1986 Ferrari 412i

The Ferrari 412, the last in the line of front-engined Pininfarina 2+2 vehicles that began in 1972 with the Ferrari 365GT/4 2+2, and was an evolution of the 400 series of luxurious four-seaters. During its seventeen-year production lifespan, production remained exclusive with production seldom exceeding 200 examples per year.

All three Pininfarina 2+2 models used the same body and chassis, mostly distinguished by engine evolutions with model names referencing the numeric designations of the engines' single-cylinder displacement expressed in cubic centimeters. The 365 GT4 with its 4.4-liter engine replaced the 365 GTC/4 in 1972, evolving into the 400, the first Ferrari available with an automatic transmission, and equipped with a 4.8-liter displacement size. More than two-thirds of customers elected to equip their cars with the automatic gearbox. A fuel-injected version, known as the 400i, was introduced in 1979, followed by the 412 in 1985 and produced through 1989.

Following an 'evolution' rather than 'revolution' approach, the 412 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985, and its engine receiving a 119cc capacity increase, anti-lock brakes, body-colored bumpers, redesigned sill panels, an improved front air dam, a new wheel design, and a revised interior. The raised boot deck reduced the vehicle's already low coefficient of drag by around ten percent. This was the first Ferrari fitted with an anti-lock braking system (a Bosch ABS system). Transmission options included a three-speed GM-sourced Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic or a five-speed manual, with around 20 to 30 percent of total production receiving the five-speed unit. The five-speed was not available in the United States when new, with only a few being imported stateside over the years. The 4,942cc V12 engine produced 340 horsepower (an eight-percent increase) at 6,000 RPM and was capable of sprinting from zero-to-sixty mph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of approximately 155 mph. The interiors were finished in leather upholstery.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2021