The history of Ferrari is one of the most intricate stories in the automotive industry. Founded in 1947 by racing legend Enzo Ferrari, the brand has become synonymous with performance, speed, and technical innovation. From its race team beginnings to its present day status as one of the world’s most iconic sports car manufacturers, if not the most iconic. Ferrari’s journey is an brilliant story of perseverance, passion, and Italians.

The Early Years

Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898 in Modena, Italy. He developed a fascination for cars at a young age (like most of us) and became a racing driver in 1919. Over the next two decades, he raced for Alfa and quickly built a reputation as having a rather dab hand at driving and spannering. In 1939, he left Alfa Romeo and established Scuderia Ferrari, the racing team that would eventually become the Ferrari we know today.

1947 Ferrari 125S – top car design rating and specifications

After the second world war, Ferrari began manufacturing cars under his own name, not the first one if you handn’t of guessed. The first production vehicle, the 125 S, was finished in 1947. Powered by a dinky 1.5 litre V12, it still managed a top speed of 105 mph. The car was a surprising success, as it ended up winning the Rome Grand Prix, in May 1947. Which was coincidently the first race the car had ever entered. Talk about beginners luck!

The 1950s

In the 1950s, Ferrari established itself as a dominant force in the world of motorsports. In another tail of beginners luck, they also won their first F1 championship in 1952 with Italian driver Alberto Ascari, and then went on to win several more titles in that decade. During this time, Ferrari also built some of its most iconic and desirable cars, including the extremely gorgeous 250 GT, the Testa Rossa, and the 410 Superamerica.

The 1960s

The 1960s were a period of expansion for Ferrari. They introduced a couple of new models, including the 250 GTO, one of the most sought after and expensive cars currently on the market. Ferrari also began producing road cars in healthier numbers, with the 275 GTB and the 365 GTB/4 Daytona becoming extremely popular cars from the marque.

In 1969, Enzo sold 50% of the company to FIAT, the Italian automotive giant (now under Stellantis). This deal did allow Ferrari to invest more heavily in research and development, and expand its limited production capabilities.

The 1970s and 1980s

In the 1970s, Ferrari continued to produce more powerful cars, with models like the very popular (at the time) 308 GTB and the Berlinetta Boxer helping to cement the brands loyalty. Ferrari also made a successful return back to Formula One, winning multiple championships with drivers like Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter.

In the 1980s, Ferrari started to face some challenges, including the unfortunate death of Enzo Ferrari, who passed in 1988. Undeterred, they continued to design spectacular pieces of engineering, with models like the Testarossa and the F40 becoming icons of the ’80s. The F40 is still considered to be one of all time greats from the Prancing Horse. Apparently Enzo did see it before his death, and he remarked that he liked it.

The 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s, Ferrari shifted its focus towards more luxurious and exclusive cars, like the F50 and the aptly named Enzo. The brand also continued their domination in motorsports, winning further F1 championships with German driver and legend, Michael Schumacher.

The 2000s saw the introduction of several new models, including the wonderful 458 Italia and the quintessential Ferrari, the F430. They also expanded their much needed production capabilities with the opening of a new factory, the now famous Maranello, located in Italy, of course.

Recent Years

In recent years, Ferrari has continued on their war path of innovation, with models like the 488 GTB and the Portofino doing well from those of us in the media. The brand has also expanded into new and emerging markets, including China and the Middle East.

In 2014, Ferrari released the LaFerrari, the hybrid hypercar that was the fastest production car in the world at the time, even if only briefly. The LaFerrari was a huge commercial success, and it helped to cement Ferrari’s status in the ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918.

However, Ferrari’s success in 2014 was not without its challenges. The company was also facing increased competition from other manufacturers, such as Porsche and long term rival, Lamborghini. Ferrari was also dealing with the fallout from the VW’s diesel-gate scandal, which had a huge impact on the entire automotive industry, whether you manufactured diesels or not.

In 2015, Ferrari was spun off from its parent company, FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (again, now called Stellantis), and became a publicly traded company. Ferrari has had a roller coaster of a time in recent years, for some reason. The company has experienced both highs and lows, but it has always managed to come out on top.

Ferrari now

Despite these challenges, Ferrari has always managed to stay afloat and continue to produce what can only be described as automotive art. In 2017, the company released the 812 Superfast, a V12 powered rocket ship that was capable of reaching speeds of up to 211 mph, very useful when popping to Tesco.

Ferrari has also been investing heavily in new technologies in recent years. In 2019, the company announced that it would be developing a fully electric car. This is expected to be released in 2025, and it is part of Ferrari’s plan to become a completely carbon-neutral company by 2030.

New for this year is the release of the first ever SUV by the Italian brand, the Purosangue, which has actually gained glowing reviews from the press. Probably because it has naturally aspirated 800bhp V12 shoved under the bonnet, which naturally helps things.

Ferrari is a company that is constantly evolving and changing, and not shying away from the ever-fluid automotive demands. The company has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, but it has always managed to come out on top. Ferrari is a true automotive icon, if not the automotive icon and it is sure to become a pivotal marque in the expanding luxury sector.