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Ferrari 400/400i Convertible By Straman 1985

General description : To the casual enthusiast, the name Ferrari conjures images of high-strung exotic sports cars carving up Alpine passes or cruising the streets of dramatic locales like Monaco and Beverly Hills. Yet since the early 1960s, the famous Maranello firm has offered a luxurious, understated four-seat grand touring car in their catalog. The tradition started in 1960 with the 250 GTE, which holds the distinction of the first serial production Ferrari with four seats. It was an immediate hit, selling nearly 1000 examples and securing Ferrari's future during its 3-year run.

The fact that their first four-seat production model was also the best-selling model to date was not lost on Ferrari, so work began on a suitable follow-up. After the GTE came the 330 GT 2+2, then the 365 GT 2+2 "Queen Mother," both further cementing Ferrari's standing in the luxury GT market. The last365 2+2 rolled out of Maranello in 1971, and by then, the classic 60s styling was looking out of date. The new Daytona ushered in a new era for Ferrari design, and the rest of the line gradually followed suit. In 1972, Ferrari unveiled a new front-engine four-seat V12 GT car – the 365 GT4 2+2. The masters at Pininfarina penned the GT4's understated, crisp body, with its elegant details and just a hint of the performance potential - like a boxer in a finely-tailored Italian suit. The chassis was a stretched version of its stablemate, the GTC/4, with fully independent suspension and self-leveling Koni dampers in the rear. The 4.4-liter V12 shared with the GTC/4 gave it its distinct low-profile bonnet line while delivering ample thrust to propel the car beyond 150 miles per hour.

The GT4 2+2 became the 400 in 1976, which was virtually identical, except for a 4.9-liter version of the venerable V12 engine with side draught carburetors and a few detail changes. Later, Bosch electronic fuel injection replaced the carbs to improve refinement and drivability. An optional GM-sourced TH400 automatic transmission marked the first time Ferrari buyers could have self-selecting gears. The 400 series saw steady sales throughout the 1980s, until the final iteration, the 412, arrived in 1986. Produced from 1972 to 1989, it was the longest-running series in Ferrari history, and it carried the torch for the traditional front-engine V12 long after the rest of the line went to mid-engine designs.

The sophisticated and luxurious 400 series had all the makings of transformation into a high-performance convertible. But despite demand, the factory had no desire to produce an official open version, so the task fell to a select few independent coachbuilders. The best and most desirable of these convertible conversions came from Richard Straman Coachworks of Costa Mesa, California. Straman designed and engineered open-topped conversions for a multitude of makes, though he is best known for his superb work with Ferrari. Our featured 400iA is an excellent example of Mr. Straman's fine craftsmanship.

Shortly after arriving in the USA, this 400i Automatic headed to Straman in Costa Mesa for conversion. At that time, the owner elected to have the car repainted black, and the interior color changed to match. Typical of Straman's work, the craftsmanship meets or exceeds factory standards of the time, with excellent fit and finish all around. It has a beautifully engineered top-mechanism that works smoothly and effectively. As presented today, the black paintwork is attractive, with deep gloss and an honest character earned through regular enjoyment. A minor imperfection or two is noted, consistent with the car's originality and road-ready nature.

The handsome 400iA sits properly on the road, thanks to factory correct Koni suspension and original alloy wheels with Michelin TRX radial tires. Exterior trim is in good original condition, and period touches include amber Cibie fog lights, Vitaloni mirrors, and Scuderia shields on the front wings. The interior is in similarly good order, displaying creasing and cracking in the front seats that are consistent with time and use. The leather-covered dash, door panels, and center console are all in excellent order. Original switchgear all appears in good condition, with the only deviation from standard being a modern stereo system. Straman's top mechanism is superbly engineered, operating smoothly and effortlessly with one hand, and forming a tight seal against the header and side glass. The canvas is taut with the top up, and when folded, a matching black leather boot is easily fitted. With the top up or down, it could be taken for a factory job.

After spending time on the East Coast, this 400iA came into the care of an enthusiastic collector who maintained it in top condition. During his eight-year tenure, the owner enjoyed the car thoroughly, while sparing little expense in its care and maintenance. Highlights of the history file include new fuel injectors and seals, new ANSA style mufflers supplied by Timevalve Manufacturing, overhauled fuel distributors, and more. It is very well sorted and in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically, having been regularly enjoyed on weekend drives.

The Ferraris that passed through Richard Straman's workshop have developed a cult following, as enthusiasts appreciate their craftsmanship, quality, and style. This 400iA is an excellent example of this rare breed and is ready for its next caretaker to enjoy for years to come.


Offers welcome and trades considered

1985 Ferrari 400/400i Convertible By Straman is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Hyman Ltd. for $74500.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Ferrari Model : 400/400i Model Version : Convertible By Straman Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1985 Sub type : Convertible Location : Missouri Vehicle Registration : Undefined

74500 $

Seller Information

Hyman Ltd.

Hyman Ltd.
314-524-6000
Contact Seller

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About Ferrari
The first Ferrari road car was the 125 S introduced in 1947 and powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine, right?
Well it's not quite that simple, Ferrari did in fact produce e Tipo 815, in 1940. Tipo 815 was designed by ex-Alfa Romeo engineers Alberto Massimino and Vittorio Bellentani and by Enrico Nardi under Enzo's company but legal issues with the former associate Alfa Romeo prevented Ferrari from launching the Ferrari marque at that point.

Enzo did produce a series of fine road cars in the 50's and 60's but they were merely to finance his true passion racing, wheather GT/Sports car or Grand Prix. The 50's saw the birth of Ferrari's most memorable cars, 250 GTB (tour de France) 250 Testa Rossa, 250 GT swb just to name a few.

Under the surface tension was growing though. In November 1961 long-time sales manager Girolamo Gardini made an ultimatum to Enzo: if tensions continued, he would leave the company. As a result, Gardini was ousted, as well as Scuderia Ferrari manager Romolo Tavoni, chief engineer Carlo Chiti, experimental sports car development chief Giotto Bizzarrini, and a number of others who stood by them.
Without Chiti and Bizzarrini the development of what was to become the most quintessential Ferrari and today the world's most expensive car, 250 GTO, was at a pivoting point. 250 GTO project was saved by a young engineer Mauro Forghieri and long-time racing bodyman Sergio Scaglietti who stepped in and took over the program with known results.

In addition to 250 GTO, Ferrari launced such master pieces as 250 LM, 250P, 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" during the the 60's
By the late 60's Ferrari's prototypes' success came to a sudden halt by a new competitor, GT40. Ford turned to Lola to produce a Ferrari beating long distance racer after Enzo had cut the deal off with Henry Ford II making the latter absolutely boil with fury. The collaboration between Ford and Lola created the mighty Ford GT40 that gave Ferrari some heavy hits in Le Mans 24 to come.
By the end of the 60's FIAT purchased 50% of the company, starting a development that has led to a new mass-produced era of Ferraris.

Whether you are selling or looking for a classic Ferrari www.classicdigest.com is the place to check out.