1950 Ferrari 195 Inter Coupé by Ghia
The Ferrari 195 Inter Coupé by Ghia is a rare example of a limited-production grand tourer from the early 1950s, blending Ferrari’s racing pedigree with luxurious, bespoke coachwork. Produced for just a year between 1950 and 1951, the 195 Inter was introduced as a refined, road-going version of the 195 S racer, targeting Ferrari’s high-end clientele who desired both performance and elegance.
The 195 Inter debuted at the 1950 Paris Motor Show, following closely in the footsteps of the Ferrari 166 Inter, another grand tourer model aimed at affluent buyers. Although the 195 Inter shared some similarities with its predecessor, such as its front-engine V12 layout and classic proportions, it stood apart with several upgrades.
A key improvement was the larger engine. The 195 Inter was powered by a 2.3-liter Colombo V12 engine, an enhanced version of the one used in the 166 Inter. This increase in displacement was achieved by widening the bore from 60 mm to 65 mm, while the stroke remained the same at 58.8 mm. With a single Weber 36 DCF carburetor, the 195 Inter produced 130 PS (128 hp), offering more power and refinement for grand touring. Some variants of the 195 Inter even came with triple carburetors, further boosting performance.
Out of the 28 Ferrari 195 Inters produced, 11 were bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia, one of Italy’s most renowned coachbuilders of the time. Ghia’s design for the 195 Inter Coupé was characterised by smooth, flowing lines and an understated elegance that perfectly complemented Ferrari’s performance engineering. Ghia’s signature style leaned toward simplicity and refinement, giving the 195 Inter Coupé a sophisticated, clean appearance that contrasted with some of the more flamboyant designs from other coachbuilders.
The Ghia-bodied 195 Inters stood out for their harmonious proportions, sleek rooflines, and meticulous attention to detail. From the chrome accents to the refined curvature of the fenders, every aspect of the design was intended to convey exclusivity and luxury. Each Ghia-built Ferrari 195 Inter was a unique creation, with subtle variations in styling to suit the tastes of individual customers.
Built on a stretched version of the 166 Inter’s chassis, the 195 Inter featured a longer 2,500 mm wheelbase, providing greater stability and comfort for long-distance touring. The car’s advanced suspension and braking systems allowed it to handle both the demands of spirited driving and relaxed cruising.
The combination of the lightweight chassis and the powerful Colombo V12 engine gave the 195 Inter excellent performance for its era. With 128 horsepower, the car could comfortably handle high-speed touring while maintaining the grace expected of a grand tourer. This balance between power and refinement was one of the defining characteristics of the Ferrari 195 Inter.
The Ferrari 195 Inter had a brief production life, with just 28 examples built before it was replaced by the more powerful Ferrari 212 Inter in 1951. Despite its limited production, the 195 Inter played a crucial role in establishing Ferrari’s reputation for building luxurious, high-performance grand tourers. The combination of Ferrari’s advanced engineering and the craftsmanship of coachbuilders like Ghia ensured that the 195 Inter became a collector’s dream in later years.
The Ferrari 195 Inter Coupé by Ghia represents a unique moment in Ferrari’s history, where the brand was transitioning from race cars to grand tourers while maintaining the essence of performance and exclusivity. With its hand-built bodywork by Ghia and the powerful yet refined Colombo V12 engine, the 195 Inter remains a significant part of Ferrari’s legacy in the world of luxury sports cars. Today, the few remaining examples of the 195 Inter stand as a testament to the craftsmanship, design, and innovation of Ferrari and its collaboration with Italy’s finest coachbuilders.