• A factory prototype for the Ferrari 400i; began life as a 365 GT4 2+2
• Retained by Ferrari for development purposes between 1975 and 1980
• Accompanied by factory test documents, and a report by marque expert Marcel Massini
• A fascinating restoration project for a Ferrari enthusiast

Completed in 1975 as a 365 GT4 2+2 and finished in Argento Metallizzato over a Beige interior, chassis 18415 is understood to have been retained by the factory for testing and development purposes. According to a letter from Tony Willis of The Maranello Concessionnaires Archive, the Ferrari was fitted with an automatic gearbox and a 400 engine, fed first by carburettors and, ultimately, fuel injection during its time as an “Esperianza” car. During this time, it is said to have been driven by Scuderia Ferrari ace, Niki Lauda.

A report by marque expert Marcel Massini states that the car was road registered in March 1980. It was sold to its first owner the following month and would eventually pass through the care of a further six owners before being exported from Italy in 2002. The Ferrari resurfaced in 2017, then owned by an enthusiast in Tasmania, Australia, and was acquired by the consigning seller in 2020.

The car is accompanied by a number of factory test documents, and boasts an automatic gearbox, air conditioning, metric alloy wheels, a roof-mounted stereo, third rear ash tray, and a fuel-injected engine bearing the number 00001. Please note, after a long period of storage, this vehicle will require restoration prior to returning to the road.

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Veuillez noter que ce lot est entré dans l'UE sous couvert d'une autorisation d'importation temporaire, qui doit être annulée soit en exportant le lot en dehors de l'UE avec une lettre de débarquement approuvé accompagné des documents douaniers nécessaires, soit en payant la TVA et les droits d'importation applicables pour que le lot reste dans l'UE.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc24/.