The front-engined 400 model was the first Ferrari ever to be fitted with an automatic gearbox—something the Modena brand had been keen to acquire. This was big news for Ferrari because from 1976 onwards, they could add the suffix “A” to their models and reach into new markets.
Designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari 400 broke cover at the Paris Motor Show, and immediately, it attracted attention for its controversial aesthetics.
The Ferrari 400 Automatic debuted the Turbo-Hydramatic THM400 automatic transmission from General Motors, while the 400 used a manual version. A list of the differences between the 365 GT4 2 + 2 and the new 400 included alloy wheels with five lock nuts instead of the single centre one, new front and rear spoilers and four rear lights instead of six.
The carburetted 4.8 litre V12 in the Ferrari 400 was inherited from the four-seater 365 GT4, which in turn inherited it from the Daytona. Developing 340hp, the 400 was capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds.
The V12 engine was updated by Ferrari in 1974, replacing the carburetors with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. It was a change driven by a need to reduce the 400’s tailpipe emissions. To that tune, Ferrari decreased the power output to 310hp, and the model became known as the 400i.
The Ferrari 400 range would be updated again in 1983, with the 400i seeing its power rise to 315hp. The interior also received a complete overhaul with the addition of electronic operated accessories on the dash. On the outside, the 1983 model could easily be distinguished from its predecessor, sporting body-coloured bumpers and exposed fog lights.
Dating from 1979, this 400i in the Museu do Caramulo was one of the first versions to be equipped with the mechanical fuel injection system. The Bosch K-Jetronic system, introduced by the German brand in 1973, was released by Porsche on the 911T, and was quickly adopted by brands such as Audi, BMW, DeLorean, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lotus, Peugeot, Renault, Volvo, Saab, Ford and Volkswagen.
This car, that belonged to Joaquim Manuel Pacheco Oliveira Calém, was donated to the Museu do Caramulo by Maria Carlos Cálem.