An antique 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter, crafted by the renowned Italian designer Ghia, has never seen the auction block despite its potential to be a showstopper in any vintage car sale.
The vehicle recently gained attention on the show “Jay Leno’s Garage” and is touted as the Ferrari with the longest single ownership. Initially acquired in the 1950s by Rodolfo Junco de la Vega, the original owner received specialized training from the mechanics at the Ferrari factory on the car’s upkeep and even had an encounter with Enzo Ferrari himself. Following de la Vega’s passing at 98 years of age, ownership of the car was transferred to his son, Thaddeus Foster. Foster maintains that the vehicle remains largely untouched, with exceptions only for the paint and carpeting.
When Ferrari introduced the 212 model in 1950, the company was still in its infancy but steadily gaining momentum. Under the hood, the 212 model is equipped with the now-iconic Colombo V-12 engine, which has a displacement of 2.5 liters and outputs 150 horsepower. This power is channeled to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The 212 model featured an innovative tubular chassis designed to enhance structural rigidity. This became the foundation for several other versions. The car was available in two configurations: the Export and the more luxurious Inter. A range of coachbuilders, including Ghia, Pininfarina, Touring, and Vignale, offered various body styles for the 212 series.
The 212 model ceased production in 1953. The particular vehicle discussed here was manufactured in 1951 but registered as a 1952 model. Its original components highlight the somewhat improvisational nature of Ferrari’s production methods during that period; as Foster notes, inconsistent bolt sizes were used as mechanics simply utilized whatever materials were readily available.
While fully restored vintage Ferraris often fetch astronomical sums at auctions, Jay Leno emphasizes in the featured video that there is an incomparable driving experience offered by an original, non-restored model.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter
What is the primary focus of the article?
The article primarily focuses on a 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter that was featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage.” This particular car has a rich family history and has never been sold at auction.
Who was the original owner of the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter?
The original owner of the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter was Rodolfo Junco de la Vega. He purchased the car in the 1950s and was trained by Ferrari factory mechanics on how to maintain it.
What is special about the car’s engine?
The car is powered by the iconic Colombo V-12 engine. It has a 2.5-liter displacement and produces 150 horsepower. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
How long was the Ferrari 212 model in production?
The Ferrari 212 model was in production from 1950 until 1953. The model introduced innovative features like a tubular chassis designed for increased rigidity.
Who are the coachbuilders mentioned in connection with the Ferrari 212 series?
The coachbuilders that supplied various body styles for the 212 series include Ghia, Pininfarina, Touring, and Vignale.
What is unique about the car’s state of preservation?
The car remains largely in its original condition, with exceptions being the paint and the carpeting. It showcases the improvisational methods of Ferrari’s early production.
What does Jay Leno say about driving this particular Ferrari?
Jay Leno emphasizes that there is an incomparable driving experience when piloting an original, non-restored classic car, as opposed to fully restored versions.
More about 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter
- Jay Leno’s Garage Official Website
- Ferrari Official History Page
- Colombo V-12 Engine Specifications
- Classic Car Auctions and Valuation
- The Story of Italian Coachbuilder Ghia
- Guide to Classic Ferrari Models
8 comments
Wow, didn’t know that the 212 was in production for such a short time. It’s a real gem, huh?
Tubular chassis in the 1950s? Ferrari was really pushing boundaries. No wonder they’re still at the top of the game.
Thats 150 hp from a 1950s car? They really were ahead of their time. And a V-12? Insane!
Jay leno gets to drive the coolest cars, i’m so jealous. But glad that these pieces of history are getting the attention they deserve.
This article is packed with info! Kudos to the writer. Seriously though, can you imagine owning a car for so long and never auctioning it? Crazy.
Nothing beats the charm of an old car. Especially if it’s a Ferrari. This article took me back in time.
it’s incredible how the original owner got to meet Enzo Ferrari. That’s a once in a lifetime experience for sure.
Love reading about vintage cars, but it’s a good reminder how far we’ve come in terms of emissions and fuel efficiency.