
03-03-1997	MOT	39,506
05-03-1997	Independent Service	39,506
27-04-1996	MOT	39,345
30-11-1994	Independent Service	39,094
18-11-1994	MOT	39,094
24-09-1993	MOT	37,566
01-02-1992	MOT	37,421
	JCT 600 Service	36,670
15-12-1990	JCT 600 40,250 mile Service	33,866
04-12-1990	MOT	33,863
27-10-1989	BMW 34,000 mile Service
11-10-1988	MOT	31,058
10-08-1987	Ferrari 28,000 mile Service	19,958
21-07-1986	Ferrari 21,750 mile Service	10,570
15-01-1986	Ferrari 15,000 mile Service
21-06-1984	Ferrari 9,250 mile Service
07-11-1983	Ferrari 3,000 mile Service
15-02-1983	Ferrari 1,200 mile Service

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Key Details

Model400i
Transmission3-speed Automatic
Reg. Date01-01-1983
CC4,823
Mileage~54,806
HistoryYes
ColourCeleste Blue Metallic
Interior ColourDark Blue
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #44311
Engine #44311
Last Service05-05-2017 (~400 miles ago)
RestoredSome historical bodywork
MOT08-04-2026
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers7
Tyre BrandMichelin TRX
Tyre Age2010
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~21 years
Key FeatureLong-term ownership and well maintained
Auction ID2892

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : DavidM Sale Date 03.07.2025

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6 Comments

Sammy

7 months ago

Hi there can you confirm if the exhaust system is partial or fully stainless and when it was installed, Thanks

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

Sammy

7 months ago

From David: I believe it is a full stainless steel exhaust system. I do not have a record of when it was fitted, but it was before my purchase in December 2004. I believe it is sound in all respects.

Sammy

7 months ago

Hi there can you confirm if the heating controls hot/cold and the blower fans for both sides are working and also if the A/C blows cold

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

Sammy

7 months ago

From David: The Air conditioning fans and controls work, and there is some cooling. However, I have not had cause to change or top up the refrigerant.

nascarjoe

7 months ago

is it possible to view ?

Kulraj Salh

Admin

nascarjoe

7 months ago

Hi,

Please get in touch with us on [email protected] and we will facilitate a viewing at a time that suits both you and the seller.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

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