212 Export Vignale Coupe

Hello,

Last year (well, 6 weeks ago....) I bought 0128E. A very nice car, but with one flaw....it is made for midgets. As I am pretty tall (1.80 m) I hardly fit in the (very nice) restored chairs. The position of the pedals is too close. So I want to install other chairs, preferably with higher backs (you dont want to think what can happen as responsible parents of 2 youngsters if somebody hit you from the back). I also want to install 2 pair of 4-point belts in it. Ofcourse all with utmost care and in a way it always can changed back to the original chair configuration.

Anyone did this before? Suggestions more than welcome.
Ciao
Oscar
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Very beautiful! Can the pedals be moved forward?

 

Beautiful 212. I had an Alfa SZ that I raced for the last five years. I am 6'-2" and the SZ is a small car for a guy my size esp when you factor in the helmet. In my car with the seat tracks removed, and a thinner seat cushion, and the (original) seat rocked back and moved further back than the stock tracks would provide made for a very comfortable place to be for racing and touring. I would hate to see an aftermarket seat in a car like yours. Best of luck and enjoy. - George

 

Good idea, but also the passenger side is too short.

 

Just ask Karel or Alex from Forza Service they must have done it before.

 

I'm sure a good local shop can do the job but should you wish Pininfarina can save your original seats, manufacture new ones that meet your requirements and look fantastic. They can also make sure that seat belts are Anchored. They do great work and their prices aren't bad.

Best

 

Do you have some pics of examples (or send me a PM with details).
Thanx
Oscar

 

Here are two examples of their work. The yellow one is from 1967. The red one is more recent.

They can provide total restoration services as well done with Art Restorations sensibility.

Pininfarina SpA

Special Projects Manager

Via Nazionale 30

10020 Cambiano (Turin)

Italy

tel.+39 011 9438321

mobile +39 335 217083

e-mail [email protected]
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Jim, do you have a hi-res version of that image? That red looks even darker! Must be a filter, but still.. probably more life like.

 

Oscar,

Put the 212 in your living room and buy yourself a 330GT - better performance and much more comfortable

Regards,

Art S.

 

With the chairs I am going to put in that thing, I will have all the comfort I want....Heated, massage, electric adjustments and so on.
And they dont allow those modern monsters to the MM (yet). Buy the way, it drives much better than you might think. Five (non sync) gears, a lot of torgue and oh yes, no breaks.
Ciao
Oscar

ps my living room is full of girly things, only women here.....

 

That is just lovely.


Can you photograph the:
pedals?
base of passenger and driver's seats?

 

As the car is currently on transport, I have them only on file from my visit.....
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This is it...My knees are in my neck....
Ciao
Oscar
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Moving the pedals won't work without remaking the foot wells. There is very good modern inner seat material that is much thinner but can be trimmed to look very original like. That plus redoing/removing the tracks is the way I'd go first.

 

Maybe you can also try the surgery...



...oups, sorry ;-)) Very very nice car. It's visible in the "Ferrari by Vignale", p.99, at Elkhart Lake in 1957 (Marcel Massini book)

 

Jim,

You sure that Pf is qualified to do the potential work? With the two examples presented they might be a little shy on experience!

Great photo.

Jeff

 

Sometimes you have to roll the dice...

 

Hello Oscar,

Do you have any events planned yet this year for participating with your beautiful Vignale? I remember you wanted to do the MM with it but any other plans? Maybe one of the Classic events of the FCN? It would be great to see the car! I could also recommend the Modena Motorsport track days (if they will be held this year of course). Good luck with the seat issue. I'm sure you'll enjoy her much better when seated comfortably.

Best regards, Peter

 

This year I might do the TA (France) with it, although I subscribed with another car. First I need to fit in the car and surgery might be a cheaper solution than PF....
But you never know, I certainly will contact them.
The car looks very nice, but only with a person next to it you see how small she is.
Ciao
Oscar

 

Oscar, you could always hire a driver for the 212. I'm available, cheap, any time (and I fit in the car). For those of you who wonder why 0128 is so tight inside, keep in mind that it was built on an 88.6" competition chassis. In a way, at the time, it was like adapting a modern 612 body to an Enzo chassis. This car will give TDFs a serious run for their money. It's an absolute blast to drive and is very quick. Chop a couple of inches off at the knees and you'll be fine. Jerry
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But your camera is much better than mine. And indeed Jerry, the car is very fast (and light). I could try using my knees rather than my feet.
In 60 years people grew too much. But I think I start by modifying the current seats, a few inches can help a lot. Head room is no problem, but as a no-brainer I might not even have noticed it.
Ciao
Oscar

ps I need some outside mirrors as well......Ideas about that are welcome as well.

 

How lovely it is without mirrors...are you sure you must have them?

 

If you want to leave her motionless in a museum no.

 

Reference of reverence;

http://www.************.com/index.html?target=p_2661.html&lang=en-us
0149E [Ghia] no longer has the mirrors - but, note forward position and form<function "torpedo" or "bullet" housing.

http://www.finecars.cc/en/editorial/article/news/collectors-corner-ferrari-212-inter-europa/index.html?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=262&cHash=a4d20898de
as opposed to function<form mirrors located next to jamb/sill on
0157EL [Vignale]
0191EL [Ghia]

JUST FOR A CHUCKLE: Hey, these guys have your mirrors!
http://www.racepages.com/parts/mirror/ferrari/212.html