A rare Ferrari model with an unusual history was valued at only 80,000 euros (29 photos)

In early May, a 1975 Ferrari coupe with an unusual history will be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s in Monaco. The company used the car as a laboratory on wheels, testing various new technologies on it, including with the help of the famous racer Niki Lauda. Despite its unusual status, attractive to collectors, the Ferrari was valued at only 60 thousand to 80 thousand euros, possibly due to the depressing condition of the car.





The sports car was built in 1975, and it rolled off the assembly line as a standard 365 GT4 2+2. Despite the relatively small circulation of this model (a little over 500 copies), the car did not find a buyer. Ferrari decided to use an unnecessary chassis to test new developments and called the car Esperienza.

In particular, an improved engine was tested on it, which was planned to replace the V12 used on the 365 GT4. They increased the engine displacement from 4.4 to 4.8 liters, and also replaced the carburetors with an injection system. A grand tourer with this engine went on sale only in 1979. In addition, this car has an automatic transmission: the Ferrari 400i became the first two-pedal sports car from Maranello.

The car served as a test site until 1980, when the company decided to sell it off. The two-door remained in Europe until 2002, periodically changing owners, and then it was transported across the ocean. The Ferrari 400i Protoripo came back to the attention of historians only in 2017. Apparently, somewhere during this period the condition of the car deteriorated sharply. The auctioneers emphasize that the grand tourer will require thoughtful restoration in order for it to be used for its intended purpose, but suggest that for a fan of the Italian brand the process could be very exciting.