Introduced in 1951, the Ferrari 212 was the final evolution of the original Tipo 166 model and the direct replacement for the updated 195 S.

Sharing roughly the same chassis and suspension features of its predecessors, the 212 featured a 2.6-liter variation of Ferrari’s magnificent Colombo-designed V-12 engine. As a result of its larger displacement, power output increased considerably and the 212 offered impressive performance for the period. Toward the end of production, the 212 Inter gained a new “EU” suffix – foretelling its successor, the 250 Europa. These late-production 212 Europas incorporated many important factory updates, including three Weber carburetors.

Several coachbuilders were called upon to fashion bodies for the Ferrari 212, resulting in a remarkable variety of styles tailor-made to meet the demands of a specific customer. Many of Italy’s great design houses – including Ghia, Pinin Farina, Touring, and Vignale – used the versatile chassis to showcase their unique approach to Ferrari styling.

That Carrozzeria Vignale succeeded in producing winners on the racetrack and at leading European concours is a testament to the vibrant collaboration that existed between company founder Alfredo Vignale and designer Giovanni Michelotti. Alfredo Vignale likened himself to an artist working in metal. In an era when coachbuilders relied on skilled craftsmen, panel beaters, and wooden bucks, Vignale approached his craft as if he were a classical sculptor, responding to each commission with a singular vision.

This unique approach worked wonders for Michelotti’s incomparable designs, which were always fresh, innovative, and brimming with flamboyant details. Once Michelotti had arrived with a rendering, Vignale’s team went to work, translating his drawings into metal. Their collective efforts resulted in some of the most memorable custom-bodied Ferraris of the early 1950s.

The coachwork that Vignale fashioned for chassis 0285 EU is the fourth of six similar bodies built for Ferrari’s 212 Europa chassis. Dubbed the “Geneva Coupe,” the basic design shared many similarities with the Vignale-bodied 340 Mexico Berlinettas, with their forward-thrusting front fenders, imposing eggcrate grille, low-set headlamps, swept-back roofline, and ornamental tail fins. Unlike the competition-oriented 340 Mexico Berlinettas, the road-going 212 Europa Coupes incorporated luxurious interior appointments, marvelous, handcrafted details, and a distinctive bumper treatment that accentuated the dynamic character of the design. In typical Vignale practice, each of the six examples built was unique and easily distinguished by its individual livery, chassis specifications, and detailing.

Many Vignale-bodied Ferraris were painted in dramatic two-tone color schemes, and 0285 EU is certainly no exception, as it was tastefully finished in red with a black top and matching accented fins on the hood and rear fenders.

Completed in January 1953, this 212 Europa was delivered new to official US importer Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York. According to the research of Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, author of the definitive book Ferrari by Vignale, 0285 EU was displayed at one of the auto shows held in New York during spring 1953 and then sold to its first private owner, Theodore Newell Wood.

An avid racer and sports car enthusiast, Wood is best known for his service as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1947 to 1978. Outside of politics, he was active in the Sports Car Club of America and served as president of the Hill Climb Association. Between 1952 and 1956, Wood even hosted the Brynfan Tyddyn road races, a classic “’round the houses” event held on a 3.5-mile course surrounding his Harveys Lake estate.

It is believed that Mr. Wood retained the Ferrari until the late 1960s or early 1970s, when it was sold to antique car restorer Bernard “Buzz” Boback of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. From there, 0285 EU passed to well-known classic car dealer Tiny Gould who, in turn, sold it to Joseph Pendergast of Tampa, Florida. In 1977, Mr. Pendergast exhibited the 212 Europa at the Ferrari Club of America National Meeting in Watkins Glen, New York, where it was awarded First in Class.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Ferrari passed through a succession of well-known Ferrari collectors, including Craig Davis, Manfredo Lippmann, Hans Thulin, and William Jacobs. In the late 1990s, it was acquired by a California-based collector and spent the next two decades hidden away from the public eye.

Since 2017, 0285 EU has been part of a major East Coast Ferrari collection comprised of the finest custom-bodied Italian sports cars. Eager to return this Vignale-bodied Ferrari to its original splendor, the consignor turned to two leading Southern California specialists renowned for their high-quality, detail-oriented restorations of early Ferraris.

Between 2017 and 2023, the 212 Europa was restored to the highest concours standards, with Bill Attaway of La Mesa overseeing the mechanical aspects and Beckman Metal Works of Costa Mesa addressing all cosmetic elements. The entire process is thoroughly documented in photographs and invoices contained in the car’s history file.

Since the restoration was completed, the Ferrari has been shown only at the Cavallino Classic and the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, where it was awarded First in Class in the competitive Ferrari Grand Touring category. Today, 0285 EU presents in exquisite, jewel-like condition, appearing just as it did when delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors in 1953 – with its Vignale bodywork finished in red with black accents and beige leather upholstery.

Not only is this Ferrari beautifully restored, but it also possesses a well-documented provenance and genuine character. Accompanying the car at auction is a history report compiled by Marcel Massini, which includes copies of the factory build sheets, as well as a copy of his definitive book, Ferrari by Vignale. According to the factory build records, 0285 EU retains its original, matching-numbers engine (internal no. 206), gearbox (no. 212 EU), and rear differential (72/M).

A bold, stylish, and exceedingly rare Ferrari with a fascinating provenance, 0285 EU has been cherished by connoisseurs since it was new. Now in splendid condition following an extensive restoration undertaken by leading marque specialists, this magnificent Vignale-bodied 212 Europa Coupe is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and beautifully presented coachbuilt sports cars of its era.