Driving a V12 Ferrari 400i - Could it Replace My Ferrari 308 GTS?

[@alastairfaulds8184]

The 400 is gorgeous in my opinion. So sharp and clean.

[@cunjoz]

Yeah. I much prefer chrome details than the black plastic ones.

[@nickyalousakis3851]

daft punk would agree.

[@charlesrousseau6837]

Certainly one of the best 80s Italian features in this car: the two gigantic ashtrays placed at the most comfortable positions, contradicting Italian ergonomics (or perhaps they were regarded as the most important items, having been assigned a proper location before anything else).

[@kevinford6420]

I agree,always liked the look !

[@212MPH]

The 400 is one of the most beautiful cars I'm my opinion. Always loved them, the rear end with those lights and exhausts are just beautiful.

[@kevinford6420]

Agreed

[@scottlehuray7062]

That V12 is so elegant i love those lines. No modern machine today excites me, these old Italian machines are timeless works of art.

[@ericgirardey3025]

As someone who owned both manual and automatic 400i I can say that you are right about the car’s quality, and the fact that the manual box is the one to have. The Turbo Hydramatic isn’t doing the lovely V12 justice. If it had been fitted with the same gearbox Mercedes had on their 450SL for example it would have been a winner. It is really a lovely machine, and it’s like having a little Merlin under the bonnet. A lot of these cars have been owned by folks who couldn’t afford to look after them, and as a result they’re often dodgy to drive due to deferred maintenance.

[@thomasfrank280]

I have the August 1984 issue of Car magazine where LJK Setright had a rather poetic review of the manual. He said the same thing about the Mercedes auto box being much more suitable than the GM one ( and maybe the manual too, but it slips my mind at the moment). His main gripe was the heavy clutch.

[@alastairblair]

I drove one for the summer of 1990 and that three speed slushmatic robbed the engine of it's charm, I felt all the slering between gears on a twisty road kind of ruined it for me.

[@themysterycook7320]

anyone who drives an auto Ferrari is NOT a car person and a committed wanker. if you cant drive a manual, what are you doing in a Ferrari? ferrari never should have made the auto 400. it was for fat wankers who cant drive and when they are on the road never exceed 45 mph nor 4000 rpm.

[@buzzedo1]

Agree. I drove the auto..I was utterly underwhelmed. It could only be described as 🐌. I'd still like to try the manual.

[@jamesengland7461]

The TH would be easy to tune with aftermarket parts.

[@happy_camper]

I’ve always loved the 400/412! Those elegant lines never get old.

[@algeniscorrea187]

I've always loved the 400i. Would make the perfect grand tourer with the manual.

[@nigel.w]

Clutch is very heavy.

[@pezzonovante888]

400s are beautiful. Understated Italian elegance, rarity, and a Colombo V12 make it impossibly cool.

[@Treviscoe]

I agree, it's an all time great.

[@jefferysmith3930]

I’ve always loved the looks and interior on these

[@jody6183]

I can't get the Rover SD1 out of my head looking at that front end 🤣

[@johndavies2396]

Yes SD1 crossed with an Austin princess with that long nose

[@scottlehuray7062]

Cant see a rover to be fair, mmmm no cant see it

[@paulriggers1558]

same bloke did the sd1

[@gazzafloss]

Very "ordinary" body lines compared to the lovely old 308. That 400 definitely brings back memories of Austin and Rover.

[@d333my]

Surely the other way around? The SD1 copied a Ferrari design.

[@terrydavies4730]

I know this will sound bad but hope the 308 keeps being a pain so it will stay on the channel, love every video on the little bugger

[@miamimo70]

Oooh I liked these before everyone else did! 😊 I love em, front end looks better with the pop up lights!

[@jo05dk]

I've loved these since Ferrari introduced the the non-i version of the 400, and if i at some point found myself in a position where a big Ferrari were on the table, this would be my go to. LOVE the look, and that it's a true GT. The current hyper V12s don't speak to me.

[@gazzafloss]

"Influenzo" 308 all the way Jack, one of the best looking Faz's ever made, and it doesn't look like an Austin land crab. If you think the 308 is giving you trouble anything later will positively do your head in.

[@colinrush6389]

I like automatics, but you're right about it stifling that lovely V12; you need manual to really enjoy it. The 400i is just gorgeous, inside and out, and that colour shows it at it's best. It would definitely be on my Christmas list!

