1952 Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta news, pictures, and information

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Chassis Num: 0158ED

This 1952 Ferrari 212 Barchetta is the last of 7 vehicles produced.

The car is powered by a water-cooled, single-overhead-cam, 2.56 liter, V-12 engine developing 150 hp. The 2,530 pound vehicle is fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 118 mph. The chassis consists of tubular-steel, with front independent suspension by transverse leaf and wish-bones; independent rear suspension by live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel drum brakes are employed to stop the vehicle.

The car has an extensive race history. Driven by its first owner, Bordonaro, the 212 Export with chassis 0158ED fished 10th at the 1952 Targa Florio race. During that same year it was entered in the Grand Prix di Pergusa where it finished first. In 1953 it was entered in the Tour de France where it failed to finish. Another trip to Targa Florio resulted in a 16th place finish. It continued to be raced extensively during the 1953 season, capturing first place victories at Coppa Nissena, Palermo Monte Pellegrino, and Coppa dei Templi. In 1956 it was entered in the Mille Miglia, driven by Margairaz and Gremaud, it failed to finish.

166, 195, and 212

The 166 Inter was powered by a 2-liter V12 engine and produced 115 horsepower. These were road cars and were given odd chassis numbers. The even chassis numbers were reserved for the vehicles that were intended for racing. The bodies of the Inter vehicles were mostly Berlinetta and Coupes. At first, Touring handled most of the road going body construction but it was not long before Vignale, Ghia, Pinin Farina and others were creating custom coachwork. The 166 Inter was mechanically similar to the racing versions; it was 25 horsepower shy of its racing sibling. The suspension was wishbones in the front and a live rear axle. The chassis was a simple steel tubular frame. A replacement was created in 1950 after around 40 examples of the 166 Inter were produced. The displacement of the engine was enlarged to just over 2.3 liters which resulted in a unitary displacement of 195cc. Thus, the 195 Inter came into existence. A year later, the engine was enlarged even further resulting in the 212 Inter. After a year of production and with only 142 examples being created, the production of the 212 Inter ceased.

The 212 Inter was intended for road use while the 212 Export was primarily constructed for competition. Ferrari produced the rolling chassis and a Carrozzeria, meaning coachbuilder, was given the task of constructing the body. Each body was hand built and often to customers specifications. Because of this, the dimensions, bodystyles, and features of the car vary from one to another. Many of the 212 Inter vehicles sat atop a 2600mm wheelbase chassis; some were on a shorter, 2500mm wheelbase. The 212 Exports were also built atop of a 2250 wheelbase.

Cars produced between 1952 and 1953 were given the 'EU' designation on their chassis. The ones that proceeded these were given chassis numbers ending in S, E, and EL. The 'E' represented Export while the 'L' represented Lungo. One special chassis carried the 'T' designation on its chassis plate.

Under the hood of the long and graceful bonnet was a Colombo designed V12 engine mounted at 60-degrees. The engine came in a variety of flavors and left up to the customers to chose. Standard was the single Weber 36 DCF carburetor which was capable of producing 150 horsepower. Triple Weber 32 DCF carburetors could be purchased which increased horsepower to an impressive 170. All versions came with the standard Ferrari five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes.

In total there were 82 versions of the 212 Inter constructed. Vignale was given the task of creating 37 of these. Fifteen of his creations were coupes, seven were convertibles, and thirteen were in Berlinetta configuration. Ghia was tasked with constructing 15 coupes and one convertible. Touring clothed one coupe and six Berlinetta's. The English coachbuilder, Abbot, created a four-seat cabriolet which was not that pleasing to the eye. Pinin Farina created two convertibles and eleven coupes. Styling varied among each of these coachbuilders with some being heavily dictated by the customer's wishes. Most of the cars were elegant, with few flamboyant cues, and well-proportioned body lines. They were minimalistic with little chrome and rounded, smooth bodies.

The 212 was replaced by the 250 Europa in 1953 and Pinin Farina had become Enzo Ferrari's carrozzeria of choice.

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1952 Ferrari models
Ferrari 212 Inter Ghia
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Ferrari 212 Speciale
Ferrari 212/225 Inter
Ferrari 225 Inter Vignale Coupe
Ferrari 225 Spyder Sport
Ferrari 250 S
Ferrari 340 America
Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale
Ferrari 342 America
Ferrari 500 F2

Ferrari: 1951-1960

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