There were two versions of the Ferrari 212 produced. The Inter was the roadgoing version and the Export was designed for racing and used an even larger engine. However, they were otherwise very similar to the Ferrari 166/195 series which they replaced.

By boring out this version of the same 'Columbo' V12 engine to 68mm, a displacement of 2562cc was achieved. The power output was no better than the previous 195 engine but top speed was now up to 120mph for the road going Inter and as much as 140mph for the triple Weber Export race version. One Weber carburetor was good for around 130hp, whereas the triple Weber version was good for at least 150hp.

Remaining in production until 1953, the 212 was around longer than the 166 and at least two dozen Export models were produced along with around 80 examples of the roadgoing Inter.