[@kevinford6420]

I'm feeling it too 👍

[@gerardusch]

True, but the manual has a ridiculously heavy clutch which ruins the driving experience.

[@djs82a29]

Keep the 308. Fix the engine. Mod it, and make it more of a pain than it already is.

[@Ole.Ingmar_Hvrensson]

i Love the 400i and 412i! For me one of the coolest and most stylished Gentleman Ferraris ever.It‘s aristrocratic

[@classickproductionco]

I've always liked the 365 2+2/400/412 Ferraris. In fact, in one of our recent videos we discussed what classic cars we'd like to see as EVs, and the 400 was a strong contender! (Along with the Lagonda)

[@davidyapp2240]

Stick with the Influenzo, a design of beauty, imagine the feeling you'd have every time you opened up the garage looked in and were greeted by that . . . . Would be like waking up in the morning after you'd pulled whilst wearing beer goggles 😲😲

[@sheldontaylor82]

🤣😂🤣

[@ianclements948]

🤣🤣

[@nunomc2815]

Naaaahh, just a 8 pot Ferrari ! Now I need a 12 pot with a complicated "spaghetti like" cable and ducts routing all over the engine bay, just coupled to an hydramatic GM 3 speed automatic gearbox, to increase my adrenaline and excitement, to keep all the fuss going, guys !!"

[@martinhogg5337]

Cruel! 😂

[@nickloftus4188]

I just don't get the hate for these, I think they look absolutely stunning and always have done. Incredible value for money. Interiors are stunning too. What a GT car!

[@karacop78]

Elegant and eccentric. Lapo Elkann used to have one and Daft Punk used her twin sister 412 in their film "Electroma".

[@autoavids]

Definitely an acquired taste the 400, however if I was looking for a 4 seater I'd go with a Mondial as you have so much experience with the platform. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@caeserromero3013]

I second the Mondial. Look great and drive great. My ex boss had one. Bastard never let me drive it though 😂

[@nigel.w]

I agree with the Mondial, but I think it would need to be a T. Best styling; best engine version and performance. Downside is that the engine needs to come out for belt changes, but it's not actually a particularly expensiieve job. Well under 2K.

[@autoavids]

@@nigel.w yes definitely a T agreed 💯

[@sammygirlie345]

Yep prefer the Mondial of that age I'm more of a espada fan

[@nigel.w]

@@sammygirlie345 Love the Espada, but twice the money to buy and more to maintain.

[@snape1464]

I love these and hope I can one day afford one. The looks are awesome imo and combined with the carb'd V12 (on a slightly earlier version) and a manual, it's really a dream car

[@DS-nh8jy]

Nice review. For 6 years now I have owned one of the first RHD manual 400 GTi versions before the self levelling suspension and with the great wooden centre console. I have had the engine rebuilt and the gearbox bearings refreshed too (all by choice..I accept: not bargain bucket). Different beast to the auto. Have driven across Europe to take part in classic car rallies and driven back again trouble free. Use them a lot and they will look after you. Took it round Le Mans at the Classic Parade laps and this thing is fun. Quick, handles well. Feels almost modern. They drive very well even at 130mph. Gearbox is quick enough..oh and I ferried two hotel mates to the circuit for parts whose more modern classic had broken down! Compared to my previous classics: Bristols various, Jensen CV8, TVRs and Alfas, and an assortment of Defenders and Series Landys, I would not say it is unreliable. The only downside is some parts are pricey when you choose to do something and wheel arch and sill corrosion is tough to keep on top of. My electrics have been fine. Overall, across classic and modern, I have not had a more enjoyable car..and that's saying something as I still own a loveable Landy!. Worth noting it was the last of the front engined Colombo V12s in Enzo's era, he drove one for his personal transport and the brief to Fiorvoranti at Pininfarina was to design a Ferrari which could take him and his guests to La Scala in Milan for the opera. . What's not to like?

