• Factory right hand drive V12 Ferrari
• Long Australian history
• Attractive ‘Prancing Horse’ enthusiasts’ project
It’s got the famous Prancing Horse badge on its long bonnet above a proper Ferrari V12 engine – six more cylinders than the latest 2014 V6-engined Ferrari F1 car that will make its debut at Albert Park in March.
Yet the factory right hand drive 1980 model Ferrari 400i coupe could change hands for just Fiat 500 money at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction on Monday, February 17.
Delivered new in the UK, the Pino Verdi (deep metallic green) front-engined occasional four-seater Ferrari is being offered with a realistic reserve amongst the 45 classic and special vehicles in the auction, with Shannons quoting a guiding range of $15,000-$20,000.
According to the vendor, an estimated $25,000 has been spent on the Ferrari’s maintenance in recent years, but it’s still far from new.
Its body and paintwork require some TLC and as it has come out of long-term storage and its original 4.8 litre, fuel injected 228kW V12 engine and other mechanical components may need some recommissioning before you can enjoy its potential on the Autostrada.
However it’s four-seater leather interior shows an acceptable patina, its original Cromodora factory alloy wheels are in great shape and the badge on its bonnet, the silver Prancing Horse on its tail and the Ferrari script on its bootlid bestow undeniable bragging rights.
Just having it in their garage could be enough for the true tifosi and Shannons believe enthusiasts may be tempted to buy the Ferrari for its aura alone, or as a project vehicle.
Then, if they want a classic ‘Italian’ to drive to the shops, they could add the one-owner-from-new 1969 Fiat 125 Sedan ($3,000-$5,000), or the similarly ‘no reserve’ 1963 Fiat 600D sedan ($8,000-$12,000) that are also in the February 17 auction and still have change from the cost of a Commodore!
