Launched in 1951, the Ferrari 212 Inter marked an important evolution in Ferrari’s transition from a race-focused manufacturer to a producer of refined road cars. It featured a 2.6-litre Colombo V12, producing approximately 150 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car sat on a tubular steel chassis with a 2,600 mm wheelbase, and braking was handled by drums all around.
Pininfarina’s clean and restrained design, along with balanced proportions, a wide grille, and subtle detailing, helped define Ferrari’s visual identity for years to come. Interiors were relatively well-appointed, reflecting the 212 Inter’s role as a grand tourer rather than a barebones performance machine.
The 212 Inter is widely regarded as the first true ‘production’ Ferrari, offering greater consistency in both mechanical layout and body design than its predecessors.
More importantly, it marked the beginning of Enzo Ferrari’s collaboration with Battista “Pinin” Farina — putting an end to previous tensions. This collaboration would go on to become one of, if not the most, successful and influential partnerships in the history of the automotive industry.