Produced between 1985 and 1989, the Ferrari 412 was the final glorious flowering of the ‘400’ series of luxurious four-seaters that had commenced with the introduction of the 365GT/4 2+2 in 1972.

Representing evolution rather than revolution, the 412 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985, replacing the 400GT.

The latter’s quad-cam V12 engine was enlarged to 4.9 litres for the 412, which also gained anti-lock brakes, a revised interior and bumpers colour co-ordinated with the bodywork, while an improved front air dam and raised boot deck further reduced the already low co-efficient of drag.

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 400GT had been the first Ferrari to offer automatic transmission as an option, a decision vindicated by the fact that more than two-thirds of customers took up the option, including the purchase...