FERRARI 400 CABRIOLET 1983 -VERY RARE

This Ferrari 400i Spider is a striking example of the marque’s 1980s flagship grand tourer, as one of just two cars converted from new to Spider specification by Lorenz & Rankl at the request of Brunei royalty.

Under the bonnet is a 4.8-litre fuel-injected V12, delivering around 310hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.

It was purchased new via Maranello Concessionaires in the UK in October 1983 as a tax-free sale, with the car being immediately exported to Germany for the Lorenz & Rankl Spider conversion, before the subsequent onward shipment to Brunei. The car was later re-imported into the UK and registered with the DVLA in 2002, where it is now offered for sale.

The high-end Lorenz & Rankl conversion was carried out between 1983 and 1984 and cost in excess of £30,000 (circa £120,000 adjusted for inflation), in addition to the cost of the new Ferrari 400i.

Part of a marque enthusiast’s collection; the Ferrari has been the subject of a programme of continuous cosmetic and mechanical improvement, supported by £88,441 worth of accompanying specialist invoices, £23,000 of which has been spent within the last 1,000 miles.

The Ferrari received a service by renowned specialist Bob Houghton in July 2024, at a cost of £3,830.59.

The five-digit odometer shows 11,220 miles., which is believed to accurate.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

While it left the factory painted in the Nero Tropicale color, the Ferrari 400i Cabriolet now finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero soft top, over a Nero leather-trimmed interior.

It rides on the correct five-spoke alloy wheels which have been recently refurbished and finished in gold, and are equipped with recently fitted Michelin TRX tyres.

Equipment includes a three-spoke leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, air conditioning, Veglia Borletti instrument dials, auxiliary gauges and analogue clock, and electric windows all around.

This example is fitted with a more recent stereo head unit.

The Ferrari is accompanied by its owner’s pack, service book, £88,441 of supporting invoices, correspondence from marque historian Tony Willis and 365/400 model archivist David Ramm authenticating the car’s provenance and conversion details, two keys, and its V5C UK registration document.

CONDITION

Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.

Specific notes from the seller include the following: The centre console has a patina on the edges, and one heater valve control plastic casing is cracked. The paintwork has been the subject of recent restoration and refurbishment work by specialists AWW, Silverstone, as per the accompanying £6,708 invoice from January 2024.

There is a very slight gearbox oil leak.

The most recent MOT test was on 1 May 2024 at 10,947 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.

The car had full machine polish/waxing /detailing by AWW one week ago and has not been driven since.

SERVICE HISTORY

The last maintenance was a service in July 2024 at 11,101 miles by specialist Bob Houghton. This included an engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant change.

Part of a marque enthusiast’s collection, the Ferrari has been the subject of a programme of continuous improvement cosmetic and mechanical improvement, supported by £88,441 worth of accompanying invoices, £23,000 of which has been spent in the last 1,000 miles.

The following information consolidates spending and mileage over the last thirteen years, totalling £88,441.

Dates, mileage and expenditure:

2024 – 11,101 miles - £11,200

2023 – 10,769 miles - £8,729

2022 – 10,360 miles - £2,317

2021 – 9,759 miles - £5,169

2020 – 9,629 miles - £473

2019 – 9,429 miles - £2,955

2018 – 9,266 miles - £587

2017 – 9,150 miles - £13,645

2011 – 6,498 miles - £11,159

2010 – 5,773 miles - £23,714

2009 – 5,770 miles - £8,493

SUMMARY

This Ferrari 400i Spider is a striking example of the marque’s flagship 1980s grand tourer, and one of just two cars converted from new to Spider specification by Lorenz & Rankl at the request of Brunei royalty. It combines the model’s glorious V12 and sharp Pininfarina lines with the joys of open-top motoring with room for four. The impressive history file, authenticated provenance, and exceptionally rare conversion make this a particularly intriguing find in the market, and it should prove to be a dashing long-distance tourer, summer cruiser and car show exhibit. NOTE :The personal registration plate is NOT included in the sale