A 1952 Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta by Touring will star in RM Auctions' Villa Erba sale in Milan on May 23.

The model, chassis number 0158 ED, was raced extensively in European competitions - including the Targo Florio and the Mille Miglia.

The 1952 Ferrari 212 was raced extensively during the 1950s

During the marque's early years, chassis with even numbers were designated as road models. This example features a powerful 212 Tipo engine.

As RM explains: "In today's market, the 'holy grail' for any tifosi is an even-numbered V-12 Barchetta, such as the Ferrari offered here."

The model was the last 212 Touring ever exported. It was shipped to California in the late 1950s, where it has spent the remaining half century.

During that time it has been entered into some of the most prestigious Concours and Ferrari events in the US.

The auction house comments: "Whilst many early Ferraris were campaigned hard early in their lives, few emerged largely unscathed from the rigors of competition.

"This example is surely one of the best of its kind, and it is ready for use at concours events, rallies, and historic racing worldwide."

No estimate is available for the car at present, but 212 exports sell for sums around $1m-3m.

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