CLASSICS CHATTER AUCTION UPDATES: 1977 FERRARI 400 CONVERTIBLE - Friday 18th MAY 2018 The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TL

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TODAY WE FEATURE

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS

Friday 18th MAY 2018

The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TL

1977 FERRARI 400 CONVERTIBLE

Registration: XLG 664R

Chassis Number: 20917

Engine Number: 20917

Number of cylinders: 12

CC: 4823

Year of Manufacture: 1977

RHD/LHD: Right Hand Drive

Estimate (£): 45,000 - 50,000

(+buyer's premium of 15% including VAT @ 20%)

Very rare, bespoke 400 Automatic Convertible
From 20 years current ownership and has been dry stored during that period. Will have a fresh MOT for the sale
Showing only 2,500 miles which may well be correct considering the above and the car's amazing condition
Believed to be one of six converted by the company that owned AC Cars using the operating mechanisms from the RR Corniche
Superbly finished in Deep Blue with a well-fitting soft top in dark blue
Considerably more elegant and much rarer than an Aston V8 Volante

Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the 400GT was the last of Ferrari's legendary carburetted V12s. Utilizing a massive 4.8-litre, 4-cam V12 engine free from pollution controls and fitted with six twin-choke Weber DCOE carburettors, the engine produced 340bhp and 347 foot-pounds of torque. Ferrari's splendidly equipped 2+2 featured self-levelling independent rear suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and air conditioning.

This 1977, right-hand drive Ferrari 400 Automatic is a very interesting and rare car indeed as it’s a bespoke convertible 400 and is only showing 2,500 miles on the odometer. Ferrari never offered a soft top version of their 400 and although one-offs occasionally surface, this very special example looks altogether more professional. We are informed that the conversion was one of six carried out by AC Cars using mechanisms and parts from the Rolls Royce Corniche convertible although, it must be said, there is no official documentation with the car confirming this.

The car looks fabulous in a deep Midnight Blue, the paint finish remains deep and glossy, and the shut lines are excellent. The soft top is dark blue and has obviously been professionally fitted and the look is completed by immaculate silver Cromodoras. The interior is equally impressive with Dark Blue leather, Deep Blue carpets edged in Biscuit, and Dark Cream leather seating piped in Blue. It has been owned by our private vendor for the past 20 years and carefully dry-stored for most of that period. The indicated low mileage of just 2,500 could well be correct but cannot be verified, but given the long-term storage, it's quite conceivable. A recent recommission is being carried out following the Ferrari's return from storage and will naturally include 12 months MOT.

This is one stylish, good looking motor car, particularly in profile, and the fact that Ferrari rejected the possibility of offering a 400 Convertible, suggests a missed opportunity. We conclude that this unique conversion offers a distinct alternative to an equivalent Aston Martin V8 Volanté at a fraction of the price.