1988 Ferrari 412 Coupe

Description

Tracing the lineage of the four-seater V12 Ferrari back from the ultra-desirable 612 Scaglietti, one finds the handsome 365/400 range of the 1970s. Known as the 365 GT4 2+2 at the time of its launch in 1972, the new model was powered by essentially the same quad-cam 4.4-litre V12 found in such classics as the Daytona and had chiselled good looks from design studio Pininfarina. The engine was enlarged to nearly 5-litres in 1976, resulting in the change in nomenclature to 400GT (for manual gearbox cars) or 400A for those cars fitted with the GM400 automatic transmission. Inside, the 400 was easily the most luxurious Ferrari yet, with power steering, air conditioning and electric windows complementing leather-clad seats, dashboard and door panels. Although some purists decried the concept of a Ferrari without a gear stick, the general concept of a more refined and relaxed grand tourer was embraced enthusiastically by a great many well-heeled customers. The ultimate expression of the concept was launched in 1985, the new 412i benefiting from a full 5-litre engine (capacity was up to 4942cc) with 340 horsepower helping restore performance to pre-fuel injection levels. The latest Marelli Microplex electronic ignition and twin-disc clutch on manual variants were both welcome improvements, as was the addition of Bosch anti-lock brakes. Pininfarina’s timeless styling underwent some subtle revisions, with colour-coded bumpers and a revised bootline, complemented by new five-spoke wheels. Popular though it may have been, the 412i was hardly mass produced – just 576 of this Italian thoroughbred were built in total, of which few were built in right-hand guise.