Ferrari 212 MM Vignale

The Ferrari 212 MM Vignale chassis 0070M is a remarkable piece of automotive history, one that combines beauty, speed, and triumph. Delivered in 1951, this car was first driven by Franco Cornacchia of Scuderia Guastalla in Italy. Initially equipped with a single Weber carburetor, the car soon saw upgrades to three four-throat Webers, enhancing its performance and ensuring it was competitive on the track. Its body, designed by Giovanni Michelotti and crafted by Vignale, featured stunning Berlinetta styling, similar to the renowned 0082A but with its own unique characteristics. The car’s racing debut came in April 1951 at the Coppa InterEuropa in Monza, where Luigi Villoresi drove it to victory, securing 1st Overall and 1st in the S+2.0 class. A few days later, it participated in the famed Mille Miglia, finishing 20th Overall and 6th in the S/GT+2.0 class with Cornacchia and Guido Mariani at the wheel. Throughout 1951, the Ferrari continued to dominate, capturing numerous podium finishes, including a 1st in GT at the Coppa della Toscana. The car’s consistency and skill on the track proved its prowess and affirmed its status as one of Ferrari’s most competitive vehicles of its time. By 1952, the Ferrari underwent further modifications, including a new Vignale Berlinetta bodywork with three portholes in the fenders, a feature that would become synonymous with Ferrari’s more sophisticated racing machines. The car’s success continued that year, including another Mille Miglia appearance, where it placed 20th Overall and 3rd in the GT+2.0 class. It also triumphed in the IV Coppa della Toscana with Franco Cornacchia at the wheel. But it wasn’t just about wins—0070M proved its endurance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, though it did not finish due to electrical issues. The car’s racing career continued to include victories at events like the 12 Ore di Pescara, Trullo d’Oro, and the Stella Alpina, where it maintained a strong presence in Italian motorsport. The car’s journey didn’t end in Europe. By 1953, it had found its way into the hands of Bruno Moroni in Milan, Italy, where it continued to participate in prestigious events, including the Giro di Sicilia and the Trofeo Sardo. It was also active in hill climbs like Trieste-Opicina and the 10h di Messina. After years of racing, the car was sold to the United States, where it changed ownership several times. Over the years, it was acquired by collectors and enthusiasts, including notable figures like Alan G. Peters, Jays Auto Imports, and Norman G. Snart. In the 1990s, the Ferrari underwent a comprehensive restoration under the care of Jon A. Shirley, who purchased the car in 1995. The mechanical restoration returned it to its former glory, and the car was seen competing once more, this time in events like the Colorado Grand. By the early 2000s, it had gained a reputation as one of Ferrari’s finest examples, with Shirley showcasing the car at concours events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2013, where it won the MM Award. It also achieved success at the Cavallino Classic in 2014, securing numerous accolades, including the Gerald Roush Memorial Cup. Its legacy endures through its victories, its beautiful design, and its role in the evolution of Ferrari’s postwar sports cars.