Deauville owners Vs. Ferrari 400

They are two different beasts a 400 and a Deauville. A Longchamp and a 400 would make a better comparison, dimensionally and handling that is.

As for converting to a manual. I think that you need a second series subframe. This placed the engine 4 inches further back and used a better responding ZF steering rack.

The frame and rack were used on Maserati QP 3 which shares the platform with the later serie Deauville. So if you can find a manual QP 3 for parts than you are good to go!

I would stick to the autobox. It suits the car.

Chiel

I've never driven a 400 auto, but I spent a week driving a friends 400gt 5-speed around Northern California. It was heaven. The car is a great car to drive and makes awesome sounds. It seats 4 (sort of) and can swallow a weeks worth of luggage.

If not for the horrifyingly complex mechanical systems I'd have bought one. I also love the appearance. Go for it, but get the manual, don't attempt conversion.

Mark

thanks guys! Doc

Question, if I buy it would you use leather on the whole interior or use the leather and fabric combo like the original set up; probably needs a paint job too ...Doc

...just my 2 cents, but a (good) Ferrari 400i is an incredible buy (at as low as $20k..), or at least the cheapest 12 cylinder Ferrari you can hope to ever buy, with lots of parts available (both new and used), not really complex, and the automatic really does suit the car. I love mine...I am most amazed that my 30 year old blue-gray coupe gets so many thumbs up...Lee

I was in the 3rd seat in a 400I automatic when my boss was trying one out. Pretty comfortable in back for a 6 footer, and as far as dependable & strong, I was told it came stock with a GM turbo-hydro in it....

Agreed, the 365/400/412 series is underrated. I have spent time in a 400i 5sp and it was so much fun. The sound is incredible and the performance is quite good considering the dimensions of the car.

It is complex mechanically but reliable.

LS