I was driving in this morning on PCH, not really thinking about our disabled long-term Ferrari 308. Then I saw this black beauty cruising next to me in morning rush hour. Not sure of the exact year, but it was one of the cleanest 400i models I've ever seen. The paint was flawless, the wheels sparkled and the exhaust note was pure audio pornography...
Yeah, I know they have a back seat and most of them had GM automatics. But they also had a Ferrari V12 engine and killer Pininfarina styling. And the regular throttle blipping I heard every time traffic slowed confirmed it had a five-speed manual, too. These cars cost even less than a 308, so if you want more Ferrari engine for less money these are worth a look.
Of course, ongoing maintenance will likely be as high or higher than on the 308 -- and early indications are we'll be getting quite the bill this time around, but we may get it back as early as tomorrow.
Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com
estreka says:
10:22 PM, 12/ 6/07
Ferrari is the only manufacturer I know that requires the equivalent of a down payment to be made every year.
banhugh says:
07:07 AM, 12/ 7/07
funny how time affects style and beauty. I am looking the picture and get no excitement. Perhaps its a funny angle...
daytona_500 says:
07:54 AM, 12/ 7/07
I've never heard of that model before, but it looks awesome alright. Probably one of the few Ferraris that look better in a color other than red.
But regardless, I know I could never buy one of these and stand to have it undergoing costly repair every other month.
firstwagon says:
09:25 AM, 12/ 7/07
If you're going to own one of these cars, you have to learn how to work on it yourself. It will bring the cost way down and you end up loving the car a lot more once you understand how everything works.
By todays standards, it quite a simple car really.
Like owning an old Jag or an old Harley, it's really more of a wonderful hobby then a realistic mode of transportation.
stephen987 says:
10:20 AM, 12/ 7/07
That one actually looks a lot better in a nice subdued silver or blue.
editor_karl says:
10:31 AM, 12/ 7/07
The front is the best angle on these -- very similar to the Daytona around the hood/headlight area -- but I couldn't get a photo of that angle.
7driver says:
02:55 PM, 12/ 7/07
The 308's still not fixed? Is the entire Marelli factory on vacation or something?
hondacura4 says:
11:05 AM, 12/ 9/07
This is a prime example of timeless style folks. I like it.
billymay says:
07:10 PM, 12/12/07
Especially in modern traffic -- the 400i is one elegant machine. I believe Enzo actually drove one as his personal car .
aps2 says:
12:29 AM, 01/11/08
The 400 is a great car but the average maintance on it is substantially higher than on a 308. Also the car is a GT unlike a 308 which is very much a sportscar - very different driving experience!