A winner of the 1951 Coppa Inter Europa, the Ferrari 212 Series was produced between 1951 and 1953, and was powered by the Colombo V-12 engine. The versions of 212 which were road going were given the name Interns, and they had odd number serial numbers. The competition cars had even-number chassis, which was along with the Ferrari tradition.
Total number of Intern units was 80 open and closed, making it the most famous model to house the original Colombo designed V-12 engine. Since the 212s were given individually custom-bodies by various coach builders, each example is unique with detail differences from car-to-car.
The Ferrari 212 Inter replaced successful 166 and 195 Inter. It was considered an evolution of the 166, as it was a sports car for the road that can also win international races.
Suspension features double wishbones in front and live axle in back. Both 2,500 mm (98.4 in) and 2,600 mm (102.4 in) versions were built (Export and Inter models, respectively), both with a larger 2.6 L (2563 cc/156 cui) version of Ferrari’s Colombo V12 engine.
The 212 Inter was a longer car, built to accept more accommodating and comfortable bodies. Its 2,600mm wheel base was unlike the Export model which had a wheelbase of only 2,250mm for racing on tight circuits. Both versions, however, had the same engineering characteristics, including a twin oval tube frame, independent front suspension, drum brakes and a potent V12 engine.
Interesting fact about 212 Inter series is that there are plenty of individual differences between cars. Each of the automobile was specially ordered by a customer, and it could be heavily customized, from the engine to the body.
Vignale was responsible for most of the bodies designed for 212, but there was also work present from Touring, Abbot, Ghia and especially unique Pinin Farina Cabriolet. That was the first connection between Ferrari and Farina, and that kind of relationship between companies exists today still.
Engine:
Ferrari Colombo V-12 2563 cc (156 cui)
Power: 110 kW / 150 PS / 148 hp
Torque: 164 Nm
transmission: 5-speed manual
Performance:
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h 10.8 s ; 0-60 mph 10.5 s
Dimension:
Length: 4100 mm (161.4 in)
Width: 1525 mm (60 in)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Weight: 1000 kg (2205 lbs)