[@federicomalignani4957]

Hallo,I own Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 by Bertone (a Mk2 car,originally badged Ferrari) and a 400 i GT (with manual gearbox). They are completely different but each one has a proud personality. The 400 is absolutely a stunning car to drive,with manual gearbox. The Colombo V12 is fantastic,with an enormous torque,and,despite weight and big dimensions,is very agile if you drive her on alpine roads. I bought this car in good conditions twelwe years ago,I restored her and is like new,but the engine did not need a restoration and now,at 120000 km is perfect with all its power and compression.In my experience I can say that is completely reliable,but obviously you have to service her once a year,and you have to use her properly. I consider that is one of the more attractive cars ever,because of the prestigious and unique engine,and because of the slim and low profile of her bodywork. The manual gearbox is a must have for this car,and really transform her in a genuine Ferrari. After all the series 365/400/412 was the last Ferrari driven by Enzo,and remained in production for 18 years. They sold about 3000 of these cars,at the cost of an apartment in Paris or in London,and that was a big success.This means that probably she is not so bad.... So Mr.Clarkson may say what he want,after all we are still in a free world,but in this case I think he did it out of the loo, as we say in Italy. This car increased her value a lot and in a few years will reach the valutation of the other Ferrari 2+2.Some people say that the fuel consumption is very high,and is true,but you can't pretend that a Ferrari V12, 4,8 litre with 340 BHP can be economical.Thank you for your nice video,and if you find a good 5 speed 400,in good conditions,don't be afraid and don't loose the opportunity.You'll drive her in a different way in comparison with the 308,but with the same satisfaction.

[@Number27]

Ciao Federico, grazie per i commenti interranti e per aver guardato il mio video. Saluti, Giacomo!

[@federicomalignani4957]

@@Number27 Ciao Giacomo!! Mi sono iscritto al tuo canale.Bellissimo il video sull'acciaio sovietico.Complimenti.

[@d333my]

The 400/412’s are my favourite Ferrari. Essentially a 2 door coupe/ 2 door saloon and are utterly retro cool.

[@byteme9718]

The 308 is a stunning looking car but that's about where it ends. It takes a while to get used to them but the 400i quickly grows on you and is a fantastic touring car.

[@MarcSob22]

I love the 400i , i think is gorgeous!!

[@tomeasterbrook9486]

That’s lovely, always been a fan of the 400 shape Ferrari even when they were unpopular

[@ThePhilandPam]

I do think most people started following your channel because of the 308, lots more 308 content would be perfect 👍

[@kelstra1997]

Only you know what you really like - personally I love the 400i's but in saying that, I know absolutely nothing about them but they do look fantastic.

[@stevenmoore4078]

I always liked the Ferrari 400s. The styling is understated and doesn't scream, "look at me, I'm driving a Ferrari," which, for me, was appealing.

[@retrowheels73]

I've had two of these, both 412's and the second one I drove to Italy after just three days of ownership, never missed a beat and made the most glorious noise. I made the 1800 mile return journey in 21 hours, yes I broke some speed limits! Mine were both autos and if you manually select the gears you can get some real pace out of them. Come to a corner, drop into second and boot it and they go round the tightest of bends way better than you can imagine although yes, they do better on those long sweeping Italian roads. I've come to absolutely adore the 400 series. Clarkson was wrong, he never drove one any distance and his opinions were often bought and sold. My second red one was the featured 412 in his book 'Clarkson on Ferrari' They were offered in the widest choice of colours, had the longest production run of any Ferrari, 17 years and it was the last Ferrari with a Columbo V12. I miss mine and the guy who owns it now hasn't driven it since 2016 and let it rot. 😢

[@rosewood1]

Clarkson is an opinionated idiot. And most of his comments are purely for effect. Most supercars are terrible to actually live with. ie to just drive around. They are too low , vision is awful, maintenance a nightmare and rotten to actually look out in traffic. The 400I is a very elegant coupe that hides a lurking wolf. It is magnificent to drive.

[@rustybearden1800]

I LOVE these old big Italian GT four seaters - Alfas, Fiats, Ferraris, Lamborghinis- we didn't get many of these in the US and when you see one it's a treat. The Ferrari interiors are plush and richly appointed yet restrained with the swooped center console and the simple, black padded steering wheels. And the big V12s with six carbs are huge when you lift the hoods (always front hinged), Just lovely and masculine and sleek. Every trip is an event - pack the trunk with luggage and supplies, fill up the tank and go gobble the miles!

[@ewanturner4381]

Always loved a 400 ever since watching Rain Man 😁

[@713vinh]

I think this car is beautiful, something about the wedge shape that always appeal to me. Definitely not the same as the 308 but looks like a great cruiser. Thanks for sharing.

[@3.2Carrera]

Those GM transmissions (TH350 &400) were the staple of transmissions in the US for many decades. Cheap and easy to support with unlimited upgrades really. But once upon a time I didn't know of an automatic with only 3 speeds but now I do. I picked up a Pontiac GTO muscle car and marveled how the big 400 engine had to rev high on the highway and drink gas with that 1:1 top gear. So I agree it's not a good match for the Ferrari- maybe a good candidate for a bolt in 700r4 or something with more gears for a restomod.

