Ferrari

Year of foundation 1947

The history of Ferrari is a fascinating blend of passion, speed, engineering, and success that has made the brand a global icon. Founded by a visionary, Enzo Ferrari, the company has endured decades of challenges and triumphs, becoming synonymous with automotive excellence.

The Origins: A Dream Come True

It all began with Enzo Ferrari, born in Modena in 1898. From a young age, his passion for motorsports was unstoppable. After working for several car manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, he founded Scuderia Ferrari in Modena in 1929. Initially, his goal was to provide racing cars and technical support to wealthy clients who wished to compete. The symbol he chose, the "Prancing Horse," has a fascinating history: it was the personal emblem of aviator Francesco Baracca, a World War I hero, whose mother asked Enzo to use it for good luck.

The Birth of the Ferrari Car Company

Different relations with Alfa Romeo pushed Enzo to make a radical decision. In 1939, he broke away definitively and founded Auto Avio Costruzioni. His goal was no longer just to prepare racing cars, but to build them entirely. However, due to a non-compete agreement with Alfa Romeo, he had to wait four years before being able to use his name to produce cars.

The first car to bear the Ferrari badge was the 125 S, produced in 1947. Equipped with a V12 engine, an architecture that would become a hallmark of the Maranello-based manufacturer, the 125 S marked the beginning of a legendary history. 1947 was the year the factory moved to Maranello, where it remains today.

Success on the Track: The Legend of Formula 1

Ferrari's DNA is intrinsically linked to racing. From the very beginning, Formula 1 became the Scuderia's main stage. The first victory in the F1 World Championship came in 1951 at the British Grand Prix with Froilán González. But the real triumph came in 1952, when Alberto Ascari won the first drivers' world title.

Ferrari's history in Formula 1 is a succession of successes and epic moments. Legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, ​​Gilles Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher have helped make the Ferrari name legendary. The "red" from Maranello is the most successful team in the history of Formula 1, with an impressive number of constructors' and drivers' titles.

Road cars: excellence in design and engineering

In parallel with its successes on the track, Ferrari also established itself as a manufacturer of luxury road cars. Each model is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Cars such as the 250 GTO, considered one of the most beautiful and valuable cars in the world, or the F40, the last car produced under the direct supervision of Enzo Ferrari, have become icons.

Ferrari designs are often entrusted to world-renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina, which has created some of the most elegant and aggressive lines in automotive history. Models such as the 250 GT California, the Daytona, the Testarossa, and the Enzo Ferrari have gone down in history for their unmistakable style and breathtaking performance.

The Post-Enzo Ferrari Era

Enzo Ferrari died in 1988 at the age of 90. His legacy, however, lives on in every car produced in Maranello. After his passing, control of the company passed to Fiat, which already held a minority stake. The leadership of visionary managers like Luca Cordero di Montezemolo led Ferrari to further expansion and renewal.

Today, Ferrari continues to be a benchmark in the sports and luxury car sector. Production has diversified, including hybrid and, in the future, electric models, while maintaining the values ​​of excellence, craftsmanship, and passion that Enzo Ferrari instilled in the company since its founding.

The history of Ferrari is not just the story of a car manufacturer, but the story of a dream that took shape, of an obsession with speed and perfection that created a legend. A legend that, even today, makes the hearts of millions of enthusiasts around the world beat faster.