The History of Ferrari

Learn the history of the Itialian supercar manufacturer Ferrari, from it's humble beginnings in the early 1900's.

On February 18, 1898 – Enzo Ferrari was born, near Modena, Italy. When he reached the age of 10, his father brought him to Bologna to witness an automobile race. Finally, after attending many other races, Enzo Ferrari made up his mind to become a racing car driver. This was the beginning of Ferrari history.

As it turned out, he did become one, taking up racing while working at a small car company that was involved with converting the surplus of war. In 1919 he entered the Targa Floria and finished at the ninth place. This got him a job with Alfa Romeo and joined the 1920 Targa Floria, driving a modified production car. This time, Enzo Ferrari finished second.

While racing at the Circuit of Sivocci in Ravenna in 1923, Enzo Ferrari was approached by Count Enrico and Countess Paolina Baracca, parents of Francesco Baracca – the heroic Italian pilot. Francesco Baracca was known of as the Italian ace of aces. During the war, he died on Mount Montello. He had a squadron badge, which had a prancing horse on a yellow shield. This badge was given to Enzo Ferrari by the count and countess. The Ferrari history continues on.

For many years, Enzo Ferrari was with Alfa Romeo; however, there were only a few cars he built, bearing his name and the design of the badge given to him by Francesco Baracca’s parents. In 1929, Enzo Ferrari kept himself busy forming and organizing the Scuderia Ferrari, which had the goal of organing races for the members. The Scuderia Ferrari team entered in 22 competitions and bagged 8 victories along with many good placings.

By 1940, Enzo Ferrari parted ways with Alfa Romeo and put up a new company he named Auto-Avio Costruzioni Ferrari. The Ferrari workshop moved from Modena to Maranello during the Second World War. Ferrari’s workshop fell victim to the war in 1944 – completely annihilated by bombs. Rebuilding of the shop was done a year after the war in 1946, and this was when the first Ferrari motorcar was worked on: the 125 Sport.

This car brought Ferrari many winnings, that winning became a tradition. It was in 1947 that the first Ferrari car ever competed in a race; and since then, Ferrari has had more than five thousand race track successes all around the world. Fifty percent of the Ferrari’s share capital was sold by Enzo Ferrari to the Fiat group in 1969. By 1988, the figure was raised to 90%.

Enzo Ferrari was 90 when he died, August 14 1988, in Modena, Italy.

By Joe Hayes