Produced between 1985 and 1989, the Ferrari 412 was the final flowering of the 400 series of luxurious four-seaters that had commenced with the introduction of the 365GT/4 2+2 in 1972. Launched at the 1976 Paris Salon, the succeeding 400GT gained a 4.8-litre version of the four-cam V12 engine, but otherwise differed only in detail. Following successful experiments carried out by engineers in the US, the 400 became the first Ferrari to offer automatic transmission as an option. The unit chosen - General Motors 3-speed Hydra-Matic 400 - was widely regarded as the world's best, having been used by Cadillac and subsequently by Rolls-Royce and Jaguar among others. 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 reaffirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury saloons.
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 coordinated 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 10%. 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.
The detailed history file that accompanies this elegant Ferrari confirms that it was bought by its first owner, a Mr. Steinberg, from H.R. Owen, London on 18th March 1988 and registered as E930 MUC. Some three years later, Mr. Gidwaney, a director of E.W. Fact PLC, bought the car on 16th January 1991, transferring it later into his company's name on 14th February 1994. The third owner, as it were, was a Mr. Ballard who kept the car for some 18 months from 29th November 1996 until, on 2nd May 1998, it was sold to a Ms Harrison , who had homes in Edinburgh, London and Monaco. The car was exported to Monte Carlo in 2003 where it was maintained by G Cavallari of Monaco until 2014, going through the exhaustive Ferrari Classiche Certification process and receiving its 'Red Book' in 2009. Repatriated to the UK in 2018, it was subject to restorative and recommissioning works, including a repaint by Edinburgh-based specialists, Stewart Roden, at a cost of some £29,779, prior to being sold to a Dr Scott on 8th February 2018. Hardly used, it subsequently visited H.R. Owen for servicing and additional works in 2022.
Purchased in March this year after a long search for 'the right one', our vendor became the car’s next owner and immediately commissioned Iain Tyrrell and his team to use their expertise in getting the car 'properly sorted'. The work involved and the final road test can be viewed online via the Iain Tyrrell Classic Workshop YouTube page and the bill amounted to some £7,000 in September 2024. Acknowledging that he’d probably use the Ferrari less frequently than his other classics, it was decided that the car should be offered to auction 'on its toes' complete with detailed history file, MOT until March 2025 and some 31,200 miles on the odometer.
