1984 Ferrari 400i

Jul 17

Written By Katelyn McSherry

When people hear the word Ferrari, the 400i might not be the first car to come to mind. A development of the 365 GT4 2+2, and the 400, the 400i was an ultra-luxurious grand touring continental crosser. It was quite advanced and slightly controversial, as it was the first Ferrari to feature an automatic transmission. This specific model is rare and one of only 420 equipped with a manual transmission. The automatic transmission was intended to be used for the US market, but ultimately no 400is were sold in US dealerships. Enzo felt that the constantly evolving safety and environmental regulations in the United States would require several updates made to the car each year, which would too costly. This specific car was purchased by the second owner when it was only a year old and was kept until it sold at auction this past January. It is a late-production, European-specification example that is finished in the beautiful and unusual color of Bruno Acajou-Brown Mahogany. This specific 400i is highly sought after and is one of the finest original example in the entire world.

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 debuted at the 1972 Paris Auto Show. Ferrari turned to frequent styling partner Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, whose three-box design for the 365 GT4 2+2 was a clear departure from its fastback predecessor, the 365 GTC/4. It followed Fioravanti's Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona as the second Ferrari to feature the characteristic swage line dividing the body into upper and lower halves.

A revised version appeared at Paris in 1976. Called the 400 GT, its V-12 displaced 4.8-liters. But the most important mechanical change was the gearbox: This was the first Ferrari available with a factory-installed automatic transmission. Ferrari adapted General Motors’ state-of-the-art three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic for use with the V-12 and created the Ferrari 400i Automatic. It was a very popular move for owners.

The 400i has been known as a ‘gentlemen’s express,’ a car that offered the performance and experience of the 12-cylinder front-engined cars with a degree of comfort and refinement that made the car more usable. Independent front and rear suspension provided the car with sporty handling characteristics, and rear self-leveling units kept the ride comfortable and refined.

With a relaxed seating position, more interior space, functional air conditioning, and power steering, the 400i achieves a pleasant balance between a thoroughbred sports car and a luxury grand touring car. Because of America’s new smog and safety regulations, the car was never imported into the United States though many entered the U.S. legally as grey market vehicles. The 400i morphed into the 412 in 1985, and was produced until 1989, marking the longest production run for any Ferrari series to date.