Hi all, My name is Ton and I currently own a beautiful 348 spider. Recently I have been looking at the Ferrari 400 series as an addition to the current car fleet. I have always loved the sleek lines of the 365/400 series and would like to have a more practical Ferrari V12 in the garage. So what is the main difference between the three? I know that the 400 was the first series build with an automatic gearbox and can be had with carbs and an injection engine. Are they reliable? Thanks, Ton
Hi Ton, Already the 365 was available with automatic transmission. 400 had wheels with 5 bolts, 365 with central spinner. 365 has 4.4 liter engine, 400 4,8 liter. Jacques
Hi Ton check the thread 'how to identify models' on this forum for more info. These cars really are the ultimate GT Good luck Regards Alastair
It is absolutely a wonderful GT. Do the carb models need a lot of attention? Is there a difference in reliability between the models?
morning Sir, They do. Bosch injection is easy to run in comparison. (400i) The 412i should be the 'bugfree' model. Also 412i euro versions with cat to find, if you need. My choice would be a 400 GT, carbs, 5-gear. But this is a rare one, only 74 build, what I recall. Years ago I was driving the 400i with 5-gearbox for some days across Europe. It was a fine handling car in second gear corners. Shifting in downtown was a little bit ... well heavy, but defined. One sparkplug fouled on cold starts but recovered on open road. Rust can be a massive problem since the inner frame tubes are not protected by factory and moisture can reach many hidden surfaces. BTW: the 365 never came with automatic transmission, but with the 6 taillights plus the Ben Hur wheel locks. Best engine sound among all these guaranteed. cheers, cinque
yep, on the reliability not an expert but the carbs at that time were tried and tested, they are completely fixable for sure and early fuel injected might pose some problems. certainly with the 400GT to 400i there was a loss of power from 340 hp to 310hp. There is a lot of mystique about tuning carbs though when set up webbers are really pretty bullit proof and very reliable. Although the HP might not be as big as some the torque was available at relatively high revs so they still go like the clappers as they say in Scotland. Regards Alastair
365 GT/4 2+2 is the same drivetrain as a 365 GTC/4 - no auto (only 365 with auto were 6 365 GT 2+2s of the Queen Mother bodystyle). 400 has a bit more torque than the 365 GT/4, 5 lug wheels, plusher interior, auto availible. I am told that it takes an experienced hand and many hours to get the carbs right. Carbs can be good once set correctly but they are a bear to get right. Also, you must remove the entire induction system when adjusting the valves. 400i is simpler than 412 but 412 is younger so it will have fewer age related issues with the 412. Thus, to me it is a toss up between the two. All of these cars are significantly more complex thus having more systems to maintain than a 308 so if you don't get a great one, it will take a lot to bring it back to great condition. Regards, Art S.
Thanks! I am still in favor of the 400i. I see different side mirrors on the 400i. Some have big square mirrors and others have the long "328" mirrors? Are the square mirrors on the early models? Was there a change in interior during the 400i series?
I like this thread and have learned a lot reading it. I love the body style of these cars and think they are grossly underestimated. (still went with a 308 though as it was always my first love) Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge. PDG
400i has 1st and second series. first series has wooden console , 4 instruments in console, same mirrors as 400 carb. second has 3 instruments in console, no airvents in the top centre of the dash. Witmer and Odijk in Holland has a blue 5 speed second series. They lowered the price recently by 5000,- euro, so maybe there is a deal possible there.
Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 Ferrari 365 GT4 In 1972, just a year after the debut of the GTC/4, the new 365 GT4 2+2 made it depute at the Paris Auto Show. The 365 had a top speed of 155mph with 0-60 taking just a little over 6 seconds. The interior was lavishly appointed with rich leather, fine wood and higher end carpet. Total production was 521 and Cavallino currently list current values at a bargain between $25,000 to $40,000. The 365 GT4 2+2 evolved into the almost identical 400,400i and 412. Return to Top Ferrari 400 & 400i Ferrari 400 The Ferrari 400 was the first Ferrari to be offered for sale to the public with the option of an automatic gearbox. The 400 wasn't legal for sale in the USA without certain EPA and DOT modifications so those that were imported quickly pressed the $100,000 mark. The automatic transmission was a three-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic gearbox that was also used by Rolls Royce and Jaguar was welcomed to cheers and jeers. A conventional five speed manual was also available. The car was launched during October 1976 at the Paris Car Show, the 400 was an immediate success, despite some misguided outrage over its automatic transmission option. Regardless, nearly two in every three 400's were automatics. Production ending in mid 1979 after the completion of 147 GTs (including 44 right-hand drive) and 355 Automatics. By mid 1979, Ferrari were ready to release a fuel-injected 400 that could more easily be modified to meet North American emissions legislation that had officially kept its predecessors out of the US market. A Bosch fuel injection system was fitted in favor of the six Webbers resulting in a smoother ride. The top speed dropped below 150mph while 0-60 took about eight seconds. The 400i's were another commercial success for Ferrari and produced 422 GTs (including 32 right-hand drive) and 883 Auto's (including 171 RHD) during six years of production. Cavallino list current values at $20,000 to $50,000 for all 400 v versions. Return to Top Ferrari 412 Ferrari 412 The 412 produced a top speed of 155mph with 0-60 mph taking under seven seconds. The optional GM three-speed automatic or in-house five speed manual was still available. Slight changes between the 400i and 412 were the bumpers were color coded to the bodywork and clear indicator lenses fitted. The back panel above the bumper of the car that had been black in the past also became the same color as the rest of the body. Launched during March 1985 at the Geneva Car Show the 412 was a fitting end for a long-running and very successful model. Production was discontinued in 1989 after only 576 were produced.
Dear Ton, some usefull sites for the 4 seaters: http://www.400register.com/ http://www.ferrari400.com/WholeFamily.aspx
The 400i might be the most reasonable model if you just like the shell/taillights, no carb trouble and the 'same thing' but lower priced than a 412i. One of the most expensive is in Munich. Owner likes to get 59.900.-. Not everyone's budget, right?
Thanks! I have seen that one. It is a very pretty car. They are 200+ km from where I live so it needs a bit of planning to drive there. I was thinking of going there on thursday.
besides a few GT4 2+2 365`s with I think considarable work it is the cheapest manual around. Saw one manual 400 in Italy advertised for 20.000 (a carburated, my favorite for the sound alone) but no photo`s and little info. Maybe its a con (only 74 lhd manuals carb build)
I have an 1982 on ebay. CA 5 speed. Had it 5 years now. Happy to share all my experiences. In short, it has been a absolute joy and though I am selling it....As long it is driven on a regular basis, it is a dream. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-5-speed-1982-Ferrari-400i-GT-5-speed-CA-BAR-legal-w-Video-Links_W0QQitemZ320480536493QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item4a9e20e7ad#ht_552wt_1167
