The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 was launched in 1972 and equipped with Ferrari's 4.4-liter V12 engine with 6 Weber carburetors offering 340 horsepower and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 365 was replaced in 1976 by the 400 Series which came with an enlarged 310 horsepower, 4.8-liter, V12.
The Ferrari 400 was the first road-going Ferrari fitted with an automatic transmission. It was introduced in 1976 at the Paris Auto Show and the modern four-seat grand touring car was powered by a 4,823-cc 60-degree Colombo-designed V-12 engine. It had an optional three-speed automatic transmission (Borg Warner unit from the General Motors parts bin) and an independent front and rear suspension with self-leveling technology. The Pininfarina body had several popular Ferrari styling cues of the period, including pop-up headlights, five-spoke wheels, and a pre-airbag steering wheel. The interior was well appointed with fine wood, rich leather, and high-end carpeting.
The injection version followed in 1979 with Bosch K-Jetronics under the bonnet. The 400i, with the 'i' signified the fuel injection, was designed for the American market because of the automatic transmission and the emissions compliance. However, very few of these cars ever made it to American ports. It was a Ferrari with an automatic transmission and a proper 4.8-liter V12 engine with 340 horsepower on tap.
The Ferrari 400i remains the quintessential grand touring car of the marque, with its potent V-12 engine mounted in the front, beautifully apportioned Pininfarina design and the convenience of 2+2 seating. Just 883 Automatic 400i examples were produced from 1979 to 1985.
by Dan Vaughan