Why The Ferrari 400/412 Is The Hidden Gem of Classic Ferraris
In the world of Ferrari, the relationship between a front-mounted engine and a V-12 powerhouse has always been sacrosanct. Yet, when you blend this with a 2+2 seating configuration, the Ferrari purists often turn up their noses. Enter the 365 GT4/400/412 series, a range of models produced over a 17-year stretch during the 1970s and 1980s which have long flown under the radar of collectors. However, for the discerning automotive enthusiast, these cars offer an alluring entry point into the world of Ferrari at a fraction of the cost of their more iconic counterparts.
By the early 1970s, Ferrari had already cemented its reputation with four-seater models, and the market was ripe for a fresh take. The 365 GT4 2+2 made its debut at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, flaunting avant-garde styling by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. This wasn't your typical Ferrari; it was a three-box wedge design, combining pop-up headlights with a spacious interior that promised comfort along with performance.
2024/06/Ferrari412road.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0" alt="ferrari 412 road" />Under the Hood: A Beastly V-12
The real charm of the 365 GT4 2+2 lay under its sharp-edged hood. A 4390cc V-12 engine, familiar yet formidable, provided the car's pulse, augmented by six side-draft Weber carburetors delivering 340hp. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, this Ferrari was no slouch, capable of hitting 150 mph. Its performance credentials were top-notch, but it was the sophisticated features—Connolly leather seats, power steering, and air conditioning—that made it a cut above the rest.
A Series of Evolutionary Changes
Decades of production meant evolutionary updates were inevitable. In 1976, the 400 GT emerged with an expanded 4823cc V-12 engine and a slew of cosmetic upgrades, including new taillights and wheels. Ironically, the 400 GT earned the dubious honor of being Ferrari's first automatic transmission model, courtesy of General Motors' three-speed Turbo Hydramatic. Despite purists' disdain, this move broadened the car's appeal.
The iteration continued with the 400i, introduced in 1979, which adopted Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection—an improvement that reduced emissions but also whittled down the horsepower to 310. Meanwhile, luxuries like a power sunroof and refined interiors added to the car's allure, building on a legacy that Tom Cruise would immortalize in the movie 'Rain Man'.
Closing the Chapter with the 412
The final chapter in this series came with the 412, unveiled in 1985. Its bored-out V-12 engine now offered nearly 5.0 liters of displacement, returning to the robust 340hp performance. Extravagances like a raised trunk for extra luggage space, body-colored bumpers, and modernized alloy wheels painted the picture of a gran turismo car veering towards perfection.
Despite its illustrious engineering and luxurious trappings, the 365 GT4/400/412 series often gets overshadowed by Ferrari's flashier, more glamorous models. At their zenith, these four-seaters were commercial successes but never garnered the poetic adoration allocated to, say, the Daytona. They were, and still are, often referred to as the 'affordable Ferraris,' with some examples being cannibalized for their desirable V-12 engines.
The Market Today and Future Prospects
The early 2020s have breathed new life into this often overlooked series. Between the start of 2020 and today, values for these models have surged by 30 to 66 percent, with most still hovering in the mid-five-figure range. Notably, manual transmissions command significant premiums—40 percent for a 400 GT and 50 percent for a 400i or 412. Among enthusiasts, the 365 GT4 2+2 tops the desirability chart, followed by the 400i and the 412.
It's important to note that these Ferraris never quit appealing to a mature, seasoned crowd. With 90 percent of current buyer interest coming from Gen X or older, the 365 GT4/400/412 series remains a jewel for those seeking an understated yet powerful drive. This model lineup offers a unique blend of performance and practicality, wrapped in the timeless aura of Ferrari heritage.
While these vehicles have shed their 'cheap Ferrari' tag, they remain an attainable dream for many. Whether their status will rise in the coming decades is uncertain, but for now, they offer one of the most rewarding ways to experience the thrill of a Ferrari V-12 while carrying the lesser burden of cost. It's a piece of Maranello magic that might just be worth every penny.