The 400 series replaced the 365 GT4 2+2 model at the 1976 Paris Salon, and for the first time a model with automatic transmission became available on a Ferrari production car, the 400 Automatic. As with the 365 variant, the model number referred to the swept volume of a single cylinder, whilst the new engine had the same 81mm bore of its predecessor, the stroke was increased to 78mm to give a total capacity of 4823cc.

The 400 series replaced the 365 GT4 2+2 model at the 1976 Paris Salon, and for the first time a model with automatic transmission became available on a Ferrari production car, the 400 Automatic. As with the 365 variant, the model number referred to the swept volume of a single cylinder, whilst the new engine had the same 81mm bore of its predecessor, the stroke was increased to 78mm to give a total capacity of 4823cc. The engine of cars with the automatic gearbox had a factory type reference F 101 C 080. Two banks of three Weber side draught twin choke 38 DCOE 110-111 carburettors were fitted, with twin coil and rear of engine mounted distributors, to produce a claimed 340bhp. The Borg Warner three speed plus reverse automatic gearbox was, perhaps surprisingly for purists, an immediate hit with Ferrari clients, and would account for approximately two thirds of the cars manufactured for the remainder of the 400 into the 412 series production run. In Great Britain the figures were even higher, with the vast majority of purchasers favouring automatic transmission. The power was transmitted from the automatic gearbox through a propeller shaft to a limited slip differential, and from there via half shafts to the independently suspended rear wheels with hydraulic self levelling units.

Although the chassis of the 400 series cars was structurally virtually identical to the preceding 365 GT4 2+2 models, there were nominal differences, which resulted in a new factory reference number F 101 CL 180 for this automatic transmission version. Visually 400 series models can be differentiated from their predecessor by a small body colour spoiler on the lower edge of the nose, five bolt fixing for the five spoke alloy wheels instead of the single triple eared spinner, paired circular rear light assemblies, and the disappearance of the “Cavallino Rampante” from the radiator grille. Inside the seat upholstery was made more sumptuous, and the stitch style and pattern altered, along with minor changes to switchgear on the centre console, and a change of style for the door release catch.

The 400 Automatic continued in production until November 1979, during which time 355 examples were produced in the chassis number range 19353 to 28261. As with the 365 GT4 2+2, they were built and fully trimmed at the Pininfarina works in Turin, and then shipped to the Ferrari factory in Maranello for the installation of the mechanical components. Right or left hand drive steering, with power assistance as standard, was available, but as with the other twelve cylinder models of the period, no USA market version was made.

 

400 GT

Basically a more powerful version of the famous 365 GT4 2+2 reaching 4.8 litres, the 400 GT brought the development of the high performance, big displacement front-engined 2+2 coupé to new levels. Greater attention was also paid to interior detailing and this was the very first Ferrari to be offered with an optional three-speed General Motors gearbox to meet the demands of the US market.

The 400 GT replaced the 365 GT4 2+2 model, making its public debut at the 1976 Paris Salon. As with the 365 variant, the model number referred to the swept volume of a single cylinder, whilst the new engine had the same 81mm bore of its predecessor, the stroke was increased to 78mm to give a total capacity of 4823cc. The engine had factory type reference F 101 C 000, and was fitted with two banks of three Weber twin choke side draught 38 DCOE 110-111 M carburettors, with twin coil and rear of engine mounted distributors, to produce a claimed 340 bhp. The engine was mated to a five speed plus reverse gearbox, which transmitted power through a propeller shaft to a limited slip differential, and from there via half shafts to the independently suspended rear wheels with hydraulic self levelling units.

Although the chassis of the 400 series cars were structurally virtually identical to the preceding 365 GT4 2+2 model, there were nominal differences, that resulted in a new factory reference number, F 101 CL 100, for this manual gearbox vesrion. Visually the 400 GT model can be differentiated from its predecessor by a small body colour spoiler on the lower edge of the nose, five bolt fixing for the five spoke alloy wheels instead of the single triple eared spinner, paired circular rear light assemblies, and the disappearance of the “Cavallino Rampante” from the radiator grille. Inside the seat upholstery was made more sumptuous, and the stitch style and pattern altered, along with minor changes to switchgear on the centre console, and a change of style for the door release catch.

The 400 GT continued in production until November 1979, during which time 147 examples were produced in the chassis number range 19353 to 28261. As with the 365 GT4 2+2, they were built and fully trimmed at the Pininfarina works in Turin, and then shipped to the Ferrari factory in Maranello for the installation of the mechanical components. Right or left hand drive steering, with power assistance as standard, was available, but as with the other twelve cylinder models of the period, no USA market version was made.

Engine

Type…………………………………….front, longitudinal 60° V12
Bore/stroke……………………………..81 x 78 mm
Unitary displacement………………….401.93 cc
Total displacement…………………….4823.16 cc
Compression ratio……………………..8.8 : 1
Maximum power………………………..250 kW (340 hp)
Power per litre………………………….70 hp/l
Valve actuation………………………..twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder
Fuel feed………………………………..six Weber 38 DCOE carburettors
Ignition………………………………….single spark plug per cylinder, two coils
Lubrication………………………………wet sump
Clutch…………………………………..torque converter (Automatic) single-plate (GT)

Chassis

Frame…………………………………….tubular steel
Front suspension…………………….independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension……………………..self-levelling, independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar

Brakes……………………………………discs
Transmission………………………….3-speed automatic + reverse (400 Automatic)
5-speed + reverse (400 GT)
Steering…………………………………power-assisted recirculating-ball
Fuel tank………………………………..capacity 120 litres
Front tyres……………………………..215/70 VR 15
Rear tyres………………………………215/70 VR 15

Bodywork

Type……………………………………..2+2 coupé
Length………………………………….4810 mm
Width……………………………………1796 mm
Height…………………………………..1310 mm
Wheelbase…………………………….2700 mm
Front track……………………………1470 mm
Rear track…………………………….1500 mm
Weight………………………………….1700 kg (dry)

Performance

400 Automatic

• Top speed………………..240 km/h
• Acceleration
  0-400 m…………………..14.9 sec.
  0-1000 m…………………25.5 sec.

400 GT

• Top speed………………..245 km/h
• Acceleration
  0-400 m…………………..14.8 sec.
  0-1000 m…………………25.3 sec.