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Ferrari 225 S: 1952 V12 sports car
Ferrari 225 S — a 1952 sports car with a Colombo V12 engine, around twenty examples were produced. Most of them feature Vignale bodies — spyder and berlinetta.
225 S in brief
The 225 S is an early model in Ferrari's line of racing cars. It uses a 2.7-litre (2715 cm³) Colombo V12 engine, producing around 210 bhp.
The model name reflects the approximate displacement per cylinder — around 225 cm³, as was typical for Ferrari's nomenclature of the time.
History and development
According to available data, around 21 cars were produced in 1952, mostly with Vignale bodies — some open-top (spyder), some closed (berlinetta).
This car was an evolutionary step from the previous 212 Export model and used the same 2250 mm wheelbase.
Technical specifications
The engine is a Colombo-designed V12, one of Ferrari's early power units. It produces roughly 210 bhp, and the lightweight racing body was designed for long-distance racing.
The body style depended on the coachbuilder, but most cars feature Vignale design.
Significance and where to see it
The 225 S is considered a significant step between early Ferraris and later sports models. It competed in races and has become a favourite among collectors.
Surviving cars are shown at classic car events, and some are in museums, such as the Mille Miglia Museum.
Body variants
The 225 S is typically categorized by its body style.
225 S Spyder
1952Open racing version.
- Vignale spyder body
- 2.7-litre V12
- Designed for racing
225 S Berlinetta
1952Closed version, suitable for long races.
- Vignale berlinetta body
- 2.7-litre V12
- Low-production cars
The 225 S and other early Ferraris
| Ferrari 212 Export | Ferrari 225 S | Ferrari 250 MM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Approximately 2.6-litre V12 | 2.7-litre V12 | Approximately 3.0-litre V12 |
| Introduced | 1951 | 1952 | 1953 model |
| Character | Previous racing model | Evolutionary version | Later model |
The 225 S is the 212 Export evolution and one of the stepping stones to the 250 series.
Pros
- Colombo V12 engine
- Vignale bodies
- Very limited production
- A key part of Ferrari history
Cons
- Only around 20 examples
- Racing character, impractical for daily use
- Today, it's a collector's item
Frequently asked questions
How many Ferrari 225 S were made?
According to available data, around 21 examples.
What engine does the 225 S have?
2.7-litre (2715 cc) Colombo V12, around 210 bhp.
Who built the 225 S bodies?
Most of the car bodies were built by Vignale.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
