By Jim Brennan
Welcome to this belated Weekend Edition, here on Hooniverse.com. We received this very unique tip from Tony (Thanks Man!) and I knew we had to run it. This is the Abbott Ferrari 212 Export #0165EL, and it was the 1952 Show Car at the London Earl’s Court Car Show in 1952. Make the jump to see more of what is considered the ugliest Ferrari EVER….
According to Coachbuild.com:
This car was a show car at the London Earl’s Court Car Show in 1952. Considered to be the ugliest Ferrari ever. In 1986 the car was rebodied as a 1951-style Touring Barchetta. The Abbott body doesn’t exist anymore. Maybe for the best…
We just ran a Last Call posting featuring a Ferrari Barchetta, so go here to see that body style.
Images courtesy of Coachbuild.com.
Jeff Glucker
I don't think it's that bad. Just remove those… things (can't say if that's just paint, appears to have some depth) and it would be passable.
This must have been the inspiration for the TR7.
Yep, that's an ugly Ferrari alright, though the styling is fairly typical for 1952. But there have been other uglies, like this 330GT Navarro by Drogo.
<img src="http://www.coachbuild.com/gallery/d/9264-2/Drogo_Ferrari_330GT_2_2_07979_1966_05.JPG" width=500>
It wouldn't be so bad if the hood didn't have that peak to it, and there weren't those silly, contrasting color fender accents.
Seeing this, I am reminded of a quote I read many years ago in a car magazine, the name of which is long forgotten. The quote, however, is entirely appropriate. "Give an Englishman a piece of sheet metal, and he'll probably do something quite foolish with it."
/ harumphs, takes bow, stiffly turns on one heel, and steps back inside/
The rear fender on this beast reminds me of a 1952 Chevy two door
<img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJNR7ujT6qQt24Lzce5BpbOXAvEFGifhYhv06ainhKFBHjsz13zQ"end>
image source: Jalopy Journal
Yep, that's just sloppin' over with ugly. It kinda reminds me of a '50s era Buick that didn't get enough to eat.
Yes, it IS an ugly Ferrari but I think it is still better looking than the hideous Enzo or Mondial. That being said, I would actually have wanted to own it with the ugly body for the pure freak factor of it all. While it may be nice to have the best in show at a Ferrari meet, I would like to think that I could win worst in show with this thing. At a Ferrari meet, I would consider that to be the greatest prize of all.
I have a difficult time speaking ill of any vehicle with trafficators built into its doors. Strikes me as preferable to yet another fake Barchetta, at any rate.
It does have nice wheels.
Reminds me of this.
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5487144554_d81bde147a_b.jpg" width="500">