Ferrari 412 Automatic Coupe

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Aimed squarely at the sort of chap that might also have his eye on an Aston Martin DBS, a Jensen Interceptor or even a Rolls-Royce Camargue, the Ferrari 400 was a proper gentleman's GT.

A sporting but superbly relaxed mile eater, it made getting to those meetings in Milan, Zurich and Geneva far more fun than flying with plenty of room for your companion and their luggage. With classically elegant and restrained styling by Pininfarina, it remained in production for 16 years, the longest production run of any Ferrari, continuing to attract customers from 1976 to 1989.

Based on the original and highly sought after Daytona, it started life as the 4.4-litre 365 GT4 2+2, but was renamed the 400 after an increase in capacity to 4.8-litres. The somewhat troublesome carburettor setup was replaced in 1979 in the 400i. A Bosch K-Jetronic system was installed, and although this brought about a slight drop in power to 310bhp, it allowed the car to retain its state of tune making it much more practical to own. Around one third of these were equipped with a 5 speed manual gearbox, but most drivers opted for the 'Turbo-Hydramatic ' 3-speed automatic which suited the nature of this gentleman's GT. Even in automatic form it could sweep to 60mph in 7 seconds and touch 150mph.

The 412 appeared in 1985 with ABS brakes and another engine enlargement to 4,943cc. Now with 340bhp and 333lb/ft on tap, it could cover the 0-60mph dash in just 6.8 seconds, topping out at 155mph. Dropped from the range in 1989 after just 576 examples had been made, the 412 was not replaced until the 456 entered the market in 1992. 

This particular 412 Automatic was sold new to a Mrs DL Jagelman of New South Wales, Australia, in August 1988 but came back to UK in 1990. It has covered only 72,800 miles with a good service history comprising 13 stamps to date, the first 11 at Maranello Concessionaires, the next at Graypaul Ferrari (in September 2006 at 70,333 miles) and the last, an oil service, at a local garage immediately prior to the sale.

Finished in Argento Nurburgring metallic silver with Pelle Blu leather upholstery, the specification includes: power steering; central locking; air conditioning; electric windows; electric front seats; period Blaupunkt radio cassette with electric aerial; heated rear window; pale blue carpets piped in dark blue leather; electric side mirrors and an Ansa sports exhaust with quad polished tail pipes.

Said to be in lovely condition throughout, it comes with a spare wheel, jack and tool roll, original leather document wallet and service book plus numerous invoices and old MOT certificates to warrant the mileage. With an MOT until September 2015, it needs nothing other than a fortunate new owner behind the wheel.

These imposing GTs really are extraordinary value at the moment and you know you are in something special the moment you feel that wonderful slim steering wheel in your hands, turn the key and hear the distant rumble of that fabulous V12. One of only 85 examples made in RHD, this well cared for 412 could prove a shrewd investment at the sensible guide price suggested, given the way that Ferrari values have soared in recent months.