Ferrari 195 (1950-52)

Common Faults
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.


The Ferrari 195, produced between 1950 and 1953, is a classic car with a lot of charm. However, like many vintage vehicles, it has its share of common faults:

1. **Engine Issues**: The V12 engine, while powerful, can be prone to overheating and requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
2. **Electrical Problems**: Older Ferraris often have electrical issues, including faulty wiring and unreliable gauges.
3. **Transmission Troubles**: The manual transmission can be difficult to operate and may require frequent adjustments.
4. **Rust**: As with many cars from this era, rust can be a significant problem, especially in the chassis and body panels.
5. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components can wear out over time, leading to a less comfortable ride and handling issues.

Despite these faults, the Ferrari 195 remains a beloved classic for many enthusiasts.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The Ferrari 195 (1950-52) had **two main generations**:

1. **195 S (1950)**: This was the racing version, featuring a 2.3-liter V12 engine and a lightweight body - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/ferrari/195-s/).
2. **195 Inter (1950-1951)**: This was the road-going version, essentially an updated version of the 166 Inter with a larger engine and more luxurious features - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/ferrari/195-s/).

The Ferrari 195 was available in two main body styles:
- **Coupé**: A fixed-roof version for those who preferred a more enclosed driving experience.
- **Cabriolet**: A convertible version for those who enjoyed open-top driving.
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Designer/Design/Dimensions
The Ferrari 195 (1950-52) was designed by **Carrozzeria Vignale** and **Carrozzeria Ghia** for the bodywork, while the chassis and mechanical components were designed by **Ferrari** itself. The collaboration between these renowned design houses and Ferrari resulted in the elegant and powerful 195 model.
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The Ferrari 195, particularly the 195 Inter, is a remarkable example of classic automotive design and engineering. Here are some key design aspects:

### Exterior Design
1. **Coachbuilding Variance**: The Ferrari 195 Inter was notable for its diverse range of body styles, which varied significantly depending on the coachbuilder. Renowned coachbuilders like Ghia, Vignale, and Touring crafted the exteriors, resulting in unique designs.
2. **Classic Styling Cues**: Common styling elements included long, flowing lines that emphasized elegance and speed. The front typically featured the distinctive Ferrari grille, which was both functional for airflow and stylistic.
3. **Distinctive Grille**: The Ghia design on the Ferrari 195 Inter was dominated by a distinctive grille, the upper centre of which was contoured to match the raised hood line.
4. **Slim Chrome Trims**: Slim chrome trims along each sill gave the car a slender side profile, while muscular rear fenders were neatly integrated with the rest of the body.

### Interior Design
1. **Luxurious Interiors**: The interiors were designed to offer comfort and luxury, aligning with the grand touring nature of the car. High-quality materials and attention to detail were hallmarks of the interior design.
2. **Customization**: As was common at the time, the interiors could be customized according to the owner's preferences, adding to the exclusivity of each vehicle.

### Historical Significance
1. **Bridge Between Racing and Touring**: The Ferrari 195 Inter served as a bridge between Ferrari's racing cars and their grand touring models, combining performance with luxury.
2. **Limited Production**: Only 27 units of the Ferrari 195 Inter were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item.

The Ferrari 195 Inter's design reflects Ferrari's commitment to combining performance, luxury, and style, making it a cherished classic among automotive enthusiasts.
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Dimensions
The dimensions of the Ferrari 195 (1950-52) are as follows:

- **Length**: 4,500 mm (177.2 inches)
- **Width**: 1,720 mm (67.7 inches)
- **Height**: 1,215 mm (47.8 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,500 mm (98.4 inches)
- **Weight**: Approximately 950 kg (2,094 lbs)

These dimensions contributed to the car's elegant and sporty appearance, as well as its performance capabilities.
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Engine & Performance
The Ferrari 195, particularly the 195 Inter and 195 S, showcased impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance aspects:

### Engine and Power
- **Engine**: The Ferrari 195 was equipped with a 2.3-liter V12 engine.
- **Power Output**: The engine produced around 130 PS (128 HP) for the 195 Inter⁵ and up to 168 HP in race trim for the 195 S.
- **Top Speed**: The 195 Inter could reach a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph).

### Acceleration
- **0 to 60 mph**: The Ferrari 195 Inter could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 to 12 seconds.

### Racing Pedigree
- **Mille Miglia**: The Ferrari 195 S had a notable racing history, with Giannino Marzotto driving it to victory at the 1950 Mille Miglia.

### Handling and Suspension
- **Suspension**: The car featured independent front suspension with unequal-length wishbones and a transverse leaf spring, along with a live axle and semi-elliptic springs at the rear.

Overall, the Ferrari 195 combined robust performance with elegant design, making it a significant model in Ferrari's history.
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Rivals
Here's a comparison of the performance offered by the main rivals of the Ferrari 195 Inter in the UK in 1950:

| **Car Model** | **0-60 mph** | **Top Speed** | **Engine Power** |
|---------------------|--------------|---------------|------------------|
| **Jaguar XK120** | 7.1 seconds | 120 mph | 160 hp |
| **Aston Martin DB2**| 8.0 seconds | 120 mph | 140 hp |
| **Mercedes-Benz 300SL** | 7.0 seconds | 140 mph | 180 hp |

These cars were all competing in the luxury and high-performance segments, offering impressive performance figures for their time.
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Innovation
The Ferrari 195, particularly the 195 Inter, had several innovative features for its time:

### Engine and Performance
1. **V12 Engine**: The Ferrari 195 was equipped with a 2.3-liter V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo. This engine was capable of high RPMs and was unusually exotic in the early 1950s².
2. **Dry Sump Lubrication**: The 195 Inter retained dry sump lubrication, a feature typically reserved for race cars of the period.

