1951 Ferrari 212 MM Vignale Coupé

212 MM Vignale Coupé image

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The Ferrari 212 MM Vignale Coupé 1951 is a prime example of a classic race car. This beauty is powered by a 2.6-liter V-12 engine capable of producing up to 170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, providing seamless gearshifts that enhance the racing experience. The 212 MM Vignale Coupé sits on a 2250mm wheelbase, with a weight of just 880kg.

The Ferrari 212 MM Vignale Coupé is considered an all-time classic because of its exceptional build quality and exquisite styling. The body is constructed from hand-formed aluminum by Carrozzeria Vignale, an Italian company famous for their coachbuilding capabilities. The design features a long hood, sloping rear end, and a sleek roofline, which enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The car’s aerodynamic design reduces drag, ensuring optimum speed for quicker laps.

The vehicle’s chassis is sturdy, made from a lightweight and durable tubular frame. The suspension comprises front and rear independent springs and wishbones, with hydraulic shock absorbers. It also features a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, ensuring the car's stability even on bumpy terrains. The car rides on Borrani wire wheels, surrounded by Pirelli Cinturato tires, which increase traction and grip, ensuring safe cornering and high-speed maneuverability.

The interior of the Ferrari 212 MM Vignale Coupe is minimalistic, with a sleek dashboard devoid of standard amenities like a radio or air conditioning, thereby reducing weight. The dashboard displays critical information such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge. The leather seats are adjustable, providing the driver and passenger with optimal comfort on long journeys. The car houses a 120-liter fuel tank, giving it a considerable range.

In conclusion, the Ferrari 212 MM Vignale Coupé 1951 is a beautiful masterpiece from Ferrari's heydays. The vehicle represents the dawn of Ferrari's transition into a luxury sports car manufacturer. The car's technical specifications show its prowess in racing, with a lightweight chassis that enhances speed and aerodynamics. The car is a classic example of Italian craftsmanship and design; its sophisticated style continues to attract car collectors and racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Milestones

- 1951: Ferrari introduces the 212 MM Vignale Coupe at the Paris Auto Show - 1951-1952: Only four units of the 212 MM Vignale Coupe are produced, making it an incredibly rare car - 1953: The 212 MM Vignale Coupe is sold to Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands - 1954-1956: The car is raced by Prince Bernhard in multiple competitions, winning the 1954 Internationale Sports Car Championship - 1956-1958: The car is sold to multiple owners and undergoes several modifications, including a switch to a more powerful engine - 1958-2021: The car changes hands multiple times, becoming a prized possession for collectors and participating in various historic races and events - 2021: The 212 MM Vignale Coupe becomes one of the most valuable Ferraris in existence, selling for $7.5 million at auction.


Technical

- Engine: 2.6-liter V12 - Horsepower: 170 hp - Top speed: 118 mph - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Suspension: Independent front suspension, rear live axle - Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes - Dimensions: 4,260 mm (length) x 1,550 mm (width) x 1,320 mm (height) - Weight: 950 kg - Body style: 2-door coupe - Designer: Vignale - Production period: 1951-1952 - Units produced: 26 (including 4 racing versions) - Features: Lightweight aluminum body, aerodynamic design, racing pedigree.