1951 Ferrari 212

Inter Coupe

Specifications

Configuration: Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive

Engine: Colombo V12, single Weber 36DCF carburetor

Displacement: 2,562 cu in/2.6L

Horsepower: 150 bhp at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: Colotti Trasmissioni 5-speed manual gearbox

The Ferrari 212 Inter replaced Ferrari’s successful 166 and 195 Inter grand tourers in 1951. The 212 was an evolution of the 166 — a sports car for the road that could also win international races. By 1951, Ferrari had established its reputation in the racing world, but Enzo Ferrari believed there would be a bigger market for his Gran Turismo, for the gentleman keen on showing up behind the wheel of a fast, sporty road car. At the Paris Auto Show in October 1951, Ferrari introduced the 212 Inter, a refined Gran Turismo (GT).

The 212 featured a 2,600 mm wheelbase and a 2.5-liter SOHC V-12 engine fed by a single 36 DCF Weber carburetor to achieve greater torque and drivability in traffic. The British magazine Autocar got hold of what they described as the first production model Ferrari 212 in 1950, which outperformed any GT car that they had previously tested. The 212 was available as a coupe and spider, finished by different coachbuilders. A total of 82 cars were built in the series – the coachwork for this example was by Vignale.

With a documented history and a world class restoration, this Ferrari was recently acquired for he collection of the Audrain Automobile Museum, which showed it at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The combination of a small displacement V12 and a right hand drive configuration provide the 212 with a unique and exciting experience from the driver’s seat. This car ran the historic Mille Miglia in 1992, and the Audrain plans to bring it back to the legendary event again in the near future.

While this 212 was once finished in red, the car retains its original matching-numbers chassis #0175 E and engine #0175 E per the original Ferrari build sheet. The 212 exemplifies Ferrari’s roots in Grand Touring cars, helping to pave the way for Ferrari V12’s in later years.