Become A Ferrari Owner For The Price Of A New Porsche 718 Cayman

Ferrari is mostly known for its supercars, but grand tourers have always been an integral part of its identity. In fact, Maranello has been rolling them out for many decades, combining top performance with increased practicality compared to its hardcore models.

Four decades ago (43 years to be exact), they unveiled the 400 GT. Serving as the successor of the 365 GT4, it came in two versions, the Automatic and GT, with the first one being also the first Ferrari to feature an automatic transmission. The latter had a 5-speed stick shift matched to the 4.8-liter V12 that was producing 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW).

Also See: Weirdly Wonderful Ferrari GTC4Lusso Leaves Chris Harris Charmed

This is a 1978 example, and has less than 45,000 miles (72,420 km) on the clock. Advertised by SilverstoneAuctions for ‘The Heythrop Classic Car Sale’ scheduled for May 10, in the UK, it had only four previous owners, including two from the same family. It’s been properly taken care of over the years, although time has left its mark on some parts of the interior – but from what we can see, everything looks fairly good for a 41-year old car.

Finished in Silver Grey over a red and black interior, the 400 GT was recently serviced and has a full history said to be dating back to day one. It’s equipped with an AM/FM radio, electric windows and power steering, and still has all the original books and tools.

The auction house estimates that it will sell for £38,000-£44,000 ($49,677/€44,350-$57,520/€51,353), plus a buyer’s premium of 15 percent, tax included, or about the same as a new Porsche 718 Cayman, which starts from £44,074 ($57,617/€51,439) in the United Kingdom. So, what should it be, then: a classic Ferrari Grand Tourer or a new German sports car?