Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 400i questions (serial number and epa/dot)

[Britt2Asa (Britt2Asa]

My 400i was built in September 1979 as one of the first 400 injected models. 
It made it to the UK by transporter in November and was registered 1st Jan 
1980 hence it is a 1980 car according to Ferrari and the DVLA here in the UK. 
It 
has a few bits from the 400GT on it (like the front spoiler and fog lamps) yet 
is an injected model, one of the first made. It is numbered 29559. Model year 
and build date had little meaning on these cars when trying to narrow it down 
to a specific year.

BTW make sure a valve service has been done and that the timing chain 
tensions are correct. If you maintain it that engine is easily good for 100,000 
plus 
miles without having any problems. They are nearly bullet proof.

Britt


> I looked at a 400i 5-speed today in Manchester NH.  It is listed as a 1981. 
>  This date was obtained from the importation tag on the door post. The tag 
> lists "DOM 4/81".  The car has the old style (11-digit?) vin.  The serial 
> number is 30683 which I would have said was late 1979.  Does anyone have any 
> information on this particular car or similar serial numbers?  
> Also, it does not have EPA/DOT releases although teh car appears to have 
> been federalized.  How important are the releases on a car that is now 28 
> years 
> old?
> Most sincerely,
> Christian
> 



BR in the UK
1986 328GTS (LHD 89,940km) Died August 19, 2006 Shrewsbury UK
1980 400i (RHD 72,000 miles)
Searching for the right 512TR
2003 BMW 530d
1991 Alfa Spider S4