Description
The Ferrari 212 Inter Berlinetta by Vignale was one of the most striking and exclusive grand touring Ferraris of the early 1950s, blending the mechanical sophistication of Maranello’s engineering with the bold and imaginative styling of Carrozzeria Vignale. Introduced in 1951, the 212 Inter was the road-oriented companion to the shorter-wheelbase 212 Export competition model, built on a 2600 mm chassis to offer greater comfort, stability, and refinement for long-distance travel. Vignale’s Berlinetta interpretations were among the most distinctive versions, with each car individually tailored to the client’s preferences.
Under its sculptural bodywork, the 212 Inter Berlinetta retained the Colombo-designed 2.6-liter V12 engine, an enlarged evolution of the powerplant first used in the 166 series. In its touring configuration, this jewel of an engine produced between 150 and 165 horsepower, depending on carburetor setup and compression ratio. It was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and combined with the lightweight tubular steel chassis, the car could achieve top speeds of close to 200 km/h. The suspension featured independent front wishbones with a transverse leaf spring and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical springs, giving the car a mix of composure, agility, and comfort well-suited to high-speed continental touring.
The hallmark of the Vignale Berlinetta was its dramatic design, often penned by Giovanni Michelotti. Vignale’s work was far more extroverted than that of other Ferrari coachbuilders such as Touring or Stabilimenti Farina. Typical styling features included a long, flowing hood, a wide oval or egg-crate grille, sculpted front fenders that swept into a tapering rear, and elaborate two-tone paint schemes that accentuated the car’s curves. Chrome accents, decorative vents, and subtle tailfins were often incorporated, reflecting the era’s fascination with both European elegance and American-influenced flamboyance. As each car was hand-built, no two Berlinettas were identical, making every example a unique expression of early 1950s Italian design.
Inside, the Berlinetta offered a more enclosed and purposeful environment than the open cars of the period, yet still provided luxury appointments befitting a high-end GT. Leather-trimmed seats, well-crafted dashboards, and quality instrumentation from Jaeger or Veglia were standard, while interior color schemes and details were often bespoke. The layout was driver-focused, with clear visibility of gauges and controls to suit long hours behind the wheel at speed.
Production of the 212 Inter was very limited, with only around 80 examples built in total, and just a small fraction of these bodied by Vignale as Berlinettas. Many were shown at prestigious motor shows in Paris, Turin, and New York, where their striking design helped to establish Ferrari’s reputation among discerning buyers worldwide. Some were even ordered by notable personalities, adding to their historical allure.
Today, the Ferrari 212 Inter Berlinetta Vignale is considered one of the most desirable coachbuilt Ferraris of its era. It represents a rare convergence of early Ferrari engineering excellence, competition-derived performance, and the artistic freedom of a top-tier Italian coachbuilder. Its individuality, scarcity, and unmistakable styling make it a prized centerpiece in major collections of both Ferraris and postwar automotive design.