[@rosewood1]

I owned a really good 400i and of all the cars I have owned and regret selling it is this car that tops the list. And my list includes a superb 300 sel 6.3! 10:23 Most people don't drive them hard enough to really get an idea of just how good the auto is. Up to 100k the suspension is hard and it's okay but pretty harsh. But floor it and the engine now starts to howl as it drops back to 2nd and the tachometer winds toward 7000 rpm. Your now at 160k and suspension is supple and those massive tyres grip. The car handles the bends magnificently and you have another 50 mph 80k to keep accelerating. It absolutely is not only a true Ferrari but a real thorough bred. Interesting after driving and living with an Espada the Ferrari 400i absolutely kills the Espada in terms being great to drive great to use and quality. The Ferrari is a jewelled master piece. It is exquisite how it is put together. The Espada is crude everywhere you look. I would love a manual but finding a good one?

[@wtftom1974]

I always was intrigued by the 400/412. Especially the elongated look and low end. Love the white lights in the front, I think one of the first cars introducing these instead of orange glass. So, I think you should pick one of those. Unique on KZbin!!

[@hc2774]

It's also one of my favorite Ferrari's. I would probably prefer the 412 over the 400.

[@Landshark928]

A 308 is a timeless masterpiece, the 400 isn't. The 400 is not ugly but it looks too neutral. Better to buy a Bitter coupe next to the 308 😀

[@lefuedebout]

Good looking vehicle with a really nice colour combination. BTW, I just checked and it appears the MOT on that car expired way back in February!

[@janeweitzmann7979]

Historic, so no longer required.

[@lefuedebout]

@@janeweitzmann7979 Didn't know that, thanks. 😎

[@kipsome45]

That colour really suits the 400. I love the looks…always have.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

I remember driving one 30 years ago and thinking it was not as good as an XJ-S. 308's will continue to rise in value but 400's won't. They will be in that dead spot where you'll find Interceptors, good* XJS's (if they ever made one) and all that other big, thirsty, ugly acquired taste stuff where parts are a nightmare. I like 400's but never had a desire to own one, even when they were ten grand.

[@nigel.w]

400's have risen in value quite significantly of late.

[@richardmclellan6212]

I love the styling of the 400 especially in that colour!

[@cancracker]

These will never appreciate in value as high as the 308s.

[@caeserromero3013]

A Ferrari with an auto gear box is like Russian roulette without the bullet. The gated shift is what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari IMO.

[@tomspanyol5532]

Nice to see the 400 getting some airtime, love the way they look but a bit too much of a barge for me (not that I have got anywhere to keep anything that size!)

[@nigel.w]

Less than 6' wide. Less than 16' long. Fits in a standard UK garage.

[@richardcarter1000]

I've always liked the 400. Amazing value too, if you can find a good one.

[@TobyD]

Love this - always been a fan of this odd ball design. Go on! 😊

[@NigelMarston]

I think the 400 has aged really well. Looks really low profile and sleek.

[@DavidMorley]

I've always thought the 400 was beautiful. Nothing here to change my mind!

[@GordonHudson]

I looked at three of these "back in the day". One belonged to a cousin of the Queen, one had been Bill Wyman"s and another was being sold by the wife of the guy who owns JCB. They are nearly all automatics because most started as company cars from Graypaul ( I think it was that dealer and it was a salesman's perk). The 412 is a better car but similar looking. I love the styling.

[@nigel.w]

If you're buying one now for a Sunday car, maybe get a manual. But the clutch is very heavy. I think there's good reason people who bought them back in the day as their main car chose auto. And even with a manual, they're a fairly lazy drive. They're not and never were a sports car! They are and always were a gentleman's express. A nice place to be in on any road, and one of the best sporty cars to be in a traffic jam.

[@daveglover6115]

The Rolling Stones bought a bunch of Ferraris including three 400i's in one go. Keith Richards LHD manual sold at Bonham's - interesting bidding - it's on YT

[@GordonHudson]

@@daveglover6115 Interesting! Wyman's was an automatic.

[@supercarowners]

Based on my understanding of these 400 series V12s, I can say that it is not for DYI people. Maintenance is absolute nightmare unless you are a daily wrencher. But, if you like it Go for it.

