While the Ferrari 400i seemed, at least on paper, to adhere to the marque’s classic front-mounted-V-12 grand touring formula, the model—as well as its immediate predecessors, the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 and 400—was distinguished by its shockingly modern styling. Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, whose portfolio included the 365 GTB/4 Daytona and who would later pen the iconic 288 GTO, gave Ferrari’s new luxury 2+2 a rather understated, though superbly balanced, angular design unlike anything to have come from Maranello before. Fittingly for an advanced luxury tourer, power steering, dual-zone climate control, and self-levelling rear suspension were all standard equipment.

The evolved 400i was introduced in 1979. Like the 400 before it, the model could be ordered with a three-speed automatic gearbox. Quite a novelty for Ferrari at the time, the gearbox option underscored the model’s intended role as a relaxed-yet-capable long-distance machine. The 400i’s 4.8-litre Tipo F101 V-12, among the final adaptations of the legendary “Colombo” motor, also gained a new Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, enabling an output of 310 horsepower and a top speed of 240 km/h.

Completed 15 October 1979, this 400i Automatic was one of 883 such examples built from 1979 to 1985. Finished in the elegant combination of Grigio Scuro Metallizzatio over a Pelle Rossa interior, this was one of only two known examples in this colour combination to be delivered new to Switzerland. As noted on its accompanying original Warranty Card, it was sold in June 1980 to a gentleman from the Swiss canton of Fribourg by Autodino AG of Zurich, a dealership established by racing driver Karl Foitek. The Ferrari has remained in Switzerland ever since.

Entries in its original warranty book document services performed by its retailing dealer, as well as respected Swiss Ferrari dealerships and mechanics including Garage Fritz Speich of Zurich, Garage Foitek, and Ferrari für Basel. Emissions testing documentation on file indicates consistent inspections carried out up to 2024. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed 50,213 kilometres. In February 2018 the 400i Automatic was certified by Ferrari Classiche.

Accompanied by its owner’s manual, service book, and Warranty Card, further to a jack and spare wheel, this 400i Automatic is a Ferrari that was designed to conquer drives of any length in comfort and distinctive style. It is no less suitable for those tasks today.