1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Supergioiello Coupe

The legend of Ferrari dates back to 1940. That year marks the birth of the Type 815 for use in the substitute Mille Miglia event. Ferrari went on to manufacture tools during the war, returning to vehicle production in 1946. Initial production was for racing; street cars came later.

The Ferrari 212 was built in two versions: the Inter and the short-wheelbase Export. Production was approximately 90 cars. The power unit of the 212 was the classic Ferrari V12 designed by Giocchino Colombo in 1945. Among the 212's customers were Italian film star Anna Magnini and the neorealist film director Roberto Rosselini. Racing driver Mike Hawthorn used a 212 Fastback Coupe bodied by Touring as his personal road car. The 212's V12 produced 170 horsepower from its 2.56 liter displacement, and with a five-speed transmission, propelled the car to a top speed of 118 mph. The chassis was of tubular construction, and suspension was independent in front via transverse leaf springs and wishbone. The rear suspension is by semi-elliptic leaf springs, and brakes are four-wheel drums. The nominal weight is 2,420 pounds.

This example has been owned by its current owner for over 50 years and is the only three-window coupe ever built on a Ferrari chassis by Ghia.

This Ferrari 212 Inter wears one-off 'Supergioiello' (super jewel) coachwork designed by Felice Mario Boano and Giovanni Michelotti and built by Ghia. Styling features include a thin A-pillar, a gently rounded roof, two-piece side windows, a low roofline, and a high beltline. The rear of the car has slightly widened fenders, a rearward sloping tail, and a pair of chromed 'inch fins.' There are chrome side moldings, chrome bumpers, and polished Borrani wire wheels. This is the only three-window coupe ever built on a Ferrari chassis by Ghia.

The exterior is finished in black with a silver roof. The interior was trimmed with tan leather upholstery.

This automobile was one of several Ghia-bodied Ferrari automobiles shown at the Turin Motor Show in April 1951. Chassis 0213 EL was well received by onlookers and Ferrari executives, evident by its design being included in Ferrari sales literature for the 212 Inter. It returned to the Turin Motor Show in April 1952, this time wearing an all-black paint scheme. It was sold to its first owner - the Fassio family - in July 1952.

This Ferrari entered the ownership of Umberto Miserini in October 1955, registered as 'VA 42309.' Junco de la Vega purchased 0213 EL from Miserini on November 7, 1958, for $15,000. In August 2023, the car was offered for sale at auction by Junco de la Vega's estate, becoming the longest ownership tenure of any example of the marque ever presented for public auction.

Following de la Vega's acquisition, O213 EL was routed from Livorno to Houston, Texas, via ocean freighter and subsequently forwarded by rail to Junco de la Vega's residence in Monterrey, Mexico. The car was used on countless long-distance tours throughout Mexico and Texas until the 1980s. It was then used on casual drives around his homes in San Antonio, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida. The car was shown at a few major concours and marque-specific shows within the final 15 years of his life.

After de la Vega's passing, the car sat for a period of time. More recently, Rodolfo's heirs entrusted the car to Bob Smith Coachworks of Gainesville, Texas, to make it safe and roadworthy. The car is notably preserved throughout, save for a professional refinishing back to its factory-correct, two-tone paint job in 1973.

This Ferrari was built in 1951 but is titled as a 1952.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024