1986 Ferrari 412

In April 1985 the Ferrari 412 was introduced as successor of ther Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 and Ferrari 400. The engine displacement was increased to 4,942 cc which delivered 340 horsepower. Also for this model both the manual and automatic transmissions were retained, but exterior badging no longer denoted the transmission type fitted. Bosch ABS was offered, a first for Ferrari. The body was altered, with a raised rear deck granting more luggage space. Pininfarina made many subtle tweaks to modernize the exterior. The bumpers were body-coloured; at the front there was a deeper spoiler, at the rear a black valance incorporated the foglamps and exhaust pipes. Side window trim was changed from chrome to black. The flat-faced wheels were new and fitted with TRX tires.

A total of 576 examples were made. These were the first Ferraris to be offered with an automatic transmission, which was one of its biggest criticisms as the GM sourced 3-speed automatic was considered too anemic for the engine. The 412 was powered by a 4.9L V12 putting 340hp and 332lb-ft of torque mated to either a 5-speed manual or the aforementioned 3-speed auto. 412 was also the first Ferrari to offer ABS as an option.

Colour dark grey metallic with a dark beige full-leather interior. This magnificent Ferrari 412 was delivered new straight from the Ferrari factory in Maranello.

Representing evolution rather than revolution, the 412 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985. The newcomer enjoyed a small (119cc) capacity increase, anti-lock brakes, revised interior and bumpers colour co-ordinated with the bodywork, while an improved front air dam and raised boot deck reduced the 412’s already low co-efficient of drag by around ten percent. By the time production ceased in 1989, Ferrari’s finest 2+2 had been in production for a remarkable 17 years, though its exclusivity meant that there were seldom more than 200 sold in any one year.

The initial design was made by Leonardo Fioravanti while he was working at the Pininfarina Studio. The simple lines it draws for the car made the 365 model a timeless machine. When it was updated to the 400 model, not many things were made on the outside. Some restyling was made for the 1986 Ferrari 412, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.