A well-travelled, rare breed
It is estimated that only around eighty 212 Inter models were built by Ferrari in the early 1950s, and this particular one has had quite the journey. From the original dealer in Florence, Italy, this 212 Inter was shipped to the United States, where at some point it was upgraded with the V12 Colombo engine from a 250 GT Ferrari. It then spent a brief stint in the United Kingdom, where the body was redone by D. Moroney in Cheshire in the style of a touring barchetta, and an engine overhaul was accomplished. It is now back in the United States and ready for a new owner to pick up the torch. This 1952 Ferrari 212 is available on Bring A Trailer, and you can check out the listing by clicking here!
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A red racing boat for the land
Bathed in a wine red color, this 212 Inter has been reborn as a look-alike to the original small batch run of Carrozzeria Superleggera barchetta-style open touring cars, with compelling bodywork that completely transforms the original traditional 212 Inter cabin.
Muted dual windshields, an aerodynamically sleek hull shape, and a distinctive egg-crate grill radiate a refined and discreet elegance. Doors without external handles, integrated taillights, and a hood scoop harken to the sleek performance and low drag borne of this automobile’s racing pedigree. Long and striking quad exhaust outlets scream power and care-free performance.
Four 15” Borrani wire wheels with Englebert Competition tires round out this striking profile, with a fifth spare cleanly hidden underneath the rear hatch, out of sight and maintaining the bullet-like smoothness of this particular 212 Inter’s profile.
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Elegance without excess
The interior is simple yet refined. Two brown leather bucket seats sit in place, with distinctive door-pull straps instead of handles to allow occupants entry and exit. The steering wheel is trimmed in split wood with silver fastening points, and a bright yellow and black Ferrari logo sits prominently at the wheel’s center. The shifter knob is clean, unobtrusive, and offers no frills except for etched Roman numerals, while the inset Jaeger gauges give an almost nautical flair to the overall styling.
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Racing performance for the open road
While the engine currently installed is from a Ferrari, it is not the original. Instead, a much-upscaled Colombo V12 from a 250 GT was installed early in the vehicle’s life, greatly increasing power and pick-up. Triple Weber carburetors, dual fuel pumps, a five-speed manual transmission, and a Magneti Marelli ignition drive the heart of this zippy roadster. Hydraulic drum brakes and independent front suspension on this rear-wheel-drive classic bolster handling and safety. The owner notes that the rebuilt engine was again overhauled in 2009, and both carburetors and fuel pumps were rebuilt in 2019.
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Final thoughts
Italian luxury cars will always hold a special place in my heart. They have so much personality, grace, and poise. This 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter is an exemplary model of that spirit. With enough curves to be a racing boat, and enough personality to own any countryside where it might be taken out for a spin, there really is just something special about it. With a rebuilt body to resemble a proper touring car, and a recently refurbished engine to keep her running strong, you just know that there are a lot of places this ole’ girl still wants to see.
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