Ferrari 212 Export Vignale

The Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Chassis 0111E is a distinguished model, crafted by Carrozzeria Vignale and designed by Giovanni Michelotti in 1951. With its two-tone paint—a light lower body and dark roof and bonnet—this Ferrari made an instant visual statement, complemented by a striking red and silver roof. While there is some debate over whether this car should be classified as a 212 Inter Coupe Vignale or a 212 Export Sport, its unique design and Ferrari lineage are undeniable. The car’s first owner was Franco Cornacchia from Milan, Italy, who took possession in 1951. Shortly after, it was sold to Luigi Piotti from Rome. Piotti, a skilled driver, put the car through its paces at the Coppa InterEuropa at Monza in 1953, competing in the S+2.0 class and solidifying the Ferrari’s reputation as both a beautiful and capable machine. In 1954, the Ferrari crossed the ocean to the United States, where it found new ownership in Derry F. Mallalieu of Norwalk, Connecticut, followed by Donald R. Vesley of Oakdale, Louisiana. By 1969, it was in the hands of A.B. Andrieu Jr. from Metairie, Louisiana. The car remained in the U.S., passing through the hands of several owners, including Elliot Evans in 1976, Tom Churchill in 1981, and Edwin K. Niles in 1985, before being owned by Mark Chmar of Savannah, Georgia later that year. By the late 1980s, the car was owned by Steve Tillack in Carson, California and eventually made its way to the UK, where it was cared for by David Cottingham of DK Engineering. It was during this time that the Ferrari began to make appearances at renowned events such as the Automobiles Classique à Bagatelle in Paris and the 22nd Essen Motor Show in Germany. The car also participated in the Mille Miglia in 1990, driven by Richard Colton, showcasing its enduring performance and timeless appeal. In 1992, the car was offered by DK Engineering for £150,000 and was later sold at auction for £104,500 in July 1992. Its value continued to rise, and by 1993, it was listed by DK Engineering again, now priced at £140,000 ($210,000). It eventually found a new owner in Reza Rashidian of the UK. The Ferrari continued to be a prized possession for its owners, maintaining its place in the world of classic Ferrari collectors, with its value further appreciating over time. By 1999, the car was offered for $300,000 by Classic Auto. In 2006, it was owned by Craig Davis of Monterey, California, and by 2013, the car participated in the prestigious 23rd Annual California Mille, showcasing once again the lasting legacy of Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Chassis 0111E as a true automotive treasure.