1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Berlinetta

Once described in a magazine as the world’s most beautiful Ferrari, the 212 was somewhat unfairly known in my neck of the woods as the world’s ugliest

Whatever the chosen medium, artists’ earliest works are always among their most desired and sought after. Artist-in-metal Enzo Ferrari is a case in point, all the more so because his first cars were bespoke, and differences between race winners and those built for road use were often minimal. Introduced in 1951, the 212 Inter was directly descended from the very first Ferrari of just four years previous. For this, the final model of Ferrari’s first series, Gioacchino Colombo’s versatile V12 was enlarged to 2,562 cc, with a commensurate increase in maximum power to 150 hp in road trim. With a top speed of 120 mph, and race-bred handling, the tipo 212 was among the quickest road cars of its day. Customers chose their own coachbuilder, many favoring the top Italian studio Touring of Milan, whose advanced Superleggera method of body construction combined lightness and strength in equal measure. The coachwork of chassis number 0215EL is clearly inspired by that...