Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale

The Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale Chassis 0219EL is a rare and exquisite piece of Ferrari history, a car that speaks to both elegance and performance. Built in 1952, this 212 Inter Coupe was crafted by Carrozzeria Vignale with design work by Giovanni Michelotti. It featured a sleek white over grey body, a stunning right-hand-drive configuration, and the kind of fine Italian craftsmanship that made Ferrari legendary. The car’s first owner, Latino Magnolfi, took possession of it in Italy, and it didn’t take long for the Ferrari to catch the attention of collectors. By 1954, it crossed the Atlantic, finding its home with Paul Jarman in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Jarman would show off his prized possession at the Watkins Glen Concours d’Elegance in 1955, cementing the car’s reputation as a showpiece of European automotive luxury. Over the years, the Ferrari changed hands among several American owners, including R.P. Blair of Akron, Ohio in 1960, Jan Smitley in 1962, and Paul Puchstein in 1964, before passing into the care of Paul Hackman in 1976. In 1990, Hackman offered the car for sale through HMN, catching the eye of Ed Waterman, a well-known restorer and broker based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Waterman’s expertise would prove invaluable, and under his care, the 212 Inter was restored to its former glory. The car made an appearance at the FCA National Concours in Washington in 1991, showcasing its immaculate restoration. The following year, it was offered for sale by Motorcar Gallery in Ft. Lauderdale for $435,000, a price that reflected the growing interest in vintage Ferrari models. The 1990s and early 2000s saw the car pass through the hands of more collectors, including Paul Forbes in California in 1999. Fantasy Junction in Berkeley, CA offered the car in 2000, with a price of $395,000, and again in 2004, listing it for $475,000. Despite its unrestored condition, it continued to attract interest due to its rarity and provenance. The car was also put up for auction by Bonhams & Brooks at the Quail Lodge in 2001 and later at Bonhams Monaco in 2002, though it failed to sell at either event. By 2014, the car had made its way into the hands of Charles Haagen of Beverly Hills, where it remained a prized part of his collection. That same year, the 212 Inter Vignale was proudly displayed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a testament to its enduring appeal. The journey of Chassis 0219EL reflects the passion and dedication of its owners, each contributing to the Ferrari’s legendary status. From its birth in Italy to its role in some of the most respected concours and auctions around the world, this Ferrari remains a striking symbol of automotive excellence, continually celebrated for its craftsmanship, beauty, and history.