[@earthstick]

I know the Ferrari 400i came first, but it looks like a Rover 3500 from the 80's.

[@seano51]

Would like to hear your take on a early Lotus Esprit. Try getting your hands on one.

[@e.d.4824]

Always loved them since that time, the classy looks, the design, the v12 2+2 gt package! Talks to the Italian blood and the love for Italian pure designs

[@markcompton6750]

I still think the 400 looks amazing Jack 👍

[@iansmeath8674]

Thanks for another great video Jack! A V12 is every car enthusiasts dream and sadly a lot of owners nightmares...all that plumbing!

[@normsallitt2753]

I've always liked the 400, and the style and lines have only become more beautiful over the years. But if I were to buy one, it would have to be Black on black with a manual transmission... which IMHO is absolutely brilliant in this car. Great review as always 👍

[@martynclarke5167]

I've always loved these 400s, I always imagine them being perfect for zipping down through France to Monaco in. Not sure it's a good replacement for a 308 though, the 308 styling is legendary, and the value can only go up on a 308 surely? But God, I LOVE a 412.

[@billywhizz1984]

Back in the early 1990s I remember there was a 400 parked on the street in Lexham Gardens, Kensington with 4 flat tyres and covered in grime. Often wondered what happened to it.

[@johnthelwell3244]

Hi Jack. I owned a good manual 400i when they were cheap.It's an epic tourer. Had a few memorable european trips. Rear seats were handy for 2 small dogs. Had some rust issues but all in all a very good car. Not sure l would change yours for one though.

[@Oberon_Boost]

Is it robust enough for European trips?

[@PakdbyCellpak]

Back in the late 90’s a couple of 400’s were used as the base vehicles for Ferrari Daytona conversions. With their power steering and more reliable fuel injection v12 engines they actually made a better driving car in most respects.

[@peterv3642]

The later 412 was one of Leonardo Fioravanti's (of Pininfarina) personal favourite designs (I think he did the 308, too). It was also considered one of the world's most beautiful cars by the late LJK Setright of Car magazine. I own a 412 manual (one of 24 built in RHD). It replaced a 328 GTS. Both are great cars, but totally different. In a perfect world I'd have both but the 412 gets a lot more attention and a lot more positive comments. It is rare, elegant and not just another red Ferrari. Mine is black, which only enhances the Mafia vibe... If the 400/412 had only been made in manual form they would now be £200k cars but the automatic ruined its reputation and the way it drives. Only the manuals are worth having and they rarely come up for sale - one available at the moment at £80k and it's red, which doesn't suit the car at all.

[@d333my]

Spot on

[@IOWPCV]

I love them. I remember a school friends parents had one in golders green in the early 80's. Beautiful looking thing.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Was never a fan of 400's but the looks have grown on me over the years. Would have be manual though.

[@nigel.w]

It's a lazy drive with a manual, too, except for the heavy clutch.

[@John-w3f2o]

No matter how much hate the rest of the world may dish out at the 400 I personally think its lovely. It's an exercise showing how much can be done with so little, erything achieved through the flow in the placement and measure of it's lines.

[@kristianbjrnsen4274]

I love the metallic plum colour, incredibly stylish.

[@icmdead1]

Nice to see this car and to hear your comments and especially the honesty in that you wouldn't get it (each to their own and all that), too often i see a car youtuber with a 'My next daily?' headline with absolutely no commitment or insight as to why or why not. from my view i'd love a 456 with a manual gearbox and that open gate and pop up lights!

[@nigel.w]

Problem with 456 is some engine parts are now unobtainable.

[@martinhogg5337]

I know little about Ferraris and found that really interesting, thank you!

[@whispjohn]

Yes, buy the 400, it is a lovely old motor, I looked after one a 400i and it was new back then. They do cost a lot to run, normal for such a car. Regular maintainance is enough to keep it on the road and I think it was just a good mile muncher in the lap of luxury. The same owner had a 512BB too, that was a different animal.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

That series of Ferrari cars deserves more automotive love!

[@Matteo-ks6fn]

Once saw a 412 with manual, in black, and was a piece of beauty.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

I love that colour. Nice vlog. Keep up the good work.

