Remarkable Reasons These 1950s Ferraris Dominate The Concours Of Elegance

This September, the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace will host something truly special. A trio of rare and remarkable 1950s Ferraris will be featured. Each has deep roots in motorsport history and timeless Italian design. Taking centre stage are two 1951 Ferrari 212 Exports. Also, the final 1953 Ferrari 250 MM ever built – cars that helped shape Ferrari’s golden era.

The Venue: A Royal Backdrop for Automotive Royalty

From 5-7 September, Hampton Court Palace will transform into a shrine for the rarest and most significant cars in the world. The main concours display will feature 60 elite vehicles from prestigious private collections. These three historic Ferraris will be headline acts. Over the weekend, hundreds more classics will fill the palace grounds, courtesy of the UK’s top car clubs.

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Barchetta: A Time Capsule on Wheels

Leading the Ferrari line-up is chassis 0098E, a rare 212 Export Barchetta crafted by Vignale. Pietro d’Acquarone, one of Italy’s wealthiest men, initially received it as a Berlinetta. Later, Vignale transformed the car into a Barchetta – one of only four ever made.

What sets 0098E apart is its astonishing originality. It retains its factory-fitted engine, gearbox, suspension, and even its Similpelle beige interior. Few classic Ferraris offer this level of preservation. It also comes with its original owner’s manual and toolkit, offering a near-untouched window into 1950s Maranello craftsmanship.

But this is no static showpiece. 0098E has proved its worth on the road, participating in events like the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Modena Cento Ore, and Mille Miglia. After a Ferrari-factory restoration in 2016, the current owner acquired it in 2018. It has been kept in concours-ready condition.

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Cabriolet: Elegance in Motion

Next in the line-up is chassis 0106E, one of only two Vignale Cabriolets built on the 212 Export platform. With its flowing lines and open-air design, it embodies the blend of form and function that defined early Ferrari.

Its story includes a 40-year ownership by David Clarke, a well-known Ferrari expert and dealer. Clarke’s careful stewardship helped preserve many original features, from coachwork details to unique trim touches that define Vignale’s hand-built style.

Following a recent restoration by Motion Products, Inc. in the US, 0106E now matches its original colour scheme and design. This was researched down to the last detail. It’s a stunning piece of rolling sculpture that connects Italy’s racing heritage with timeless elegance.

1953 Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder Series II: The Final Word in Racing Pedigree

Completing this standout trio is chassis 0390 MM, the final Ferrari 250 MM ever built and the ultimate development of the model. Its distinctive Vignale Spyder styling features bold portholes, sculpted rear fenders, and a striking flat-edged bonnet. All these features are functional as well as beautiful.

First sold in late 1953, the car was delivered to Alfonso de Portago, Ferrari’s first Spanish driver and a true racing icon. He and American driver Harry Schell took the car straight into battle. They entered endurance races in Buenos Aires and Sebring just weeks after delivery.

Painted in Spanish racing colours – red over yellow – and wearing “Espana-USA” script, the 250 MM made an immediate impression. It finished 2nd at the Buenos Aires 1000km in 1954. It then headed to Sebring and later competed across the United States, from Kansas to California.

The car’s specs included three Weber carburettors, a lightweight racing body, and competition-tuned V12 performance. 0390 MM delivered podiums throughout its career and remains one of the most complete, historically accurate 250 MMs in existence.

Why These Ferraris Matter

Ferrari’s early competition models weren’t just beautiful – they were built to win. In the 1950s, the 212 Export and 250 MM were at the cutting edge of motorsport technology. Coachbuilders like Vignale added their artistic flair, turning pure performance into timeless design.

Today, these cars are valued not just for their rarity, but for their stories. Each one raced, survived, and evolved, often under the care of passionate collectors who valued originality over perfection.

They represent a critical moment in Ferrari history. It was when the brand moved from a boutique racing outfit to a world-renowned icon. The 250 MM, in particular, laid the groundwork for later Ferrari legends. These include the 250 GT Berlinetta and 250 GTO.

What to Expect at Hampton Court’s Concours of Elegance

With a setting as grand as Hampton Court Palace, the Concours offers more than cars. Visitors can expect fine food, luxury retail, and live displays. Plus, there is the chance to see these Ferraris up close – a rare treat given their global status.

Other highlights include curated car displays from brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Bugatti, along with entries from global concours winners. It’s an event that blends British style with global automotive excellence.

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Conclusion: Are These the Greatest Ferraris of the 1950s?

The 1951 212 Export Barchetta and Cabriolet, along with the final 250 MM Spyder, show Ferrari at its most innovative and elegant. These aren’t museum pieces – they’re road-legal time machines with the power, pedigree, and provenance to match.

Will you be visiting Hampton Court to see them in person? Which of these three Ferraris would you take for a spin, and why? Let us know in the comments below.

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