Ferrari 212 Export Spider Vignale

The Ferrari 212 Export Spider Vignale chassis 0110E and 0106E represent two of the most significant early examples of Maranello’s dual pursuit of motorsport performance and bespoke coachbuilt elegance. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and bodied by Carrozzeria Vignale, these right-hand drive convertibles encapsulate the experimental spirit of early 1950s Ferrari, blending light competition-focused chassis with handcrafted luxury.

Chassis 0110E was completed on June 26, 1951, and initially delivered to Jorge da Cunha d’Almeida Araujo, the Portuguese Ambassador to France. Shortly after delivery, the car was exported to the United States, where it entered a long and well-documented chain of private ownership. Originally painted in a lighter color, it was repainted burgundy in 1952 and by 1953 was in the hands of Sherwood Johnston. Over the years, it passed through a series of owners in Indianapolis, including Robert Medernick, Herman Albers, and John Delamater. By March 1969, the car appeared for sale in Road & Track, catching the attention of Robert Poteete and then Ken Hutchison, who acquired it shortly after. In 1986, Peter G. Sachs of Connecticut became its custodian, followed by German collector Hartmut Ibing, who owned the car during a period when its engine was removed. A comprehensive restoration by Bonfatti of Modena in 1988 saw the car repainted black, returning it to concours-ready condition. In the early 1990s, American collector Thomas Stegmann acquired 0110E and embarked on an impressive concours campaign, earning accolades at Monterey, Pebble Beach, the Cavallino Classic, and Meadow Brook. In 2016, Peter Kalikow, a prominent Ferrari collector based in New York, became the new owner, returning the car to a burgundy finish and continuing its run of prestigious appearances, including Villa d’Este and Amelia Island, where it repeatedly earned class honors and best-in-show distinctions.

Chassis 0106E, completed just a month later in July 1951, shares many visual and mechanical cues with 0110E, including its Michelotti-penned design and Vignale open bodywork. Its earliest recorded owner was Count Sanseverino in Italy. By 1960, it had made its way to England, imported by Graham Warner of the Chequered Flag dealership. On August 8, 1960, it was registered under “6 YMH” for John Barham and shortly afterward sold to David Clarke, who would become its long-term custodian. In 1963, the original engine was temporarily replaced by unit 0149E but was reunited with the correct engine in 1988. Following Clarke’s death in 2002, the car was sold at Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival auction and began a new chapter in private U.S. collections. Leslie Wexner acquired the car in 2011, repainting it red and retrimming the interior. In more recent years, Michael and Jillion Weisberg of Los Angeles brought the car to the forefront of international concours once again, participating in events like the Cavallino Classic, Pebble Beach, and Villa d’Este, where it consistently received high honors, including class wins and best design awards.