Ex John McEnroe, Villeneuve tribute black Ferrari 400i is up for auction

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Ferrari 400i delivered in France by Charles Pozzi in 1982. This black vehicle was exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in 1982 as a tribute to the Ferrari driver, Gilles Villeneuve, who died that year. It was then sent to the USA and acquired by the famous tennis player, John McEnroe in 1988. In 1984, the American tennis player was ranked No. 1 in the world for the fourth time and won 13 tournaments including : Wimbledon, the US Open, the Masters and the Davis Cup. There are many photographs and documents showing the interesting early years of this vehicle. The vehicle also has the "Ferrari Classiche" certification. The interior of the vehicle is very rare (and original) because the seats are beige while the rest of the upholstery is in black leather. This model, with electronic injection, presented in 1979 at the Paris Motor Show, is the second series of the Ferrari 400. Only 1308 units were produced, including 884 with automatic transmission, a first for the Italian manufacturer. The Ferrari 400i was once the vehicle used by the great entrepreneurs of the automotive industry of the time such as: Gianni Agnelli, Sergio Pininfarina, etc. A very popular model at the time due to its originality and modernity, the Ferrari 400 is characterised by a 2+2 bodywork and a V12 engine ranging from 310 to 340 hp. It is the Ferrari to have had the longest career in its multiple versions: 365 GT4 2+2, 400, 400i then 412 (being 17 years of production). Designed by Pininfarina, the historical designer of the Italian brand, the car adopts the highly sought-after straight lines of the 1970s. With the creation of this car, Ferrari wanted to assert its position among the best luxury sports sedans in the world. It was moreover designed to attract the type of mature but discerning clientele that might previously have opted for a Bentley or a Mercedes-Benz. The unit chosen - General Motors' three-speed Hydramatic - was widely regarded as the best in the world, having been used by Cadillac and subsequently by Rolls-Royce and Jaguar, among others. Ferrari's stunning 2+2 was equipped with independent rear suspension with level control, power steering, power windows and optional air conditioning. A lot of work has recently been done on this vehicle: - the exterior paintwork is brand new and free of scratches - the complete exhaust system has been redone (stainless steel) - the servo brakes have been replaced in full - the rear pump has been replaced - the speedometer has been replaced (I kept the old one for verifying the mileage) - lot of electrical work was done (stalk switch, central lock system, etc.) - circuit breaker installed in the glove box - the electronic ignition system is brand new - replacement of all silent blocks, axle rods, steering ball joint, etc. - the engine is in very good condition and runs without any problems - the tyres have superficial cracks and should be replaced soon.

DriveTribe

Be like a Rolling Stone – Keith Richards stunning 1983 Ferrari 400i is up for auction