The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Ferrari 225 Berlinetta Vignale designed by Michelotti.
The Ferrari 225 Berlinetta Vignale, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, stands as a significant evolution in Ferrari’s early post-war racing lineage. Introduced in early 1952, it marked a development of Ferrari’s successful Colombo-designed V-12 engine, where each cylinder’s displacement was increased to 225 cc, resulting in a total engine capacity slightly over 2.7 liters. This enhancement was part of Ferrari’s ongoing efforts to improve performance and competitiveness on the track. The Ferrari 225 Sport model was constructed on a refined chassis derived from its predecessor, the 212 Export, utilizing the same 2,250 mm wheelbase. Approximately 21 units were produced, available in both open and closed configurations. The 225 S was specifically designed with competition in mind, equipped with even-numbered chassis numbers, right-hand drive setup, and triple Weber carburetors to enhance its racing capabilities. Coachbuilder Vignale played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of the 225 S, becoming Ferrari’s primary choice for crafting bodies for Lampredi-engined competition cars during this period. Vignale’s designs not only accentuated the car’s performance-oriented nature but also contributed to its distinctive visual appeal on and off the racetrack. Throughout 1952, the Ferrari 225 S made a notable impact in European racing circuits and later in SCCA events in the United States. It was piloted by an illustrious roster of drivers including Piero Taruffi, Giovanni Bracco, Eugenio Castellotti, Jim Kimberly, and Roy Salvadori. Among its significant achievements, the 225 S secured victories at prestigious races such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Bari Grand Prix, Coppa d’Oro di Sicilia, Coppa della Toscana, and Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti, showcasing its prowess and reliability in demanding competition environments. Today, the Ferrari 225 Berlinetta Vignale remains a prized piece of automotive history, revered not only for its competitive track record and technological advancements but also for its aesthetic allure and the craftsmanship of its coachwork. Its legacy is bolstered by its rare status and participation in premium automotive events, underscoring its enduring appeal as a significant early Ferrari model.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
