Ferrari 212 Export Vignale

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 212 Export Vignale, Chassis #0098E and #0170ET, represent two distinct and highly celebrated iterations of Ferrari’s early postwar performance and design excellence. Both cars were crafted by Carrozzeria Vignale and designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing the bespoke craftsmanship and innovation Ferrari was known for in the early 1950s. Chassis #0098E (1951/April 3): This Ferrari 212 Export Coupe Vignale, a right-hand drive (RHD) model, was first delivered to Antonio Mambretti Sozogni of Rome, Italy. In 1951, the car was rebodied as a Vignale Spyder with a headrest. This unique configuration made it a striking example of Ferrari’s design versatility. Ownership history includes several notable names such as Marzotto of Valdagno and later, Conte Pietro d’Acquarone of Verona. The car continued to change hands over the years, with Federico Dubbini of Padova being a prominent owner, participating in numerous prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia, where it competed in the 1990s. By 2015, it had become part of a collection, with frequent appearances at major events such as the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance and the Modena Cento Ore Classic. Chassis #0170ET (1952/April 10): This Ferrari 225 Sport Vignale Berlinetta is one of only two lightweight “Tuboscocca” competition berlinettas, featuring a highly specialized design with a red and black top, tan interior, and distinctive “tuboscocca” lightweight construction. The car features several unique design elements, including windup plexiglass windows, no outside filler cap, and a custom air inlet on the hood, as well as portholes without chrome rings in the fenders. Originally owned by Dr. Augusto Caraceni, the car was used in several competitions, including the Mille Miglia, where it was piloted by Caraceni and Franco Meloni. The car’s racing pedigree continued with Italian hillclimbs, where it achieved strong results, including a class win in the Italian Hillclimb Championship in 1952. After passing through several owners, including Michael Sheehan and Tom Davis Jr., it underwent significant restoration, maintaining its original competition spirit. Together, these two cars represent the pinnacle of Ferrari’s early postwar design and racing ambition, with their unique bodywork and performance characteristics ensuring their places in Ferrari history. Both chassis have been involved in major international events and restorations, preserving their legacy as both significant racing machines and works of art.