1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe

Like all the early Ferraris each 212 was unique, especially with regard to bides. Many companies bodied the 212 but the Vignale-built 212 Inter Coupe accounts for the most - 26 - of the total 79 cars built. Owned by Ferrari enthusiast and Ferrari Club of America co-founder Larry Nicklin for over three decades, this car was shown at the 35th Turin Motor Show in 1953. Fitted with air intakes below the headlamps, it is a particularly striking design. Considered to be one of the most complete and original early Ferraris, it has just finished a complete restoration and the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was the first time it had been seen in many years.

It had been repainted and 'fixed up' at various times in its life, but fortunately had never been completely apart. Therefore, it had not lost the evidence needed to study in the endeavor to restore it to original configuration. This is not to say there was not significant deterioration, but few human hands had affected the integrity of the original design. The car served as a historic document, demonstrating how Ferrari and more particularly Vignale, approached the construction of this hand built car in 1952. Following the complete restoration, it is precisely the car as it appeared on the Ferrari show stand at the 1953 Turin Motor Show.