[@iancharlton678]

Much maligned for as long as I can remember……. but, like you I feel they have aged well. Maybe it’s my thrift, but the seeming affordability must help and the four seats pacifies the opposition at home….. I had to recover one recently, (slight fuel fire under bonnet) on a recovery truck, silver grey with a blood red interior with black insert panels in the seat……. chrome gated manual……. I fell in love all over again ! ❤️ Another I like is the last incarnation of the equally maligned Mondial….. particularly the Mondial t…… which, along with bigger capacity, trialed the engine/trans layout used in the 355/360 etc etc A boss back in the early 80’s had a white Countach (parked outside his mum and dads ex council house in Romford), bought a Mondial convertible as a stop gap, prior to a new electric blue Countach LP5000 QV……. Always thought the red Ferrari with the black soft top looked and sounded cool…… until it was left with the lights on and we couldn’t get in to get to the battery, to charge it…….. 🥳 how we laughed !! The other love was the Ferrari 512 BB……. I used to man the pumps aged 16 at an Ultramar petrol station, my yellow Yamaha FS1E-DX parked by the pump office, where a local “geezer” would fill his Bentley and the 512 BB, letting me sit in and rev it ❤️❤️❤️………. he used to regularly rag the arse off it along the straight past the garage, presumably to impress us… 🥳 it worked !!

[@steadfastandyx4947]

I adore the looks of these motors.

[@Lemma01]

Just to add, I went to where I store a car, and parked up next to mine was a 400 in black with a red interior. It looked stunning - and the Daytona lineage was evident. I remember a C&S article in the early 90s describing the 400 as "the brave pill", with £5k (then!) For an exhaust etc... but - not unlike the 308 GT4, that once awkward shape has now come into style. I wanted it - and never thought I could possibly...

[@jeandibb4111]

Gorgeous colour combo on the car you drove, Jack. I always thought the 400, 400i, 412 a great design - totally with you on the rear wheel arched look. Get one. Martin

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

The 400i is lovely but I would rather see an Alfasud, preferably a Sprint coupé as the next Italian project for the channel. 😎

[@ryanmccormick2150]

I think that 400 in that colour with those wheels look awesome! But I'm not sure I'd actually buy one, the influenzo is still the winner in my book..... Not sure what I'd replace the influenzo with 🤔 I've kind of got observation with 928's or even 944's at the moment so probably one of those two, cracking video as always Jack 👍

[@nigel.w]

928s and 944s have hardly been YT gold for other YTers. And I don't think they're attracting attention for the right reasons. Not great cars back in the day. Even less compelling today. Also, expensive to maintain beyond their values.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

@@nigel.w I couldn't disagree more Nigel.

[@philippruest5577]

400 GT carbs manual is pure joy. As of course the earlier 365 GT4 2+2. Most beautiful engine bay.

[@weightlessliving9856]

Someone else mentioned the Mondial. I fully agree, however would go with an early black bumper coupe. Less electronics, and with the black bumpers never a fear driving in traffic or leaving it in a car park. All the driving thrill of the 308 and really none of the practicality issues. Plus, you already have the knowledge from the Influenzo, nearly any repair would be second nature. A side note, the Mondial actually handles BETTER than the 308.

[@user-mg9he3qj3n]

NOOOOOOOOOO! Look at the lines of the 308! Having just seen Sundays Top Gear,you can never tire of Magnum P.I 🚒👍👍

[@Oberon_Boost]

Big classic luxury two-door sedan, awesome brand, Colombo V-12, that mixt can't be bad.

[@nickblundell9990]

Beautiful,always loved the 4 seater Ferrari's. 456 GT is my favourite.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Hi Jack. Sadly, when I could afford to buy a 308 I didn't. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was offered one for £5500 believe it or not! Anyhow, it is still my all-time favourite car to look at, and if I was lucky enough to own one I would fix it and never sell it. The 308 in my opinion is just dateless, whilst the 400 is definitely dated, albeit with a potentially stunning, but equally expensive to maintain, engine.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

The look of the 400 can not be compared to the 308 !

[@memsybabe]

I've always liked the 400's. And that colour seems to work really well too, especially with the tan interior. I love it... Maybe even more than the Magnum mobile...

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Always have had a soft spot for this Pinin Farina-bodied Ferrari.. In manual truly irresistable! Converting the auto box to manual would be most interesting!

[@sheldontaylor82]

When comparing the 400 to the 308 you must take into account what the cars were designed for, you are comparing apples with pears. The 308 was a basic, flat out, sports car with the performance to match. However the 400 was a family/executive luxury GT cruiser, competing with the luxury Jags, Astons and Bentleys but with the added bonus of the Ferrari engine, exhaust note and performance. If I was in the market for a top end luxury performance car at that time, I would go for the 400 without hesitation, have the best of all worlds in what is quintessentially a luxury GT executive with the heart of a super car!