### Design and Engineering
1. **Coachbuilding Variance**: The Ferrari 195 Inter was notable for its diverse range of body styles, crafted by renowned coachbuilders like Ghia, Vignale, and Touring. This collaboration resulted in unique and stunning designs.
2. **Superleggera Technique**: The 195 S model used Touring's pre-war Superleggera technique, which involved a lightweight construction method.

### Historical Significance
1. **Grand Touring Concept**: The Ferrari 195 Inter was one of the first Ferraris designed specifically for grand touring, offering a combination of speed, style, and comfort for long-distance driving.
2. **Racing Pedigree**: Despite being a grand tourer, the 195 Inter retained the core of Ferrari’s racing DNA, showcasing Ferrari’s ability to adapt racing technology for the road.

These features made the Ferrari 195 a remarkable example of innovation and engineering excellence in the early 1950s.

The Ferrari 195, being a car from the early 1950s, did not have the advanced safety features we see in modern vehicles. However, it did incorporate some safety elements that were considered innovative for its time:

### Structural Integrity
- **Robust Chassis**: The Ferrari 195 featured a tubular steel chassis, which provided a strong and rigid structure, enhancing the car's overall safety².

### Braking System
- **Drum Brakes**: The car was equipped with drum brakes, which were standard at the time. While not as effective as modern disc brakes, they were considered reliable for the era².

### Handling and Stability
- **Suspension Design**: The independent front suspension with unequal-length wishbones and a transverse leaf spring, along with a live axle and semi-elliptic springs at the rear, contributed to better handling and stability².

### Racing Influence
- **Race-Derived Features**: Given its racing pedigree, the Ferrari 195 incorporated several features from its racing counterparts, which indirectly contributed to its safety. These included a well-balanced weight distribution and a low centre of gravity².

While these features may seem basic by today's standards, they were quite advanced for the early 1950s and contributed to the Ferrari 195's reputation as a well-engineered and reliable vehicle.
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Racing
The Ferrari 195, particularly the 195 S, has a notable racing history. Here are some key highlights:

### Early Racing Debut
- **Targa Florio and Giro di Sicilia**: The Ferrari 195 S had its first outing at the 1950 Targa Florio and Giro di Sicilia, which were the same event that year. Unfortunately, none of the factory-entered cars finished the race.

### Significant Victories
- **Mille Miglia 1950**: One of the most significant victories for the Ferrari 195 S was at the 1950 Mille Miglia. Giannino Marzotto drove the car to victory, famously wearing a double-breasted brown suit and tie during the race.
- **Coppa della Toscana**: The Ferrari 195 S also won the Coppa della Toscana, showcasing its competitive edge.
- **Giro delle Calabria**: Another notable victory was at the Giro delle Calabria.

### Technical Advancements
- **Engine and Chassis**: The Ferrari 195 S was an improved version of the 166 MM, featuring a 2.3-liter Colombo V12 engine and a tubular steel chassis. These enhancements contributed to its racing success.

### Legacy
- **Limited Production**: Only four examples of the Ferrari 195 S were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item.
- **Enduring Impact**: The Ferrari 195 S's racing achievements helped establish Ferrari's reputation in the early 1950s and contributed to the brand's legacy in motorsport.

The Ferrari 195, particularly the 195 S, participated in several iconic races and events. Here are some notable highlights:

### Mille Miglia 1950
- **Victory**: Giannino Marzotto drove the Ferrari 195 S to victory at the 1950 Mille Miglia, becoming the youngest winner in the race's history at just 22 years old². He famously wore a double-breasted suit and tie during the race, adding to the legend of this victory.

### Coppa della Toscana 1950
- **1-2 Finish**: The Ferrari 195 S secured a 1-2 finish at the Coppa della Toscana, with Dorino Serafini and Ettore Salani leading the race.

### Giro delle Calabria 1950
- **Another 1-2 Finish**: The Ferrari 195 S achieved another 1-2 finish at the Giro delle Calabria, further establishing its racing credentials².

### 3 Hours of Rome (Notturne della Caracalla) 1950
- **Victory**: Giannino Marzotto also piloted the Ferrari 195 S to victory in this race, showcasing the car's versatility and performance.

### Le Mans 24 Hours 1950
- **Participation**: Although the Ferrari 195 S did not finish the race due to mechanical failures, its participation in such a prestigious event highlighted its competitive spirit².

These races and events helped cement the Ferrari 195's legacy in the world of motorsport.
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Valuation
The value of a Ferrari 195 (1950-52) in the UK today can vary significantly based on its condition, provenance, and originality. On average, you can expect to pay around **£1,200,000** for a Ferrari 195 in good condition. The highest recorded price for this model is **£2,000,000**, while the lowest recorded price is **£800,000**.
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Clubs
There is a **Ferrari Owners Club** in Northern Ireland! The club organizes various events, meetings, and drive-outs for Ferrari enthusiasts. You can contact the Area Organiser, Robert Aiken, for more information about upcoming events and how to join.
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