Priced near the top of the Ferrari catalog between 1979 and 1985, the 400i 2+2 catered to high-speed transcontinental outings amidst a luxuriously appointed interior; consequently, contemporary press aptly labeled the 400i as the “gentleman’s express”. Power steering, dual-climate air conditioning, and self-leveling rear suspension were all featured as standard equipment. With styling penned by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fiovaranti, the 400i’s distinctive and period-chic “three box” design provided tremendous visibility, legroom, and rear cargo space. Powered was derived from a fuel injected, 4.8-liter V-12 engine and backed by a GM three-speed automatic transmission or, as here, a five-speed manual from ZF.

In 1982, Ferrari unveiled a major suite of improvements to the 400i, including a pair of reprofiled camshafts, headers, and revised fuel management system which raised the factory-rating to a better-than-respectable 315 horsepower. Michelin TRX tires were now standard, and the exterior was treated with front and rear fog lamps, as well as more aerodynamic side mirrors bearing the Scuderia shield. Inside, the cabin upholstery was updated, as was the center console layout—now filled with electronic switchgear. Interestingly, the 400i was never offered to US buyers, and all those which came to our shores in-period were gray market examples ordered from Europe and federalized by licensed importers.

Import documentation on file shows this Argento over Tan 400i was ordered new by Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo of Portland, Oregon. It was imported to the United States from Italy via a Belgian transporter in September 1984. By January 1985, the car was federalized, approved for road use, and thusly released to Ron Tonkin’s personal collection. Notwithstanding its notable and singular ownership history, this 400i is made evermore desirable by its ZF five-speed manual transmission, one of just 422 examples so fitted.

A cache of service invoices on file show that Tonkin enjoyed driving this car quite regularly. Befitting his status as a Ferrari dealer, Tonkin created work orders for even the most miniscule cosmetic corrections or mechanical quirks. In September 1987, the car received paintwork to parts of its lower bodywork and trim. Though this attractive 400i is presently showing 15,640 miles at time of cataloguing, service invoices on file show that it received several repairs to its speedometer and odometer during its earlier years; as such, total mileage is unknown.

In preparation for sale, this enticing five-speed, Argento 400i has been treated to a comprehensive servicing by Ferrari Master Technicians on staff at Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.