[1] They were ordered primarily to replace steam locomotives then still in use on CP.

Designed and engineered by English Electric, they are closely modelled mechanically on the British Rail Class 20 locomotives but using a more powerful intercooled 1,330 bhp 8CSVT version of the Class 20's 8SVT engine.

The first ten were built in England at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, with the remaining locomotives assembled in Portugal by Sorefame.

[2] The locomotives share many components with the larger and more powerful Class 1800.

Media related to Portuguese locomotive type 1400 at Wikimedia Commons ABm1-18→