1951 Ferrari 212 MM

Ferrari introduced their first car in 1947 powered by a 150cc V12 engine designed by Gioachino Colombo and was commonly known as the 'short block' or 'Colombo.' Over the years, the engine would be enlarged until its displacement size was nearly doubled in the early 1950s. It would serve the Ferrari Company for many years, even powering the 250 GT road and racing cars.

As the engine increased, the name of Ferrari's cars was changed to reflect those modifications. The 166 MM was succeeded by the 195 S, which was followed by the 212. The names of the cars were in reference to the unitary displacement of the engine. The V12 engine used in the 212 was bored out to 68mm and achieved a 2562cc displacement. Only one Weber carburetor was used but was good enough to produce about 130 horsepower and a top speed of 120 mph. The Export version received three Weber carburetors and produced about 150 hp and saw a top speed of about 140 mph.

In 1952 modified cylinder heads were incorporated which produced another 5 horsepower.

A little over 12 Export versions were produced while production numbers for the Inter (road) version were around 80.

The first 212 produced was known by the factory as a 212 MM. It has a single carburetor engine which was soon upgraded with triple Webers, which would become standard on the 212 Export. The car was clothed with a Berlinetta body and built by Vignale. Its first owner was Franco Cornacchia and its first race was at the 1951 Coppa InterEuropa at Monza where Luigi Villoresi drove it to a victorious debut. This was followed by another victory in the Lecco-Balbo race driven by Cornacchia.

The car was involved in an accident during the Stella Alpina race and was sent back to Vignale for repairs. It was given a 1952-style body that featured an updated grille and three portholes were added to the front fenders. The car continued to compete in races, driven by Cornacchia, in both international and local events.

In September of 1952, the car was sold and it would continue to race until the mid-1950s. After selling to various owners and collectors, it was acquired by its current US-based owner in the mid-1990s.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013