1952 Ferrari 212/225 Inter

Only one example of the 212/225 Inter Barchetta (Italian for 'little boat') was constructed, and it was the last non-racing Ferrari bodied by coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. It is labeled as a '212/225,' referencing its 212 Inter platform and 225 engine. The 2.7 liter V12 was tuned to racing specification with three carburetors and an output of 210 horsepower.

The 212/225 Inter was ordered by the Ford Motor Company in the name of Henry Ford II. The styling was much admired and may have inspired several design cues of the 1955 Thunderbird, including the hood scoop, egg crate grille, and overall proportions.

Ferrari 212
The Ferrari 212 inter was produced in 1951 and 1952, and 82 examples were constructed. It was a grand touring automobile that was introduced at the Brussels Motor Show and had a 102-inch wheelbase chassis that was similar to the Type 125 with a suspension comprised of double wishbones at the front and a live rear axle. The 2.6-liter (2563cc) Colombo V12 engine had a single Weber 36DCF carburetor and produced 148 horsepower. The 212 Export (the racing version) had a three Weber carb setup with 163 hp and a 4-inch shorter wheelbase chassis.

Several coachbuilders provided coachwork, including Vignale, Ghia-Aigle, Ghia, Touring, and Stabilimenti Farina (Pinin Farina).

212/225 Inter
Chassis number 0223EU was a 212 Inter built atop a long wheelbase Europa chassis and fitted with the 225 S (2.7 liter) three carburetor Colombo V12 engine. Its body was designed by Giovanni Michelotti with the coupe coachwork created by Vignale. This car's FIVA paperwork describes it as a '225 S.'

Chassis number 0253EU was built on the 212 Inter platform, received the 225 three-carb V12 engine, and was bodied as a Barchetta by Carrozzeria Touring.

Ferrari 225 S
The Ferrari 225 S was a development of the 212 Export and was given a short 88.6-inch wheelbase platform and powered by a 2.7 liter (2715.46cc) V12 engine producing 210 horsepower. A total of 21 examples were produced in 1952, and many of these sports racing cars secured class and overall victories. Among the accolades achieved were a victory 1952 Monaco Grand Prix, the Portuguese Grand Prix, Coppa d'Oro di Sicilia, Coppa della Toscana, and Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024