Ferrari 400 Automatic

Ferrari 400 Automatic

The Ferrari 400 Automatic, introduced at the 1976 Paris Motor Show, sent shockwaves through the enthusiast community. For the first time in the company's history, a Ferrari was available with an automatic transmission, a General Motors TH400 three-speed unit that seemed anathema to everything the prancing horse represented. Yet this bold move reflected Enzo Ferrari's pragmatic understanding that the market for expensive grand tourers increasingly demanded effortless driving, particularly in congested urban environments.

The 400 was essentially an evolution of the 365 GT4 2+2, wearing a subtly revised Pininfarina body with a new front end featuring a wider grille and integrated bumpers designed to meet American safety standards. The proportions remained elegant if somewhat understated, the car appearing more like a refined gentleman's express than a flamboyant supercar.

Beneath the hood, the familiar Colombo-derived V12 displaced 4823cc and produced 310 horsepower in its initial carbureted form. The engine was fitted with six Weber side-draft carburetors, which were replaced by Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in the 400i variant from 1979 onwards, and power was slightly reduced. The 412, which arrived in 1985, featured a 4943cc engine with improved fuel injection producing 340 horsepower.

While the automatic transmission drew the most attention, a five-speed manual gearbox was also offered throughout the production run, and today manual examples are significantly more valuable. The automatic, despite its humble General Motors origins, was reasonably well-matched to the V12's abundant torque, providing relaxed, effortless progress that suited the car's grand touring character.

The chassis was sophisticated for its era, with independent suspension at all four corners using double wishbones and self-leveling systems. Power steering and air conditioning were standard, and the interior was lavishly appointed with leather, wood, and comprehensive instrumentation. The rear seats, while not generous by sedan standards, were usable for adults on shorter journeys.

Over its 13-year production span, Ferrari produced approximately 2,962 examples across all variants, making the 400/412 series one of the more numerous vintage Ferraris. This relative abundance, combined with the stigma of the automatic transmission, kept values comparatively low for decades. However, the market has recently begun to recognize the 400/412's qualities as a genuine V12 Ferrari grand tourer that can be acquired and maintained without the stratospheric costs associated with more celebrated models.