A superb and rare
photo taken during the 1951 edition of the Carrera
PanAmericana road race which was ridden in Mexico. Shown in this gorgeous image is that year's
winner Luigi Chinetti, pushing his winning and absolutely
magnificent Ferrari 212 Inter racing car to the start of yet
another stage during the gruesomely heavy rally!
Together with his teammate Piero Taruffi,
Chinetti WON the 1951 Carrera Panamericana, which
was regarded as the most heavy and most
prestigious long distance rally in the world! Interestingly, Ferrari factory
riders Ascari (Formula One F1 World Champion in 1952 and 1953) and Villoresi finished 3RD. The magnificent
victory of Chinetti and Taruffi and the third place of Ascari and Villoresi
created a lot of publicity for Ferrari, especially in the USA. No wonder, as
Chinetti was also the American Ferrari importer.
Chinetti is seen
pushing his Ferrari 212 Inter. This car replaced Ferrari's
successful 166 and 195 Inter GT cars in 1951. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor
Show that year, the 212 was an evolution of the 166 — a sports car for the road
that could also win international races. The chassis was similar to the 125
with double wishbones in front and live axles in back. Coachbuilders included
Carrozzeria Touring, Ghia, Vignale, and now Pinin Farina. The latter was an
important move for the company, as Farina was already well-known and adding his
styling skills would be a tremendous boost for Maranello. However, Pinin Farina
was as proud as Enzo Ferrari, and neither would go to the other to request
business up to this point. A mutual meeting halfway between Maranello and Turin
was the negotiated solution. Both 2500 mm (98.4 in) and 2600 mm
(102.4 in) versions were built (Export and Inter models, respectively),
both with a larger 2.6 L (2563 cc/156 in³) version of Ferrari's
Colombo V12 engine. Like the 195, the additional displacement over the 166 was
achieved with a larger bore, this time to 68 mm. Output was 150 to
165 hp (111 to 123 kW) with one or three Weber 36DCF carburettors.
The short-wheelbase Export model got the more-powerful engine. 5 hp
(3.7 kW) more was on the table for 1952 thanks to better cylinder heads.
The Carrera PanAmericana was raced from 1950 through
1954. It was held on open roads in Mexico that ran from a southern Mexican
west-coast city towards Texas. The race was formed to celebrate the competition
of the Panamerican Highway. It was a multi-staged race across the country that
counted towards the World Sportscar Championship. The race saw entrants from
factory teams, privateers, and amateurs. On average, only one-third of the
entrants were able to finish the race.
The first cars to run the race had top speeds of
around 100 mph. By 1954, the cars were easily running at 170 mph. The vehicles
were not adequately designed to protect the drivers at speeds this great. Being
run on open roads meant that many areas of the course could not be managed;
live stock, people, obstacles, and a number of other scenarios could make their
ways into the road and cause disaster. The decision to cancel the race in 1954
was sad, but necessary. Many people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race
was one of the most grueling road race ever conceived. The race was open to
stock production vehicles. A few marque's took advantage of this difficult
course to prove their vehicles stamina and toughness, Ferrari was one of them!
Ferrari
initially was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and
manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles
in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A..
Ferrari's cars are among the most desirable of vehicles to drive. Throughout
its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation and
incredibly passion in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely
enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s,
and 2000s. Finally, after years of financial struggles, Enzo Ferrari sold the
company's sports car division to the Fiat group in 1969 in order to help ensure
continued financial backing for the foreseeable future. Enzo Ferrari himself
retained control of the racing division until his death in 1988 at the age of
90.
This is a very nice and very rare non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of Ferrari ‘s and Carrera Panamericana
's automotive history in a wonderful way.
This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed
in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.