1979 Ferrari 400i Coupe

Like a well-fitted Italian suit, the Ferrari 400i creates an impression of discreet style thanks in no small way to the superbly elegant styling from Pininfarina.  First seen on the 365 GT4 of 1972, the new 2+2 model was as beautifully finished inside as out, with plenty of leather, wood and plush carpeting to cosset the occupants.  For 1976, the quad-cam V12 was enlarged to a full 5-litres and the new 400 GT was externally recognisable with four tail lights in place of six. For the first time on a regular production Ferrari, an automatic transmission option was made available that entirely suited the relaxed nature of the model.  The 400 underwent a further update in 1979, with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection replacing the Webers, resulting in smoother operation and better reliability from the V12 engine.  Power was now rated at 310 bhp at 6400 rpm and most were delivered with the automatic transmission as the model was now able to meet the American emissions legislation.  In total 427 manual and 886 automatic 400i Ferraris were built before the 412 was introduced in 1985 and the tradition of the grand tourer 2+2 continues with more recent FF and GTC4Lusso models.  Today, the 400i is both a relatively affordable entry into twelve-cylinder Ferrari ownership and an immensely rewarding classic GT car.