Ferrari 400i GT 1981 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ferrari 400i GT 1981

Pininfarina was the genius behind this front-engined masterpiece. The design was derived from the almost identical looking 365 GT4 2+2 (which itself was based on the famous Daytona). Production began in 1976, when Ferrari revealed its first car fitted with an automatic transmission, the 400, at the Paris Motor show of 1976. The GT version however took advantage of a five speed all synchromesh transmission. Although the incorporation of an automatic transmission, and U.S. emissions compliance, indicate it may have been designed for the Americans market, no version of the 400 series was ever officially imported to the USA. Despite this, many have been brought to American as gray imports, where the car enjoyed a limited popularity with movie stars, such as Sammy Davis Jr. The interior was lavishly appointed with rich leather, fine wood and higher end carpet. The injection version followed with Bosch K-Jetronic s under the bonnet and combined with a manual gearbox made for excellent long distance touring. Today, its sleek, Pininfarina-designed lines and relatively limited production numbers certainly give it classic status.