1982 Ferrari 400 GTi Manual

A rare manual gearbox, UK right-hand drive. GTi, one of only 25. The unusual Azzurro Metallic looks great with the beige/ light blue leather interior Rear air-con from new, an expensive option. Tools, jack and original book pack with service history 52,275 miles. UK V5c & supplied with an MOT The 400GT was a larger-engined version of the 365GT4 2+2 that it replaced, and the 4823cc V12 power unit provided the new car with much-improved performance over its elder sister. With the arrival of the 400i in 1979, the Webers were replaced with Bosch 'K' Fuel Injection to improve emissions resulting in the output dropping substantially from 340bhp down to 305 bhp, however, some three years later, re-profiled camshafts restored around 5 bhp, bringing the output up to 310bhp. All Ferraris built in this period were costly, low-production machines, based on increasingly complex tubular chassis frames clad in hand-crafted body shells which had been styled by Pininfarina and were produced at the Scaglietti coachbuilding works in Modena. This 1982 Ferrari 400 GTi, one of only 25 manual UK-market, right-hand drive cars, was supplied through Emblem Sports cars on 9th November 1982 to its first owner, a Mrs A. Fournier of Poole, Dorset. Finished in a delightful shade of Azzurro Metallica with Beige/Sky Blue hide, the car was specified with Royal Blue carpets along with desirable rear air-conditioning - a ú710 option from new! After a couple of years of ownership, the Ferrari was sold to a Mr J.D Lawrence who kept it until 2004 when it was purchased by a Mr J. Connell. During Mr Connell's ownership, around 2008/9, the car benefitted from a host of mechanical works undertaken by specialist Neal Lucas Sports Cars. This included a replacement fuel pump and fuel filters, inner/outer rear wheel bearings, rebuilding of the starter motor, a replacement clutch, a front hub assembly overhaul, replacement front brakes disc and pads, and most importantly, an engine overhaul which included replacement exhaust valves, a new head gasket, new timing chain, and new cam covers. Invoices from the aforementioned specialist total more than ú15,000 for this work. The car is accompanied by its tools and jack, the original book pack containing the service history, numerous invoices and old MOTs, a UK V5c and will arrive at the sale with a fresh MoT Certificate. The odometer currently reads just 52,275 miles. These four-seat, 400 Series Ferraris were essentially 'Grand Tourers' but with the five-speed manual box, 310bhp and 1,700kg they were no slouch, and a top speed of 150mph is within reach. Classic V12 Ferraris are becoming exceptionally difficult to source, particularly really good 400s, many having languished in a corner for years before being taken off the road, so well-maintained, quality cars are finding a ready market. This rare, manual gearbox car in a super colour with its distinctive interior is particularly desirable and is sure to find a good home.