[@nigel.w]

400 with auto made sense in its day. 400 doesn't make sense for most today. Whereas, 308 is an icon and still aspirational for a significant number of petrol heads, even if, objectively and in a C21st context, it's not that good a car.

[@amraceway]

@@nigel.w 400 makes much better sense. V12, better looking, more comfortable, it is after all a road car.

[@Beauloqs]

People hate these....................me i think it is one of the nicest understated saloons of its time, and some

[@fridonina]

I like the 308 very much, but this is a totally different animal. Very stylish !!

[@Lumber_Jack]

You might want to consider a 308 GT4 -- they are small, tossable, fun to drive, and have an interesting relationship to your 308 GTS (sort of similar, but different enough to be a new project for you). They originally came with a Dino badge but later got Ferrari badges. I would love to find one to restore to proper Dino livery.

[@steffydog]

Lovely to see, looks in great condition. I’m not sure that’s you, I think your a sports car chap with a Italian kick. Keep well Jack.

[@rustyturner431]

Few things to consider (and this is from a former owner)... First, the 400i has a lot more in common with the 365GTC4 than with the Daytona; it was really a stretched C4. Second, yes, the 5sp is greatly preferable in that it makes the car feel far more sporting, but the truth is that this car is just a bit big and clumsy. The auto model is just a fast luxo-barge, but at least the trans is bulletproof (price a cluch replacement and you may reconsider the auto). Third, you'll need to reach DEEP into your pockets for maintenance. Just look at the engine and imagine what it takes to do the valve adjustment that is requisite on a major servicing, not to mention current parts availability and COST. Lastly, and it may seem like a quible, but these things absolutely gobble tires, and those tires ain't cheap. God help you if you get one with the dreaded TRX Michelins, as you'll wind up buying both wheels AND tires!

[@brianmackenzie4143]

I'll take the 308 👍

[@martinclapton2724]

Got a strange feeling this was the Ferrari press car . Motorsport magazine tested one in exacted same colour , although it might have been a V reg , come to think of it , the Rpa part of the reg got me thinking. Actually thinks it’s better looking car than the 308 ( beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that ) , the Auto seems to suit the car , watching the vid, but a Fiat 130 coupe might be my preference . I stand corrected, I’ve just looked up that Motorsport road test from Christmas , 1979, and the car , sporting the same colour as the example you tested, had the registration, SAY 400, they obtained the car from Marenello Concessionaires , Egham , Surrey. I think I’ve seen other 400 with same or similar reg in the New Forest area in blue. Nice vid Jack

[@michaelarchangel1163]

That plum metallic is an absolutely lovely colour. I like this car, it isn't in the least Tonka Toy boy racerish.

[@fredvallenet]

Definitely a manual and get one with swapped wheels to avoid the very expensive and difficult to get Michelin TRX.

[@nigel.w]

Not really a better drive with the manual, IMO. A harder one, but not significantly better. It's a car of its time, and there's a reason why most people chose auto. You want manual? I suggest another car, as the 400 is likely to disapppoint someone who says definitely a manual.

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review and I think the 400 is very elegant. Pininfarina is my favourite designer all his cars are so elegant even the Peugeots he designed. I believe it was Enzo’s favourite car and Jody Scheckter used one when he was at Ferrari and travelled with Gilles Villeneuve between Monaco and Modena. So would you have the 400i, the Espada or the Aston?

[@576103]

The Ferrari 400 (and predecessor 365 and successor 412) were Italian counterparts to Bentley Mulsanne, or perhaps Mercedes 600. They need to be viewed in that context and judged accordingly. The manual is the way to go for those with sporting intent, but the vast majority of the target demographic is better served with the automatic. I have a friend who has one (a 70-something retired schoolteacher no less) and she reports never having exceeded 9-10 mpg even when freeway cruising. So consider that too….

[@nigel.w]

IMO, someone with sporting intent should look elsewhere. It's a lazy drive with auto and with manual. Manual a little more eager, but the clutch is heavy, and really, the car isn't eager to be revved or be driven with sporting intent. The car is very much of its day. There's a reason most chose the auto back in the day. If simply wanting a Sunday car, really love the looks, and want a manual, then okay. But I think someone who really wants a manual will likely end up disappointed.