The legend of Ferrari and the 1952 Ferrari 212 EL dates back to 1940. That year marks the birth of the Type 815 for use in the substitute Mille Miglia event. Ferrari went into production in 1946. Initial production was for racing, street cars came later.
The 212 series was initially offered in 1951 and continued into 1952. Production was approximately 90 cars. The cars featured a 2.6 liter V-12 double overhead cam engine, front disc and rear drum brakes and unique carburation depending on whether they were domestic (one Weber) or export (three Webers). The engine produced 140 horsepower.
The current owner has enjoyed this car for over half a century. As far as he knows, it is the only three window coupe that was built on a Ferrari chassis by Ghia.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Production Year: 1952
- Purpose: The 212 Export was designed as a sports car with strong racing capabilities, aimed at both road and track use.
Specifications
- Engine: The 212 Export Le Mans was powered by a 2.6-liter (2562 cc) V12 engine.
- Power Output: The engine produced around 160-170 horsepower.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: The car featured a tubular steel frame, designed for lightweight and high rigidity, enhancing its performance on the track.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The 212 Export Le Mans came in various body styles, including berlinettas (coupes) and barchettas (open-top roadsters). The bodies were typically designed and built by renowned coachbuilders such as Carrozzeria Touring and Vignale.
- Exterior: The car's design emphasized aerodynamics and elegance, with flowing lines, a low profile, and distinctive Ferrari styling cues such as the iconic front grille and rounded fenders.
- Interior: The interior was spartan and focused on functionality, with minimalistic design elements to keep the weight low and ensure the driver's focus on racing.
Performance
- Top Speed: The 212 Export could reach top speeds of around 130-140 mph (209-225 km/h), depending on the body configuration and tuning.
- Racing Pedigree: The 212 Export Le Mans was designed for endurance racing and participated in various prestigious races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mille Miglia, and Targa Florio. Its performance in these events helped solidify Ferrari's reputation in the world of motorsport.
- Handling: The car was known for its excellent handling characteristics, with a well-balanced chassis and responsive steering, making it competitive in both road races and track events.
Legacy
- Significance: The 212 Export Le Mans is an important model in Ferrari's history, representing the brand's early successes in racing and its commitment to building high-performance sports cars.
- Rarity: Only a limited number of 212 Exports were produced, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
- Collectibility: Due to its rarity, racing heritage, and classic Ferrari design, the 212 Export Le Mans is a prized collector's item, often fetching high prices at auctions and being featured in prestigious car collections and museums.
Notable Achievements
- Racing Success: The 212 Export's participation and success in major races during the early 1950s contributed to Ferrari's growing reputation as a dominant force in motorsport.
- Design Influence: The design and engineering principles of the 212 Export influenced future Ferrari models, contributing to the brand's legacy of creating beautiful and high-performing sports cars.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1952 Ferrari 212 EL in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
