The Longest-Owned Ferrari: A Journey Through History with the 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter

In this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Jay is graced with the presence of a true automotive legend - a 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter by Gia. But what sets this car apart is not just its stunning beauty or its powerful Columbo V12 engine, but its incredible history. This Ferrari holds the distinction of being the longest-owned Ferrari by a gentleman named Raul Hinojosa Vega. Sadly, Mr. Vega passed away at the age of 98, but his love for this car lives on.

Foster, Mr. Vega's son, joins Jay to share the remarkable story of this Ferrari. Foster grew up with the car, seeing it parked in the garage since he was 10 years old. At first, it was just his father's old Ferrari, nothing special. But as Foster got older, he began to appreciate the significance of this iconic vehicle. What makes it even more extraordinary is that Mr. Vega did all the work on the car himself, learning from the original Ferrari mechanics back in the 1950s.

As Jay and Foster explore the car, they marvel at its originality. The engine has never been opened, and apart from a paint and carpet job in the early '70s, everything is as it was when it rolled off the factory floor. The blue paint in the engine compartment is original, giving it a unique touch. It's clear that Mr. Vega took great pride in maintaining the car's authenticity.

But it's not just the mechanical aspects that make this Ferrari special. It was also used by Ferrari as a show car and featured in their advertisements. Back in the early '50s, Ferrari was still a relatively young company, and to have a car like this in their lineup was a testament to their ambition and vision. Foster's father was there from the ground floor, witnessing the rise of Ferrari and becoming a part of its history.

Taking the Ferrari for a ride, Jay and Foster experience the power and smoothness of the engine. Despite its age, the car still performs admirably, a true testament to Ferrari's engineering prowess. Foster's mother, however, wasn't a fan of riding in the Ferrari, claiming it rode like a truck. But as Jay points out, this car was built to be a race car, so a firm ride was to be expected.

Overall, this 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter is a remarkable piece of automotive history. It represents the early days of Ferrari, when they were still establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the industry. Thanks to Mr. Vega's dedication and love for the car, it has been preserved in its original state, allowing us to step back in time and experience the magic of a true classic.

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