V12 Limousine May Be the Boldest Ferrari Modification Ever
Albeit a bit gratuitous by some standards, this stretched 1981 Ferrari 400i may be the outright most luxurious way to enjoy a V12 Ferrari.Â
Let’s set the scene. It’s 1981, and you just rolled your new Ferrari 400i off the lot. The furious 4.8-liter fuel-injected V12 screams as you put your foot to the floor. You run into a problem, though. As lovely as the car is, it’s just such a chore to drive it. Yes, you got the three-speed automatic. However, you still have to do mundane things like accelerating, steering, braking, and so on. Who’s got the energy? You hire a driver, and while the Ferrari 400 is indeed a 2+2 layout, you find the back seat just isn’t quite roomy enough. Perhaps, then, the Ferrari 400i would be much better suited as a 2+4.
Perhaps that sounds like a bold fantasy, but we assure you this stretched 1981 Ferrari 400i Limousine is as real as real gets. In fact, you can even buy it. It is currently on auction through Garage Dream Auctions, an auction house that is no stranger to luxurious and exotic cars. This, however, might be a first for them. While we don’t have the original story on how this monster came to be, we know that it resides in Orange County, California, and has for the past eleven years. It has been meticulously maintained and restored. The wildest part, though, is it costs a whole lot less than you might be expecting. Before we get to the price, though, let’s take you on a little tour.
One of a kind and classy to boot.Â
The passenger compartment of the Ferrari limo matches the driver’s side of things. Obviously, the theme of high-quality leather, trim pieces, and carpeting match throughout. According to the auction listing, the entire interior recently received new leather, including Cavallino stitched headrests. Though not available in 1981, it now also has drop-down video screens—one facing each of the rear sets of seats.
Additionally, the limo has been meticulously maintained. It only has 15,000 miles on it and recently went through a major service, replacing spark plugs, timing assembly, flushing fluids, a new battery, and an inspection of the tires and brakes. Perhaps the most impressive, though, is that the listing states that rusty panels were cut out and replaced with new metal. Though that is a painstaking process, it shows that this car has truly been well cared for.
Surprising numbers all around.
Under the hood, you’ll find the original numbers-matching 4.8-liter Bosch K-jetronic fuel-injected V12 engine. Though not as brutal as modern supercar engines, this V12 does put out an impressive 340 horsepower, which is more than enough to get this beast up and moving. The number that took us by surprise a bit, though, is the price tag. Not for the reason you’re thinking, either.
We originally stumbled upon this beautiful monstrosity on an eBay classified listing. The asking price? $42,000. Now, maybe we’re a bit crazy here. However, that seems like a more than fair price for what you’re getting. Especially considering that it is cheaper than a Ferrari 400i usually is anyway. Sure, it’s a lot less convenient and performance-oriented, but come on! This thing is super cool.
Photos: Garage Dream Auctions