1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe

The 212 Inter with four-seat bodywork by Vignale replaced the similar 166 Inter and led to the later 212 Export model. Ferrari production was only just getting started by 1951, and often only three or four cars were being delivered each month. Enzo Ferrari needed to gain sales in North America, and with no race cars available he entered a pair of road-going 212 Inters in the 1951 Carrera Panamericana - this car (0163), driven by Pierro Taruffi and Luigi Chinetti, and a second car (0161), driven by Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi. They placed first and second respectively, helping to put Ferrari on the map in America. It is fair to say that this is the car that heralded the Ferrari legend in America and also secured Chinetti's career as the sole Ferrari importer in America.

Coachwork for this one-off Ferrari coupe was designed by the legendary Giovanni Michelotti. The body was constructed by the Turin firm Vignale. The unique roof line and color combination gives the car a 'faux cabriolet' appearance. The chrome grille is unique. Michelotti and Vignale defied the wishes of Enzo Ferrari who wanted a more traditional Ferrari style egg crate grille. Nine different cars had a version of this chrome grille treatment. The car was originally sold new in Oporto Portugal where it remained for 44 years with several different owners. The car came to the United States in 2011 with its present owner.