The history of Ferrari

Blood-red, breathtaking, fast, and with a beautifully throaty sound. This is exactly what fires up the imagination of car enthusiasts—literally setting it ablaze—the Ferrari Cilindri V12. This car embodies the philosophy that this Italian brand stands for. The history of Ferrari proves that vision, passion, and courage can become something truly timeless. Under Enzo’s leadership, Ferrari became a legend, and now, guided by his son, it continues the tradition of true automotive excellence. The Ferrari Cilindri V12 is already sold out for years to come.

The history of Ferrari – vision and courage

Dreams are red. Although in Enzo Ferrari’s case, the color so characteristic of his cars wasn’t entirely his own choice, it became synonymous with the legend. The story of Ferrari is extraordinary. It’s a journey of courage, vision, and following one’s dreams. A tale of success and uniqueness.

It all began with Enzo Ferrari, a man with big dreams, born in 1898. Enzo, not only a talented racing driver but also a salesman for Alfa Romeo, founded Scuderia Ferrari in 1929—a racing team for gentlemen. Soon after, when Alfa Romeo withdrew from racing in 1933, Scuderia Ferrari became the unofficial representative of Alfa Romeo on the track, achieving many victories.

However, in 1937, Scuderia Ferrari was dissolved and absorbed by Alfa Romeo. This did not stop Enzo. Determined to follow his own path, he left the company in 1939 and founded his own enterprise, Auto Avio Costruzioni. Due to a non-compete agreement, he was not allowed to use the Ferrari name for the next four years. During World War II, the company produced aircraft engines and tools for the military, which allowed him to raise capital for future ventures. In 1943, fearing Allied bombings, the factory was relocated to the Italian town of Maranello, where Ferrari still operates today.

Own path

In 1947, Enzo was finally able to give his creation his own name, and thus Ferrari was born, along with the 125 S model featuring a new V12 engine. The company quickly gained a reputation for the high quality and exceptional performance of its cars, winning prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949 and the Carrera Panamericana in 1951. Ferrari cars became a symbol of luxury and the dream of many enthusiasts around the world. The Italian stallion captured the imagination of automotive fans.

In 1960, Ferrari became a public company, and in 1969 Fiat acquired a 50% stake, enabling further growth. The company continued to innovate, introducing models such as the Dino 206 GT, its first mass-produced car with a mid-mounted engine.

Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988, but his legacy lives on. Under the leadership of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who took the helm in 1991, Ferrari significantly increased its profitability and expanded its model range, while also improving its performance in Formula 1. During his tenure, legends such as the F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari were created.

Ferrari back in Ferrari’s hands

After Montezemolo’s resignation in 2014, Ferrari underwent several management changes. Sergio Marchionne led the company through its public offering and separation from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2016. His successor, Louis Camilleri, and later Benedetto Vigna, continued this path, introducing plans for Ferrari’s first fully electric model. Currently, Piero Ferrari holds a 10% stake, serves as vice president and chief engineer, and the market has seen the debut of the uncompromising, bold, and stunning Ferrari Cilindri V12. Ferrari’s history comes full circle, and the company creates a car—a tribute to tradition.

Red lightning on the track

Ferrari is not just about cars; it’s also the spirit of racing. Scuderia Ferrari is the oldest and most successful team in Formula 1. It has also achieved victories in sports car races such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a fifty-year hiatus, in 2023 Ferrari made a triumphant return to endurance racing by winning Le Mans.

Ferrari cars have evolved from hand-built front-engined V12s to modern hybrid models like the SF90 Stradale. The brand has remained synonymous with luxury, precision craftsmanship, and incredible performance, standing as a symbol of dreams and passion pursued with persistence and determination.

Scuderia Ferrari

Scuderia Ferrari, commonly known as Gestione Sportiva, is the division of Ferrari dedicated to motorsport. While Ferrari serves clients and private teams, Scuderia Ferrari is responsible for the factory team in Formula 1. The team made its Formula 1 debut during the second round of the World Championship, the Monaco Grand Prix in 1950, with the Tipo 125 F1 model. Ferrari is the most experienced and successful team in Formula 1 history, having won 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships. Currently, behind the wheel of the Italian Ferrari are Carlos Sainz Jr. (since 2021) and Charles Leclerc (since 2019).

Ferrari’s greatest achievements on the track

• 1950 – Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula 1 debut at the Monaco Grand Prix.
• 1951 – The first victory at the British Grand Prix by José Froilán González.
• 1952-1953 – Alberto Ascari wins two world championship titles, dominating most races of the season.
• 1961 – Ferrari wins the double championship with the Ferrari 156.
• 1964 – Another constructors’ championship and a victory in the drivers’ standings.
• 1975 – Niki Lauda wins double championship with the new Ferrari 312T model.
• 1977 – Another double championship for Ferrari with Niki Lauda.
• 1979 – Jody Scheckter wins the Drivers’ World Championship, and Ferrari claims the Constructors’ title.
• 2000-2004 – Ferrari’s dominance with Michael Schumacher, winning five consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ world championships.
• 2007 – Kimi Räikkönen wins the Drivers’ World Championship, and Ferrari claims the Constructors’ title.
• 2008 – Ferrari defended the Constructors’ Championship title, while Felipe Massa fought for the Drivers’ Championship until the final race.
• 2023 – Triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 50-year hiatus.

Scuderia Ferrari is a team with a rich history and numerous successes. Over the years, it has remained at the pinnacle of motorsport, serving as a benchmark for other teams. Ferrari is synonymous with passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence on the racetrack.

What does Ferrari symbolize?

The history of Ferrari allows us to associate certain qualities with this extraordinary brand. Buyers of these cars are not just purchasing luxurious, reliable, and beautiful vehicles. Ferrari is so much more. Scenes from the film “Le Mans” or directly from “Ferrari” by Michael Mann, starring Adam Driver, portray the story of Ferrari as who boldly pursued his dreams. 

Ferrari represents luxury, prestige, and an exceptional social status. Its high prices and exclusivity make it a brand accessible only to a select few. This makes it a clear symbol of success and wealth. Ferrari’s presence in Hollywood and the music industry further reinforces its image as an icon of the elite. It is associated with glamour and a unique lifestyle. Ferrari is synonymous with technological innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. The brand is renowned for advanced technologies, such as proprietary rubber compounds for tires that enhance track performance. Patented engines deliver maximum power while maintaining efficiency. The use of advanced materials like carbon fiber and titanium ensures the vehicles are lightweight and durable. This translates into outstanding performance.

Ferrari is also a symbol of perfection in design – luxurious, sophisticated interiors and elegant exteriors are crafted with the utmost comfort and aesthetics in mind. The brand is associated with values such as the pursuit of excellence, innovation, exclusivity, and an enduring passion for speed and racing. Ferrari remains one of the most iconic and coveted automotive brands in the world.