1952 Ferrari 212 Inter

The Ferrari 212 was the final evolution of the original Tipo 166 model. Introduced in 1951, it served as a direct replacement for the updated 195 S, and shared (roughly) the same chassis and suspension features of its predecessors. The 212 was powered by a 2.6-liter variant of the V-12 engine breathing through three Weber 36 DCF5 carburetors. Toward the close of production, the 212 Inter gained a new 'EU' suffix, presaging the forthcoming Europa model. Coachbuilders who clothed the 212 Inter included Ghia, Vignale, Touring, and Pinin Farina. Vignale constructed coachwork for approximately 36 examples. The first Ferrari to receive coachwork by Pinin Farina was 212 Inter Cabriolet, chassis number 0177E.

The 212 was offered in two configurations including a short-wheelbase version that was principally exported to the United States (the Export) and a continental-based version that rode a 2,600-millimetre wheelbase (the Inter). The Inter was four inches longer than the Exports, and both shared a bored-out 2.6-liter version of the Colombo V12 engine. The single Weber 36DCF carburetor Inter version offered nearly 150 horsepower while the triple Weber Export version had just over 160 horsepower.

A single 212 Inter (with chassis number 0223EU) received the 225 S engine (a 2.7-liter Colombo V12) installed in a long-wheelbase Europa type chassis with Giovanni Michelotti-designed coupe bodywork created by Vignale.

Approximately 78 examples (as many as 82) of the 212 Inters were produced from 1951 to 1953, with 26 of the final 29 cars receiving the EU chassis designation as Europas. Later in the model's production run, the Inter was upgraded with triple carburetors and an improved cylinder head, which brought the performance in-line with the competition-geared Export.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019