Ferrari 212 Export Giardinetta

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 212 Export chassis 0086E holds a unique place in Ferrari history due to its transformation into a Giardinetta (station wagon)—one of the rarest and most unconventional body styles ever applied to a Ferrari. This extraordinary design was the result of the creative vision of the Marzotto brothers, in collaboration with Carrozzeria Paolo Fontana, during a time when experimentation in racing and coachbuilding was at its peak. Originally built as a spyder with an eccentric “Carretto Siciliano” body, 0086E was soon rebodied into a more conventional 212 Export Spyder by Vignale. However, in late 1951, it was transformed once again—this time into a fully functional station wagon (Giardinetta) by Fontana. This was an unprecedented move in Ferrari’s history, as the brand was known almost exclusively for sports cars and grand tourers. The Giardinetta body featured an extended roofline, a rear hatch, and increased cargo space, making it one of the most practical Ferraris ever built. It was designed to carry extra gear, possibly for endurance racing support, or as a unique means of combining performance with utility. The bold decision to create a Ferrari station wagon showed the Marzotto brothers’ willingness to push boundaries, challenging traditional ideas of what a Ferrari should be. Despite its fascinating and highly unusual design, the station wagon version of 0086E was short-lived. By mid-1952, it was rebodied yet again—most likely still by Fontana—this time returning to a more conventional open spyder form with inswept flanks. The Ferrari 212 Export Giardinetta remains an anomaly in Ferrari history, a one-off experiment that defied expectations. While Ferrari would never mass-produce a station wagon, 0086E’s brief time as a Giardinetta stands as a testament to the bold, innovative spirit of early Ferrari enthusiasts and coachbuilders. Today, it is remembered as one of the most unusual and intriguing body styles ever applied to a Ferrari chassis.