70 Years of Ferrari 212
In 1951, Ferrari replaced the successful 195 with the new 212 model. As with all early model series, the number denoted the volume per cylinder in the V12 engine. Thus, the displacement climbed from 2,341 to 2,562 cc compared to its predecessor. Aurelio Lampredi made the necessary modifications to the Colombo V12. Three twin carburetors and an overhead camshaft made around 118 kW/160 hp available in the basic version. This was below the output of the late 195, but it could be further increased for motorsport derivatives of the 212. Ferrari had originally developed this engine for monoposto racing cars and used it in Formula 2 from 1950 and in Formula 1 from 1951.
Ferrari 212 Mille Miglia (MM)
As with previous models, Ferrari intended the 212 to refinance its motorsport program through the sale of road cars. The first completed example was nevertheless intended purely for racing. As a closed Coupé, it was given the nickname Mille Miglia (short MM) and remained a one-off within the model series. After a first entry in the 1951 Giro di Sicilia, in which Piero Taruffi achieved second place, there was only one further start in the factory team. Ferrari entered the unique car in the 2-hour race in Monza. Subsequently, private race driver Franco Cornacchia took over the 212 MM. After an accident during testing and the rebuilding of the bodywork at Vignale, he started together with the American driver Charles Moran in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952. Today, this Ferrari 212 is restored and part of a car collection in the USA.
Ferrari 212 Export
The unique 212 MM was followed by two series which were availabe to the customers. Ferrari intended the 212 Export for motorsports. It replaced thereby in direct line the 195 S. From this the newcomer took over the complete frame chassis made from rectangular steel profiles. Thus also the wheelbase with 2,250 millimeters agrees with both models. In those years, Ferrari didn’t yet produce its own bodies, but shipped the chassis to companies in the surrounding area.
Various bodies
Besides Pinin Farina (later Pininfarina), who became the in-house designer during this period, other designers also worked on the 212. For example, the open Barchetta and closed coupés called Berlinetta by Touring, Berlinettas, Spiders and Cabriolets by Vignale as well as other bodies by Fontana and Carrozzeria Motto were available from the 212 Export. In total, only 27 units were built between 1951 and 1953. Our second picture gallery shows the car with chassis number 0106E. This 212 Export Vignale Cabriolet is currently for sale at the American classic car dealer The Cultivated Collector.
Ferrari 212 Inter
In addition to the sporty 212 Export, Ferrari offered the more civilian 212 Inter. This debuted in January 1951 at the Brussels Motor Show. To offer more space in the interior, the wheelbase was extended to 2,600 millimeters. The engine was also slightly throttled down to 96 kW/131 hp. Later, a version with three carburetors and 125 kW/170 hp was available on request. Two years ago we already reported about the beginning of the business relations between Ferrari and Pinin Farina. Especially from the 212 Inter 16 Coupés were built. Since the exclusive contract only came into force for the subsequent model, the 250, there were also bodies from Ghia, Ghia-Aigle, Stabilimenti Farina and the coachbuilders already mentioned for the 212 Export. 84 units of the 212 Inter provided relatively good financial backing for the Ferrari motorsport program. Despite less power, some customers also used the Inter for racing. At the 1951 Carrera Panamericana, the Ferrari works team scored a double victory.
Market situation
Despite fewer than 115 cars built, Ferrari 212s pop up for sale from time to time. The prices strongly depend on the respective history. Thus racing successes and famous racing driver names naturally provide for a clear surcharge. The same applies to one-off special bodies. In summary, however, it can be said that even restoration objects can hardly be obtained for less than one million euros. RM Sotheby’s even auctioned off a 212 Export Barchetta for 6,720,000 € in 2015.
Images: Ferrari, The Cultivated Collector
