1977 Ferrari 400 GT (Manual) Coupe

Like a well made Italian suit, the Ferrari 400i creates an impression of discreet style thanks to the superbly elegant lines penned by 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, suiting the relaxed nature of the model.  Additional changes included bolt-on alloy wheels in place of the 365’s knock-off hubs and a distinctive chin spoiler.  Fed by a bank of six Weber 38DCOE carburettors, the V12 was rated at 340bhp @ 6500rpm, allowing for a top speed of 152mph and a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds in manual guise.  The 400 GT was Ferrari’s final carburettor model, replaced by the 400i in 1979 using Bosch K-Jetronic injection in place of the traditional Webers.  In total 147 manual and 355 automatic 400 Ferraris were built before the 400i was introduced in 1979 and the tradition of the grand tourer 2+2 continues with more recent FF and GTC4Lusso models.  Today, the 400 is both a relatively affordable entry into twelve-cylinder Ferrari ownership and an immensely rewarding classic GT car.