Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale (1951-53)
Production Total: The total production of the Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale from 1951 to 1953 was approximately **110 units**.
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Price New: In 1951, the new price for a Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale in the UK was approximately **£3,500**.
£3,500 in 1951 is equivalent to approximately **£100,000** today.
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Rivals: In 1951, the main rivals of the Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale and their approximate new prices in the UK were:
- **Jaguar XK120**: Approximately £1,200
- **Mercedes-Benz 300SL**: Approximately £2,000
- **Alfa Romeo 6C 2500**: Approximately £1,500
These cars were all competing in the luxury and high-performance segments.
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Recorded in the UK 2025
As of 2025, the DVLA records approximately **20 Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale (1951-53)** vehicles registered in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1951, the price of road tax in the UK was still based on the horsepower of the vehicle. For cars, it was **£1 per horsepower**. So, for a car with an engine capacity of over 1,500cc, the road tax would be around **£20 per year**.
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Petrol: In 1951, the average price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **39.75 pence per gallon**, which equates to around **3.98 pence per litre**.
3.98 pence per litre in 1951 is equivalent to approximately **32 pence per litre** today.
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Insurance: I couldn't find specific information about the average cost of insurance for a Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale in the UK in 1951. However, car insurance was generally much more affordable back then compared to today.
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1951/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1951, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£380** for male manual workers and **£508** for female manual workers. These figures reflect the wages for unskilled labour at the time.
Adjusting for inflation, the average annual salary in the UK in 1951 would be approximately **£38,000 to £51,000** in 2025 terms. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on different inflation measures.
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In 1951, the average price of a house in the UK was around **£1,891**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£60,000 to £70,000** in today's terms.
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In 1951, the average price of a new car in the UK was around **£600**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£15,000 to £20,000** in today's terms.
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In 1951, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **4 pence** - Hansard - UK Parliament](https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1951-04-11/debates/4513f05c-1ebd-4a76-9fe3-b4e46947c89c/Bread%28Prices%29). Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£1.50 to £2** in today's terms.
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In 1951, the average price per mile of a bus journey in the UK was around **2 pence**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£0.60 to £0.70** in today's terms.
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In 1951, the average price per mile for a taxi journey in the UK was around **2 shillings and 6 pence** (approximately **£1.50 to £2** in today's terms).
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In 1951, the average price per mile of a railway journey in the UK was around **1 penny per mile** (approximately **£0.03 to £0.04** in today's terms).
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In 1951, there were approximately **4 million vehicles** using UK roads. This included a mix of private cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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In 1951, the population of the UK was approximately **50.3 million** people.
As of 2025, the population of the UK is estimated to be around **69.5 million** people - Worldometer](https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/uk-population/).
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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 212 Inter Vignale, produced between 1951 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 212 Inter Vignale remains a beloved classic for many enthusiasts. Regular maintenance and care are essential to keep it in top condition.
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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 212 Inter Vignale** had **one main generation** produced from **1951 to 1953**. It was available in several body styles, including:
1. **Coupe**: A two-door coupe with elegant and sporty styling.
2. **Cabriolet**: A convertible version with a more open and luxurious design.
3. **Berlinetta**: A two-door coupe with a more enclosed and formal appearance.
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Engine
The **Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale** was fitted with a **2.6-liter V12 engine** designed by **Gioacchino Colombo** - Ferrari.com](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/212-inter). This engine produced around **168 horsepower** at 6,500 rpm and **206 Nm of torque** at 5,250 rpm.
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Performance
The **Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale** offered impressive performance for its time. Here's a breakdown of its performance:
- **Engine**: 2.6-liter V12
- **Power Output**: Around 168 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
- **Torque**: Approximately 206 Nm (151 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 150 mph (241 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) Acceleration**: Around 7.0 seconds
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Rivals
In 1956, the main rivals of the **Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale** in the UK included the **Aston Martin DB2/4** and the **Jaguar XK140**. Here's a comparison of their performance:
- **Aston Martin DB2/4**: The DB2/4 was equipped with a 2.9-liter inline-six engine producing around **140 horsepower**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately **8.0 seconds** and had a top speed of around **120 mph** (193 km/h).
- **Jaguar XK140**: The XK140 had a 3.4-liter inline-six engine producing around **160 horsepower**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around **7.5 seconds** and had a top speed of approximately **130 mph** (209 km/h).
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale** was designed by **Giovanni Michelotti** for **Carrozzeria Vignale**. Michelotti was a renowned Italian designer known for his elegant and sporty designs.
Here are the dimensions of the Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale:
- **Length**: 4,100 mm (161.4 inches)
- **Width**: 1,524 mm (60 inches)
- **Height**: 1,349 mm (53.1 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,601 mm (102.4 inches)
- **Weight**: 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)
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Racing
The Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale, produced between 1951 and 1953, did compete in racing. Here are some notable highlights:
### Iconic Races and Events
1. **Carrera Pan Americana 1951**: Two Ferrari 212 Inters, both Vignale coupés, participated in the 1951 Carrera Pan Americana in Mexico. They achieved a remarkable 1-2 finish, driven by Piero Taruffi and Luigi Chinetti, and Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi.
2. **Mille Miglia 1952**: The Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale also competed in the 1952 Mille Miglia, driven by Siro Sbraci and Giudeci.
3. **Tuscany Cup 1952**: Later in 1952, the car raced in the Tuscany Cup, finishing 1st in its class.
4. **Mille Miglia 1954**: The car was entered again in the 1954 Mille Miglia, driven by Gino Casarotto and Stelio Conconcelli.
### Racing Pedigree
- **Versatility**: The Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale was designed to be both a grand tourer and a competitive race car, showcasing Ferrari's ability to blend luxury with performance.
- **Limited Production**: Only around 80 Inter-spec 212s were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item.
The Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale's racing history is a testament to its engineering excellence and competitive spirit.
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Valuation
In 2025, the value of a **Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale** in the UK can vary depending on its condition, provenance, and specific trim level. Generally, prices range from **£1,000,000 to £2,000,000**.
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Clubs
There are **Ferrari clubs** in Northern Ireland for owners! You can join the **Northern Ireland Ferrari Owners Club**, which organizes events, drive-outs, and meetings for Ferrari enthusiasts. They provide a great community for owners to connect, share experiences, and enjoy their cars together.
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