1951 Ferrari 212 Inter 2+2 Berlina

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

2562cc V-12

TRANSMISSION

5-Speed Manual

EXTERIOR COLOR

Red

INTERIOR COLOR

Tan

The 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter 2+2 Berlina, chassis no. 0185EL, is a remarkable piece of automotive history that combines rarity, a unique design by Carrozzeria Ghia, and a storied past. Let's delve into the fascinating details of this exceptional automobile.This Ferrari 212 Inter is one of only four examples with a Four-Passenger 2+2 Berlina body crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia. This coachwork, made from lightweight aluminum, is a testament to the collaboration between Ferrari and the renowned Italian coachbuilder Ghia.

Carrozzeria Ghia was responsible for the coachwork on just 35 Ferrari cars, making this example, no. 23 of that series, even more exceptional. Its connection to Ghia's limited production adds to its desirability among collectors.This 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter was delivered new to Robert Braunschweig of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Braunschweig held the position of Editor of Swiss Magazine Automobil Revue from 1952 to 1980. Such a distinguished owner speaks to the car's appeal even during its early years.

Interestingly, this Ferrari is considered a sister car to the one owned by King Farouk of Egypt, further adding to its historical significance.After its time in Switzerland, this Ferrari made its way to the United States. In 1977, it was located in Portland, Oregon, where it had several owners until 1985 when it was acquired by Fred Peters and Charles Betz of Santa Ana, California.This 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter has been part of a private collection since 1994, reflecting its desirability among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique history and design.The car underwent a meticulous mechanical restoration by Sport Auto LTD of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Upholstery work was carried out by East Coast Auto Trim of New Rochelle, New York, and the paint received attention from Continental Auto of Portland, Connecticut.

Following the restoration, this Ferrari was showcased at various prestigious automotive events, including the 1997 FCA National Meet, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, and the Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance. It was also displayed at the 1998 Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center in New York City and the Ferrari Club North America meet in New York City in 2004.Documentation of the car's history includes receipts for restoration and maintenance since 1994. Over the years, essential components, such as the engine block, heads, camshafts, pistons, and transmission synchros, have been carefully addressed to keep this classic Ferrari in top condition.

The 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter 2+2 Berlina, chassis no. 0185EL, is a rare find with an impressive provenance and a design that showcases the artistry of Carrozzeria Ghia. Its unique history, limited production, and meticulous restoration make it a gem in the world of classic automobiles, a testament to the enduring allure of Ferrari's storied past.

PHOTO GALLERY

THE STORY

In late 1948, Ferrari introduced its first road car, the two-seat, 2.0L V-12-powered 166MM, with the numerical designation referring to the cubic centimeters of one cylinder and the “MM” standing for the Mille Miglia, Italy’s famed 1,000-mile road race won by Ferrari in May of that same year. Ferrari then followed up with the 166 Inter, a larger, longer-wheelbase 2+2 Berlina (sedan). Using the same basic platform as the 166MM—a strong steel tube chassis, independent front suspension, live rear axle and the Colombo V-12 engine—the grand touring-oriented 166 Inter perfectly accommodated Enzo Ferrari’s personal preference for more comfort and room.

In 1950, the designation changed to 195 Inter to reflect an increase in displacement to 2.4 liters, which was again increased in 1951 to 2.6 liters in the 212 Inter. Despite their intended mission as road cars, many Inters were driven to victory in competition, adding to Ferrari’s rapidly building prestige and attracting the attention of Italy’s burgeoning postwar coachbuilding trade.

No. 23 of 35 Ferraris bodied by the venerable Carrozzeria Ghia, this 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter is one of four with Ghia 2+2 Berlina coachwork and a sister car to the example owned by King Farouk of Egypt. Chassis No. 0185EL and Engine No. 0185EL, the car was delivered new to Robert Braunschweig of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, who was the editor of Swiss Magazine Automobil Revue from 1952 to 1980. By 1977, the car was located in Portland, Oregon, where it had a handful of owners before its sale to Fred Peters and Charles Betz of Santa Ana, California.

Since 1994, the car has been part of a private collection, during which time it was mechanically restored by Sport Auto LTD of Ridgefield, Connecticut, who rebuilt the block and heads and installed new camshafts, pistons and intake and exhaust valves. The 5-speed manual gearbox was also rebuilt, utilizing new synchros.

The original Ghia aluminum coachwork remains in excellent condition and was beautifully painted by Continental Auto of Portland, Connecticut. Likewise, the interior features tan leather upholstery by East Coast Auto Trim of New Rochelle, New York, and matching tan carpets, right-hand drive, Jaeger instrumentation and a rare Clayton Type CB heater/defroster unit.

After the restoration was completed, the car was shown at the 1997 Ferrari Club of America National Meet, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance and the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. It was shown again at the 1998 Louis Vuitton Classic at Rockefeller Center in New York City and the FCA National Meet in New York City in 2004. Offered with restoration and maintenance receipts dating to 1994, this 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter is a rare and fascinating example of Enzo Ferrari’s seminal V-12 grand-touring concept, highlighted by the original Ghia coachwork and a concours-quality presentation.

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