Beschreibung:

Produced between 1985 and 1989, the Ferrari 412 was the final glorious flowering of the ‘400’ series of luxurious four-seaters that had commenced with the introduction of the 365GT/4 2+2 in 1972. The latter was the first four-seat Ferrari to enjoy the benefits of the quad-cam V12 engine, as signified by the ‘/4’ suffix. The new 2+2 was based on the short-lived 365GTC/4, using a similar chassis and a wet-sump version of the 4,390cc Daytona engine coupled to a conventional five-speed gearbox rather than the Daytona’s transaxle. Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the 400GT gained a 4.8-litre version of the four-cam V12 engine, but otherwise differed from its immediate predecessor only in detail. Following successful experiments carried out by engineers in the USA the 400 became the first Ferrari to offer automatic transmission as an option. Flagship of the Maranello range, the splendidly equipped 400GT featured self-levelling independent rear suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and optional air conditioning. Its arrival re-affirmed Ferrari’s determination to compete with the world’s finest luxury saloons, though the car’s biggest potential market - the USA - remained effectively closed to it because of safety and emissions legislation. Even after it received Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1979, the model - now re-named ‘400i’ - remained effectively a Europe-only car. Representing evolution rather than revolution, the 412 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985. The newcomer enjoyed a small (119cc) capacity increase, anti-lock brakes, revised interior and bumpers colour co-ordinated with the bodywork, while an improved front air dam and raised boot deck reduced the 412’s already low co-efficient of drag by around ten percent. By the time production ceased in 1989, Ferrari’s finest 2+2 had been in production for a remarkable 17 years, though its exclusivity meant that there were seldom more than 200 sold in any one year. Ferrari’s decision to equip the 400 series with automatic transmission was vindicated by the fact that more than two-thirds of customers took up the option; left-hand drive chassis number ‘62311’ however, has the enthusiasts’ choice: the five-speed manual gearbox. An outstanding example of its type presented in quite exceptional - indeed, virtually showroom fresh - condition, the car was supplied new in Turin, Italy to the present owner and has covered a mere 19,200 kilometres in total. Finished in silver with black leather interior, the latter equipped with two-stage air conditioning, it is offered with its factory-supplied owner’s leather wallet and all original instruction books and manuals. The car possesses a Monaco title. La décision de Ferrari d’équiper les séries 400 d’une transmission automatique fût dictée par le fait que deux tiers des clients choisissaient l’option; malgré cela la voiture présentée ici, châssis no. ‘62311’, en conduite à gauche, a été commandée neuve par l’actuel propriétaire avec la boîte manuelle cinq vitesses, bien plus sportive d’utilisation, lui permettant des reprises incomparable pour un coupé quatre places. Ce sublime exemplaire, quasiment fraichement sorti du showroom, a été acheté neuf chez Ferrari à Turin par le propriétaire actuel et n’a parcouru que 19’200 km depuis sa sortie d’usine, en roulant soit sous le soleil italien, soit dans les rues de Monte-Carlo. Dans sa couleur gris argent (certainement la plus distinguée pour une 412) avec intérieur en cuir noir en parfait état, elle est équipée de l’option ‘double-climatisation’ et sera livrée à son futur et heureux propriétaire avec tous ses documents d’origine (manuel du propriétaire, carnet…) dans leur pochette en cuir Ferrari d’origine. Elle est en immatriculation monégasque. Une occasion rare de trouver une 412 dans un état comme celle-ci.