The example shown here is a very rare "Export" model intended for racing in the GT and Sports classes. Chassis number 0141/T is unique, being the only 212 to have been built with a "Tuboscocca" type chassis, an early attempt by Ferrari to give three-dimensional rigidity to the ladder-type chassis. Wheelbase for the Inter model was given as 2600 mm but that of 0141/T was given as 2250 mm, the same as the sister 166MMs. Most Inters weighed around 2,100 lb. but 0141/T is appreciably lighter. Power for the Export's twelve-cylinder, triple-carburetor engine was given as 185 hp by the factory. Several 212 Export models with even chassis numbers did well in competition, which no doubt helped road car sales. Chassis 0141/T was the only competition berlinetta to have an odd numbered chassis and it was bodied by Carrozzeria Touring with one of their aluminum bodies with a one-piece windshield.
According to respected Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this car was delivered new to Scuderia Ferrari with test plate "PROVA MO 36." Luigi Chinetti then sold it to a Frenchman, Pierre Boncompagni, a wealthy "gentleman" amateur driver who raced under the pseudonym, "Pagnibon." He did not race 0141/T until 1952. On March 30th he raced twice, being placed second in the
2/3-liter class in the second race. Just one week later, Pagnibon raced at Nimes, winning his race outright. On April 20th he took part in a hillclimb in Val de Cuech and then raced in the Spring Cup at Montlhéry, winning both events. This would appear to be the sum total of 0141/T's competition career, although there are some blanks, particularly between April 1952 and July 1, 1953 when 0141/T was imported into Switzerland. Over the next nine years, 0141/T changed ownership between several Swiss owners before being bought by noted dealer in exotic cars, Rob de la Rive Box. By this time 0141/T had gained a later type 250 GT engine with internal number 0298D. In the late '60s, 0141/T was in a dealership in the Zurich area before being sold to another Swiss collector, Hans Matti. Matti sold the car to Corrado Cupellini of Bergamo, Italy who, a few months later sold the car to noted Ferrari collector Giulio Dubbini of Padova. Dubbini raced 0141/T in historic events in Italy enthusiastically until 1990 whereupon his collection passed to his son, Federico. In 1996 it was entered in such events as the Mille Miglia Retro, the Shell Historic Challenge at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, at the Nürburgring and at the Tutte le Ferrari in Pista Mugello.
The car is, of course, eligible for just about any form of vintage/historic racing including the Tour de France, Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, Shell Historic Challenge and many others. With its distinctive "Tuboscocca" chassis and beautiful ultra light aluminum Berlinetta bodywork, it is certain to be a star wherever it appears.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1951 Ferrari 212 Export |
| Years Produced: | 1951-1952 |
| Number Produced: | 9 |
| Original List Price: | $11,000 |
| SCM Valuation: | $175,000-$275,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Distributor Caps: | $500 |
| Chassis Number Location: | chassis tube alongside the left side of engine |
| Engine Number Location: | right side of engine block near flywheel |
| Club Info: | Ferrari Owners Blub, 8642 Cleta St., Downey, CA 90241 |
| Website: | http://www.ferrariownersclub.org |
| Alternatives: | Ferrari 195 S, Maserati A6GCS |
The car described here was a no sale at a reported high bid of $500,000 at the Christie’s Auction held August 29, 1999 at Pebble Beach in California.
Though today overshadowed by the 250MM and other, later three-liter GT Ferraris, wins for the 212 in the Tour of Sicily, Coppa Inter Europa, the Tourist trophy and the Carrera Panamericana set the stage for a long, successful line of GT cars for the gentleman and serious racer alike.
It can also be said that in many of those European races, the competition in the over two-liter GT class was light, probably increasing the salability of a new Ferrari as a winner to the well-heeled gentleman racer of the day. Today, the market for 212s is uneven, hampered by both the performance of a stock engine and the not-so-attractive appearance of some of the closed bodies, notably those by Ghia and some by Vignale. This car, 0141/T stands alone with its alloy Berlinetta bodywork by Touring (either the last or one of the last cars so fitted), braced chassis and the added performance of a three-liter engine. There are very few 212 Exports of any flavor and it is necessary to examine each car on a case-by-case basis to establish value. With later 250MMs pushing the very high six figures and the desirability of closed cars for (often wet) “events,” this 212 is in a unique position to outpace most other 212 comers in the marketplace.
Christie’s estimate was $650-850,000; a figure that likely takes into account the 250MM market and the unusual combination of attractive alloy bodywork and competition specification with an odd chassis number. The high bid of $500K is likely very near the value of this car. With its interesting and unique specifications, we would expect it to bring at least $650K when presented to the right buyer.