1984 Ferrari 400i

Ferrari built a front-engined V12 2+2 grant tourer in the early 1970s through the late 1980s that wore styling by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, initially with a three-box design with similar design cues to Fioravanti's Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Dubbed the 365 GT4 2+2, it employed a tubular steel chassis based on that of the GTC/4, but with a lengthened size to 2,700 MM (making it 200mm longer). The bodies were comprised of steel with a fiberglass floor, and built by Pininfarina at its Turin plan. The suspension used double wishbones, coil springs coaxial with the shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars all around. In the back was a hydraulic self-leveling system.

The Tipo F 101 Colombo V12 engine displaced 4,390.35cc (81 x 71mm bore and stroke), had an alloy head and block, four overhead camshafts, 24-valves, wet-sump lubrication, and delivered 335 horsepower at 6,200 RPM. The transmission was conventionally coupled directly to the engine with a driveshaft connecting it to the rear limited-slip differential. It was a five-speed, all-synchromesh manual with a single-plate clutch. Disc brakes were located at all four corners and the steering system was servo-assisted. Five-spoke alloy wheels were mounted on Rudge knock-off hubs, while Borrani wire wheels were still available as optional equipment.

The 365 GT4 2+2 was introduced in 1972 at the Paris Motor Show and its name was in reference to the single-cylinder displacement of 365cc, along with four overhead camshafts (GT4) and a seat configuration of 2+2. Most of the mechanical components, including the engine and chassis, were carried over from its predecessor, the 365 GTC/4.

After 524 examples had been built, including 3 prototypes, the GT4 was replaced in 1976 by the nearly identical-looking Ferrari 400.

Ferrari 400
The new Ferrari 400 was introduced in 1976 at the Paris Motor Show and would remain in production through 1979, with 355 examples equipped with automatic transmissions and 147 with a five-speed manual. The 400 Automatic (a GM THm400 3-speed unit) was the first Ferrari to have an automatic transmission. The new '400' name was due to the displacement increase to 4.8-liters (290 cubic inches) and the replacement of the previous six side-draft Weber 38 DCOE 59/60 carburetors with six 38 DCOE 110-111 Weber. Output remained 335 horsepower and zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 7.1 seconds.

Besides a larger displacement engine, the 400 used five-stud wheels instead of the previous knock-off hubs. Borrani wheels were no longer offered as optional. A lip was added to the front spoiler, the interior was revised, and double circular tail light assemblies were used instead of the previous triple light setup.

Ferrari 400i
After 502 examples of the 400 were produced, Ferrari replaced the carburetors with a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. As a result, emissions were much improved and it complied with U.S. standards. The drawback was that horsepower decreased slightly to 306 bhp at 6,500 RPM.

Initially, the differences between the 400 and 400 i were limited to the 'i' badge on the tail and the fuel-injection system. As 1982 was coming to a close, the 400i received additional modifications including a significantly revised interior with different upholstery, door panels, center console, and new electronic switchgear. The engine gained new camshaft profiles and exhaust headers helping to boost output to 311 horsepower. Styling updates included a narrower grille with exposed rectangular foglights, and the venting on the engine hood was changed from silver to body color. In the back, the tail panel was body-colored instead of matte black, and foglamps were fitted in the bumper. New wing mirrors were added to the doors and wore a small Ferrari shield. Lower profile Michelin TRX tires were wrapped on metric-sized wheels.

Production of the 400 GT i 'Series II' lasted from 1979 through 1985 with 422 examples being GT - manual gearboxes - and 833 with automatics.

Ferrari 412
The final variant of this 'series' was the 412 (chassis Tipo F 101 EL) that was introduced in April of 1985 and produced through 1989. Its bore increased by 1 mm and displacement now measured 4,942cc, thus the name change to 412, representing the single-cylinder displacement in cubic centimeters. Again, manual and automatic transmissions options were available, but exterior badging no longer denoted the transmission type fitted. The Bosch ABS system was a first for Ferrari.

Pininfarina applied minor styling updates to modernize the interior with a raised rear deck resulting in more luggage space, the bumpers were body-colored, and a deeper front spoiler. In the back, a black valance incorporated the foglamps and exhaust pipes. The previous chrome side window trim was changed to black, and the flat-faced wheels were new and rode on TRX tires.

Production continued through 1989 with a total of 576 units built during that time. Although there was no direct successor, Ferrari did have the mid-engined Mondial which offered 2+2 seating. In 1992, the classic front-engine V12 2+2 grand tourer returned to Ferrari's lineup with the 456.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021