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http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1951_ferrari_212_export_vignale_spyder-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1951_ferrari_212_export_vignale_spyder-3.jpg In 1951, many different chassis were manufactured by Ferrari including the 195 and its replacement, the 212. While the top of the range was represented by the 4.1-litre, 340 America, Ferrari also sold the 212 chassis as a customer racecar. It offically sold as the 212 Export and was produced alongside the 212 Inter, which was aimed towards the touring customer. During the early fifties the 212 became Ferrari's best selling product. Chassis & Engine All of the Ferraris sold in 1951 shared the same basic structure having a similar tubular-frame chassis. The frame itself was an updated version of the Tipo 166 unit but was wider and more rigid. Across the range, the front wheels on the V12 Ferraris were located by double wishbones, while the rear used a live axle with transverse leaf springs. Hydraulic, drum brakes were used at all four corners. A little over eighty 212 chassis were manufactured by Ferrari. Of these, around 27 received the Export racing specification, including a large capacity fuel tank and special tuning for the engine. Various carburetion could be ordered on the engine which as standard came with a single Weber 36 DCF. As an option, some of the 212 Exports came with the triple Weber 32 DCF setup as on the 340 America. This boosted the power from 150 to 170 horsepower. 212 Coachwork At the time, it was typical for Ferrari to sell their product as a rolling chassis and leave the customer to choose a carrozzeria to produce the body and interior. This varied the image of 212 Ferrari, with several cars having distinct bodywork. Most 212s featured elegant Vignale or Touring designs with a few unique examples having Fontana or Motto bodies. Only three Vignale spyders were ever manufactured. The first two, chassis #0076E and #0090E, featured similar bodywork, with #0090E having a two tone paint scheme. The colors were separated by an elegant chromed beading which was the one of the only ornaments on #0090E. Having no door handles, windows or windscreen wiper, the Vignale Spyder was a clean and elegant design. Conclusion For the sporting customer, Ferrari offered the 212 Export as a competitive race car. With today's standards, the performance may have seemed modest, but in the early fifties, the 212 export offered unparalleled performance. Such performance helped Ferrari establish it's early roots in motor sport.