Description
The Ferrari 400 Automatic was a grand tourer introduced in 1976, representing Ferrari’s first production car to be offered with an automatic transmission. This made it a significant step for the brand, as Ferrari traditionally emphasized manual gearboxes and driver engagement. By fitting a GM-sourced three-speed automatic transmission, Ferrari aimed the car at a new audience: wealthy buyers who wanted the prestige of the marque but also the convenience and refinement suited to long-distance luxury touring.
The car was powered by a 4.8-litre Colombo-derived V12 engine, producing around 340 horsepower. This provided smooth and ample power delivery, though performance was less aggressive than Ferrari’s pure sports cars. The automatic transmission softened the driving experience, making the 400 more suitable for urban traffic and highway cruising than for spirited track work. Despite this, the car retained Ferrari’s traditional engineering pedigree, with independent suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and rear-wheel drive ensuring capable handling for its size and purpose.
The design of the 400 Automatic was penned by Pininfarina and carried a restrained, elegant character compared to the more flamboyant sports models in Ferrari’s lineup. It was a two-door 2+2 coupé with clean lines, a long hood, and discreet proportions that reflected the tastes of its era. Inside, the car focused heavily on comfort, with plush leather upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and ample amenities. It was built to appeal to buyers seeking exclusivity and refinement rather than raw speed, making it a true gentleman’s Ferrari.
Production of the 400 Automatic was limited, as it catered to a niche clientele. Over the years, it was joined by a manual counterpart, the Ferrari 400 GT, giving customers the option between tradition and modern convenience. While the car was not universally embraced by enthusiasts at the time, it found favor among owners who valued its practicality, subtlety, and ability to combine Ferrari performance with day-to-day usability.
Today, the Ferrari 400 Automatic is appreciated as an unconventional but important model in Ferrari’s history. It marked the company’s willingness to adapt to market demands and expand its reach beyond the typical sports car buyer. Though it never achieved the iconic status of its more radical siblings, it remains a fascinating chapter in the brand’s evolution, a car that embodied understated luxury and broadened the definition of what a Ferrari could be.