Ferrari 212 Inter Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 212 Inter Pininfarina holds a special place in automotive history as the first Ferrari model bodied by the renowned design house Pininfarina. Chassis 0229EL, constructed on July 28, 1952, is particularly notable as it became the very first Pininfarina-bodied Ferrari coupe, and one of just 15 Pininfarina 212 Inters produced. Known as a “prototipo,” meaning prototype, it is believed that this car was initially delivered to Enzo Ferrari himself. This historic vehicle left the factory in an elegant Maserati blue color scheme, complemented by a light blue and dark blue piping leather interior. The car was delivered via Luigi Chinetti, the famed Ferrari importer based in New York, to its first owner, Max Hess of Pennsylvania. Chinetti played a crucial role in introducing Ferrari to the American market, and this particular model is a testament to the early collaborations between Ferrari and Pininfarina, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship that would produce some of the most iconic cars in automotive history. The 212 Inter series itself was a successor to the Ferrari 166 and 195 models, offering improved performance and more luxurious appointments, making it a favorite among discerning buyers of the era. The Pininfarina design on chassis 0229EL showcased sleek lines and refined aesthetics, setting a new standard for Ferrari’s grand touring cars. This Ferrari 212 Inter Pininfarina is not just a car but a piece of Ferrari’s rich heritage, representing the intersection of engineering excellence and sophisticated design. Its journey from the factory in Italy to the United States, and its connection to influential figures like Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Chinetti, adds to its allure and historical significance. As one of the earliest collaborations between Ferrari and Pininfarina, chassis 0229EL remains a celebrated example of automotive artistry and innovation.