Description
The Ferrari 212 Inter Coupé by Vignale is one of the most distinctive and stylish grand tourers of Ferrari’s early years, combining the engineering excellence of Maranello with the bold, often adventurous design language of Carrozzeria Vignale. Introduced in 1951, the 212 Inter was the road-going version of the 212 Export competition model, built on a longer 2600 mm wheelbase chassis to offer greater comfort and refinement for long-distance travel. Vignale’s designs for the 212 Inter, often penned by Giovanni Michelotti, gave these early Ferraris an unmistakable presence on the road and concours lawns.
Power came from the Colombo-designed 2.6-liter V12 engine, an enlarged version of the unit first used in the 166 series. In touring specification, it produced between 150 and 165 horsepower, depending on the carburetor and compression setup, and was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. This allowed the car to reach speeds of around 190 to 200 km/h, giving it strong performance for a luxury GT of the early 1950s. The tubular steel chassis, combined with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, provided a balance of agility and comfort well-suited to both spirited driving and long journeys.
Vignale’s bodywork for the 212 Inter was bold and eye-catching, often incorporating two-tone paint schemes, chrome accents, and distinctive decorative elements. Many examples featured a wide oval or egg-crate grille, pronounced front fenders that flowed into a tapering rear, and subtly integrated tailfins — all hallmarks of Michelotti’s early 1950s style. Each car was unique, as Vignale’s work was entirely bespoke; variations in roofline, rear treatment, and detailing meant that no two 212 Inter coupés from this coachbuilder were exactly alike.
The interiors reflected the car’s dual nature as both a luxury tourer and a performance machine. Leather upholstery, finely finished dashboards, and high-quality instrumentation from Jaeger or Veglia were standard, but layouts and trim choices were often tailored to each customer’s preferences. While more comfortable than Ferrari’s racing cars, the 212 Inter Coupé still maintained a driver-focused cockpit, with clear gauges and an emphasis on functionality.
Production of the 212 Inter as a whole was very limited, with only about 80 examples built in total, and just a fraction of these bodied by Vignale. Many of these cars were shown at major international auto salons, where their daring styling helped build Ferrari’s reputation among elite clients in Europe and the United States. Some were ordered by prominent personalities who wanted not just a fast grand tourer, but one with a design that was unmistakably individual.
Today, the Ferrari 212 Inter Coupé Vignale is regarded as one of the most desirable coachbuilt Ferraris of the early 1950s. Its combination of Colombo V12 performance, long-distance touring capability, and the flamboyant artistry of Vignale makes it a standout among Ferrari’s first generation of road cars. With their rarity, hand-built craftsmanship, and unmistakable style, these cars are prized by collectors as rolling works of Italian automotive history.