Ferrari 212 Inter Cabriolet Vignale

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 212 Inter Cabriolet Vignale Chassis #0159E, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, is a rare and striking example of mid-century automotive design. Michelotti, known for his clean, refined lines and innovative approach to body styling, crafted a body for the 212 Inter that beautifully blends elegance with a touch of sportiness. This car, built in 1951, showcases his ability to merge performance with luxury, reflecting the era’s growing demand for more refined grand touring vehicles. The 212 Inter itself was an important model for Ferrari, bridging the gap between the brand’s racing heritage and a more sophisticated, international market. Michelotti’s design for this model is particularly notable for its graceful curves, the sculpted rear fenders, and its overall balanced proportions that give the car an understated but commanding presence. The cabriolet configuration adds to the car’s allure, offering a rare blend of open-air freedom with Ferrari’s hallmark performance. Chassis #0159E specifically is a rare piece, and its journey over the years has only added to its legacy. It was originally sold to Peter Staehelin in Switzerland in 1951 and went on to change hands multiple times throughout the decades, eventually being certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2014. Its restoration and continued presence at prestigious events, like the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, have ensured its place as one of the finest examples of Michelotti’s work. In recent years, the car has fetched impressive sums at auctions, further cementing its value in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The combination of Michelotti’s design sensibility with Ferrari’s engineering excellence makes this particular 212 Inter Cabriolet a rare and highly regarded piece of automotive history.