- This sports car started life as a Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, but was kept by the Italian factory as a 400i development prototype.
- It is believed that F1 legend Niki Lauda drove the car in that period.
- In need of restoration, the car is being auctioned off at RM Sotheby’s Monaco sale in May.
Every classic car tells a story, but few are as rich and secretive as the tale of this 1975 Ferrari 400i “Prototipo.” Now up for auction, this once-proud supercar has certainly seen better days, but it’s a fascinating look into the history of one of the world’s most recognizable brands.
The Ferrari sports car began its journey in 1975 as a 365 GT4 2+2, sporting an Argento Metalizzato exterior and beige interior. However, it never found a buyer and was retained by the factory for the purpose of testing emerging technologies.
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According to Ferrari expert Tony Willis, throughout its time at the factory, the car was equipped with an automatic transmission, its 4.4-liter V12 was replaced with the 4.8-liter V12 engine from the 400, and its carbs were replaced with a fuel injection system.
In addition, it was used as an “Esperienza” car, to allow potential buyers to experience Ferrari’s latest technology. Perhaps most appealingly of all, it was in that capacity that it is said to have been driven by Formula One legend Niki Lauda.
Photos Darren Capp / RM Sotheby’s
Eventually, Ferrari decided that it didn’t need the V12 sports model anymore, and sold it to a buyer in Italy in 1980. Over the course of the following 22 years, it would change hands another six times and, in 2002, was finally exported from its country of origin.
Details about it get a little light after that, but in 2017 it reemerged as part of a Tasmanian enthusiast’s collection. In 2020, it was sold to the person who has now consigned for auction with RM Sotheby’s.
Although it has a fascinating history, as with many storied vehicles, it has seen better days. A long stint in storage means that a restoration will be required before it can get back on the road. As such, experts estimate that it will sell for $65,000 to $85,000.
If you’re bold enough to take this project on, the 1975 Ferrari 400i Prototipo is being offered for sale as part of RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction, which runs from May 10 to 11.
