1983 Ferrari 400i Auto

Launched in 1972, the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 was originally fitted with Ferrari's fabulous 4.4 litre V12 with 6 Weber carburettors producing 340bhp mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. In 1976, the 365 was replaced by the 400 Series, powered by an enlarged 4.8 litres, V12 which was now available with the option of a Borg Warner 3-speed automatic gearbox. In 1979, the Webers were replaced with Bosch 'K' Fuel Injection and power dropped slightly to 305 bhp, however, some three years later, re-profiled camshafts restored around 5 bhp, bringing the output up to 310bhp. At the same time in 1982, the interior was heavily revised and incorporated electronic switchgear including buttons to open the bonnet, the boot, and the fuel flaps electrically. Just 883 Automatic '400i' s were produced from 1979 to 1985.

Originally supplied to Lancaster of Colchester for the sum of £32,474, the car was sold and registered to its first owner, a Mr. McTighe of Ingatestone on 1st February 1983. The Ferrari then changed hands in early January, 1985 and became the property of Conrad Ritblat & Co. for the exclusive use of John Ritblat, who later went on to receive a Knighthood and establish one of the largest property empires in the UK. The car remained on the company's books until its closure in 1993 and was then adopted by Anthony Reeback, a fellow director of Conrad Ritblat and registered in his name on the 2nd of February 1989. Mr Reeback kept his distinguished Ferrari right the way through until 1997 when it was purchased by the talented singer-songwriter Andrew Ridgeley of 'Wham' fame. Andrew is well known for his love of cars and had his newly acquired 400i stripped, repainted and re-trimmed in Cream leather with Green piping and new Green carpets. Four years ago the car became part of a private collection where it has remained since. The odometer now indicates just over 58,000 miles and this is supported by its service history, lots of documentation, and old MoTs. The car has recently been serviced and the brakes overhauled and the owner tells us that it's mechanically excellent and even the air conditioning works perfectly.

Lightly used recently, mainly for outings to various Ferrari events up and down the country where the car is well known within the owners club, and graced the FOC stand at the 2014 Salon Privé Concours d' Elegance.A rare opportunity to own a low mileage, low ownership Ferrari 400i.