1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe

Completed in 1953, this Ferrari 212 Inter was number 23 of 26 built with Vignale coachwork, and one of four with this design. Exhibited at the New York Auto Show in April 1953, it was heralded as 'The Most Beautiful Car in the World' by Auto Sport Review magazine. After the show, the 212 Vignale was sold through Luigi Chinetti of New York to Pennsylvania State Senator Theodore Newell Wood. The Senator was an avid sports car racer; he was active in the SCCA and President of the Hill Climb Association, and he founded the Brynfan Tyddyn Road Races. For the last 20 years, this Vignale Coupe has remained in the Sunshine State. It was purchased by its current caretakers in 2017 and has been fully restored to its original two-tone configuration of Dark Rosso and Nero over a Cognac interior.

The Ferrari 212 Exports and Inters were introduced in 1951 as a replacement for the smaller series of 195 Exports and Inters built in 1950 and early 1951. Powering the 212 was a 2562cc V-12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo. It featured a trio of Weber carburetors and had only a modest increase in displacement and horsepower over the 2341cc V12 found in the 1954 Ferraris. Nevertheless, it was enough for the 212 Ferraris to outpace the sales of the 195s by almost four to one.

There were about 78 Ferrari 212 Inters and just 34 of those wore coachwork by Vignale. 212 Inters were built on a longer, stronger chassis with a 2600mm wheelbase which gave them a smoother ride and improved handling compared to the 195s.

Alfredo Vignale and his stylist, Giovanni Michelotti pioneered the low roof line as seen on this vehicle, as well as the trim strip running around the car, the 'eyebrows' over the headlights, and the headlights' placement in the front body work rather than on the fender tips. Small rear fender fins, highlighted in black paint matching the roof color, gave hints to what would appear shortly on American sedans. Inside there is tan leather interior, accented with brown piping, with a leather dashboard covering.

This example is the fourth from the last 212 Inter built. It was displayed by Luigi Chinetti Motors where at the April, 1953 New York Auto Show. After the show it was sold to Mr. Wood in New York. Later owners include 'Tiny' Gould, and Don Williams' Blackhawk Collection. It has never been restored nor has it ever been offered for public sale - except with it was offered at Bonhams Auction in 2011.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $1,100,000 - $1,400,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011