Ferrari 212 Export Carretto Siciliano

Chassis 0086E is a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export, originally delivered as a bare chassis to Scuderia Marzotto of Valdagno, Italy, on February 2nd, 1951. Destined for racing from the outset, it was fitted by Carrozzeria Paolo Fontana of Padua with one of the most eccentric bodies ever mounted on a Ferrari—a flamboyant “carretto siciliano” Spyder, inspired by traditional Sicilian folk art. The Fontana body, with its intricate decorations and elaborate contours, reflected a dramatic divergence from typical Ferrari form and remains one of the marque’s most visually distinctive creations. The car made its competition debut on April 1st, 1951, at the XI Giro di Sicilia. Driven by Vittorio Marzotto with Paolo Fontana as co-driver, it achieved overall victory, signaling not only the car’s potential but also the capability of Fontana’s unconventional aerodynamic execution. At the time of the event, the car retained its original engine (0086E) with a triple-carburettor setup. Shortly thereafter, a single-carburettor unit from chassis 0084E was installed temporarily. Following this, the car underwent a series of transformations. It was rebodied first by Vignale into a more conventional Export Spyder similar to that of chassis 0076E, and then participated in several international competitions including the Grand Prix of Portugal (Boavista), where it placed 2nd overall, and the Targa Florio, where it achieved another 2nd overall with Giovanni Bracco and Franco Cornacchia. It was subsequently rebodied again by Fontana as a station wagon, marking a rare and curious moment in Ferrari coachbuilding history. During 1952 and 1953, 0086E continued to evolve in both form and competition activity. It received another Spyder body with inswept flanks, likely again from Fontana, and participated in various events including the Giro di Sicilia, Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, and numerous regional hillclimbs. The car suffered fire damage during the 1952 Mille Miglia, was later repaired, and saw continued use in the Giro delle Calabrie, Coppa delle Dolomiti, and Pescara 12 Hours. By 1958, the car had crossed the Atlantic to the United States, entering SCCA events under the ownership of Jim Flynn. It passed through various American custodians until being acquired by Peter Markowski in 2005, and later Peter M. Carlino. It has since been restored and exhibited in major international concours and events such as the Mille Miglia, Amelia Island, and the Cavallino Classic, where it earned a Class Gold award.