Vintage Ferrari from the 50s so rare only THREE were ever made could be yours for jaw-dropping sum
A RARE vintage Ferrari from the 1950s of which only three were ever made could be yours for a jaw-dropping sum.
The classic car had started its life as just one of 27 212 Exports by Vignale.
However, it was later upgraded to being a 225 S by the factory, becoming one of just three known Ferraris to have undergone the upgrade.
The ultra-rare motor comes in a unique sky blue and white combination finish as well as a 2.6 litre V-12 engine.
Its interior features cream leather seats, a white dashboard, and a wooden steering wheel.
The car, which raced in major events such as the 12 Hours of Reims, 1000 Km of Paris, and the Liège-Rome-Liège Rally is set to go on auction in Paris with RM Sothebys on February 5.
Presently, the classic, which underwent a concours-level restoration from 2020 to 2024 by Ferrari Classiche, is estimated to amass a sale price of up to €3.5million (£2.9million).
The motor was found to retain its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and rear axle, and gained certification by Ferrari Classiche in July 2024.
Included in the sale is Ferrari Classiche’s “Red Book” as well as a report from Marcel Massini and a history file containing period competition photographs.
The listing states: “Making its debut in 1951, the Ferrari 212 Export was the direct competition replacement for the 195 S.
“The Colombo V-12 was enlarged to 2.6 litres, with the chassis redesigned to withstand the 150 horsepower being sent to the rear wheels.
“While only 27 examples were built, Carrozzeria Vignale would body just 10, with only seven leaving its workshop as a closed berlinetta.”
The listing also explains how the 212 Export was a “pretty” car and a “potent racer”, holding victories at the Targa Florio, Carrera Panamerica, Tour de France l’Automobile, and Giro di Sicilia.
It was sold to its first owner, Jacques Peron, in May 1952, following its final factory test drive on 9 April that year.
From there, it was quickly sold to racer Marius Heyman and put on show at the Paris Concours d’Elégance on 25 June before being entered into the 1952 edition of the famous Liège-Rome-Liège Rally.
Tragically, Heyman was killed after he and his partner, Claude Leguezec, hit a tree during the race between Rome and Bolanzo.
The car was later rebuilt featuring a different style grille opening in addition to its 225 S upgrades and was acquired by another racer, Joseph Ampoulie on 14 January 1955.
He then raced the car on five known occasions, competing in the 1000 Km of Paris (Montlhéry) and later the 12 Hours of Reims where he placed 7th overall alongside co-driver Yves Giraud-Cabantous.
‘EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE’
The listing continues: “Sold to Claude Barbier in April 1957, chassis 0190 ED was reported as being painted light blue later that year.
“Deregistered from the road in June 1958, the car is believed to have remained in storage for a number of years, where it later was subject to damage on the roof and rear body section.
“Emerging in 1975 at Garage Cecchi in Chambéry, France, the car was traded to David Schute, before returning to France in 1987, where it was understood to be in a poor state and in need of complete restoration.”
The listing explains that while still in a “poor condition” in 1996, Marcel Massini reported that the engine was still running before it was sold two years later to Angelo Galeazzi in Brescia, Italy.
He then undertook a complete restoration of the vehicle from 1998 to 1999, with a new body being constructed with the measurements taken from chassis 0170 ET.
Two years after fielding the car in the 2000 edition of the Mille Miglia, Angelo sold the car which then traded hands across England and Belgium before returning to Italy in 2005.
In 2017, it was purchased by its current owner, who then undertook the decision to fully restore the vehicle with Ferrari Classiche three years later.
The listing added: “In a rigorous restoration lasting four years, almost every facet of the car was touched, with particular attention paid to the body to best replicate the original Vignale styling.
“As one of just 27 Ferrari 212 Exports produced, and one of three upgraded by the factory to 225 S specifications, chassis 0190 ED is an extremely rare and desirable example of an early production Ferrari.”
The ultra-rare classic was also described as the “perfect candidate” for any future editions of major car events in Europe and North America, including the Mille Miglia Storica and Le Mans Classic.