Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 Ferrari 212 Inter by Vignale
s/n 0157EL, Engine no. 0157/EL Transmission no. 122E
Red with Black over Tan Leather Interior

A development of Ferrari’s earlier 166 and 195, the 212 was a more powerful roadgoing car that expanded the visibility (and finances) of the marque, while also further underscoring Ferrari’s intention to grow into the role of producing cars for the street. At this time, Ferrari was not offering standard coachwork, and the cars were clothed with bodies by a range of coachbuilders including Vignale and Pininfarina.

This particular example was sold new in Italy and was purchased by an American visitor in 1955, who took the car back to Denver, Colorado. In January of 1965, a Californian named Avery Greene bought the car in Denver and drove it back to Vallejo California. He used the car regularly and a friend of his purchased the car in about 1975. The car received some restorative work and passed through the hands of a number of owners in the San Francisco Bay Area, remaining unrestored during this period. Eventually, it was acquired by a Brad Hallock, who began a full restoration, which was completed in 1992. It was sold to an owner in Japan who owned it briefly before being re-imported to California.

The current owner is a collector who bought the car in 2007 through Fantasy Junction. During his ownership, he had the car gone through mechanically and cosmetically, at a cost of $82,892.98.

This work included full engine rebuild with ancillaries such as water pump, starter, and clutch. New pistons, valves, springs, guides, seats, and seals were included. A full stainless steel exhaust system was also fabricated. The carburetor was tuned, rebuilt, and adjusted as necessary. An entirely new wiring harness was installed, as was a new mechanical tachometer drive. The fuel pumps were rebuilt with new gaskets. The steering box was dissembled, inspected, and adjusted upon reassembly. At the conclusion of the process the entire engine bay was refinished and details to show standards.

The body is in outstanding order with good panel match throughout, and no obvious signs of previous repairs. The exterior of the car was partially repainted, and accordingly the car has a stunning finish without a single major flaw. New front and rear bumpers fabricated an installed. The balance of the chrome is generally in very good order. The Ferrari and Vignale emblems are in fine order throughout. The window glass and correct Marchal headlamps are also in excellent condition. The car sits on beautifully polished chrome wire wheels with Michelin X series tires.

The interior of the car was also improved including the selective refinishing of the brightwork, as well as the installation of new carpets. The front and rear seats have been reupholstered some years ago and show very little wear. The wool headliner is as new. The steering wheel was refinished, and the simple, elegant dash and gauges are in wonderful order, requiring no further restorative work. The trunk carpet was also renewed.

While the more recent restoration was not a frame-off endeavor, the underside of the car is structurally sound and mechanically tidy, showing signs of all the recent restorative work mentioned above.

The car drives well- very much involving the driver. The unmistakable V12 engine note emanates from the carburetor and exhaust system as the operator carefully navigates through the 5-speed transmission. Ferraris of this era provide the driver with a pleasant challenge in rev matching and cornering. The mechanical tachometer taps away under the dash in synch with the engine note, and it is impossible not to be transported back into an automotive period recognized for hand crafted individual design.

With the car comes a large historical file containing early Italian registration documents provided by noted Ferrari historical Marcel Massini, pictures of the car taking part in road rallies and concours events, an original Road & Track from February of 1952 with a Ferrari 212 Vignale in theses same colors on the cover, Ferrari 212 sales literature, articles about 212 Ferraris, documentation on early 212 Ferrari racing accomplishments including Ferrari’s 1st and 2nd overall at the 1951 Carrera Panamericana road race with s/n 0171EL and s/n 0161EL, as well as a photo documentation of the recent engine rebuild.

s/n 0157EL represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a unique example of a coach built, early Ferrari road car. The 212 series are the last of the Ferraris built in small production numbers, replaced by the more commonplace 250 series cars. Interestingly, s/n 0157EL falls within the first one hundred Ferrari road cars constructed. Whether at shows or pre-1957 road rally events, this 212 Vignale is not only a welcomed entrant, but also a crowd pleaser and a conversation topic for enthusiasts and historians alike.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608