Description
The Ferrari 195 Inter Ghia Coupé is a rare and elegant example from the very early years of Ferrari’s road car production, built in 1950 and 1951. The 195 Inter series marked the second generation of Ferrari’s grand touring cars, following the 166 Inter, and was intended for wealthy clients who wanted a refined and stylish machine with Ferrari’s race-bred performance at its core. The Ghia-bodied coupés were among the most distinctive interpretations of this model, showcasing the Turin coachbuilder’s bold and individual approach to design in the early 1950s.
Mechanically, the 195 Inter was based on the 166 Inter but with a larger displacement Colombo-designed V12. The 2431 cc engine produced around 130 horsepower in touring specification, providing smooth and flexible performance. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the car was capable of sustained high-speed cruising, with a top speed approaching 190 km/h — an impressive figure for a comfortable road car of the time. The chassis was Ferrari’s familiar tubular steel frame with a 2500 mm wheelbase, giving the car stability and poise on long journeys.
Ghia’s coupé bodywork for the 195 Inter stood apart from the more restrained designs of Touring and Farina. It reflected postwar Italian styling trends influenced by both American and European tastes, with flowing curves, dramatic proportions, and distinctive detailing. Many featured a wide oval grille, integrated front fenders, and a gently sloping roofline flowing into a rounded tail. Chrome trim was often used to highlight the car’s lines, while two-tone paint schemes were common, enhancing its visual drama. As each example was hand-built, no two Ghia coupés were exactly alike.
The interior of the Ghia-bodied 195 Inter balanced sporting purpose with grand touring comfort. Leather upholstery, elegant dashboard designs, and well-finished detailing reflected the car’s status as a bespoke luxury machine. Instruments were typically supplied by Jaeger or Veglia, with a focus on clear visibility for high-speed driving. While still spartan compared to later Ferraris, the cabin provided more comfort than the pure racing models from which the car’s mechanicals were derived.
Production of the 195 Inter was extremely limited, with only about 27 chassis built, and just a handful receiving Ghia coupé bodies. These cars were often displayed at major international motor shows, helping to establish Ferrari’s reputation outside Italy in the early years of production. They appealed to clients who wanted exclusivity, performance, and Italian craftsmanship in a car that could be driven daily or across long distances in style.
Today, the Ferrari 195 Inter Ghia Coupé is regarded as a significant piece of Ferrari history. It represents both the company’s early efforts in building refined road cars and the creative freedom of Italy’s independent coachbuilders in the postwar period. Its rarity, distinctive design, and link to the formative years of Ferrari’s identity make it one of the most desirable and collectible early Ferraris.