A Brand Like No Other
Ferrari’s logo of a prancing horse is symbolic of sophistication, quality engineering, and flat-out speed. The brand and its Scuderia Ferrari racing team has blazed a trail of innovation and excellence through eight decades of change. Let’s take some time to contemplate Ferrari’s most iconic moments.
The First Production Car (1947)
Ferrari brought forth their first car in 1947, the 125 S. Envisioned as a racing car, the machine did require some Fiat parts, but its 1.5L Colombo V12 engine was entirely designed and built in-house. The Colombo V12 would be a Ferrari mainstay for the next 40 years.
Christine und Hagen Graf , CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The First Le Mans Win (1949)
Following the 125 S was the 166, the MM version of which took first place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. The first running of the famed race in a decade, the victory did much to boost Ferrari’s popularity as Italy and the rest of Europe emerged from the disarray of the WWII era.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
The First Formula 1 Victory (1951)
José Froilán González rode to victory behind the wheel of a Ferrari 375 at the 1951 British Grand Prix, marking Ferrari’s first Formula 1 win. The outcome of the race was swayed by the 375’s better fuel consumption than the rival Alfa Romeos. Ferrari also took their first pole in qualifying, breaking a long streak of Alfa Romeo dominance.
Formula 1 Champions (1952)
Alberto Ascari drove the Ferrari 500 to the team’s first ever Formula 1 Championship in 1952. Ascari won an incredible seven consecutive championship races that year, a string of dominance that would carry over into a repeat title the following season.
Ferrari Vs Jaguar (1954)
Stung by a fifth-place finish at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari returned in 1954 with the 375 Plus. Powered by the upgraded Lampredi V12, it squared off against reigning champion Jaguar and their new D-Type. The race became a duel between the two cars, with Ferrari’s José Froilán González and Maurice Trintignant winning by a lap.
NAParish, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Gesture Of Greatness (1956)
Heading into the final Formula 1 race in September 1956, Juan Manuel Fangio led Ferrari teammate Peter Collins by eight points when he broke a steering arm and had to retire. Collins then made one of the all-time moves of sportsmanship, giving his car to Fangio for the finish. The two drivers shared the race points, allowing Fangio to take the championship.
Willy Pragher, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dino’s Vision (1956)
Company founder Enzo Ferrari was at his wit’s end in 1956 as his son Dino lay stricken with muscular dystrophy. From his hospital bed, Dino described his expansive vision for a new V6 engine to designer Vittorio Jano. Though Dino passed before he could see his brainchild come to fruition, the Dino engine became a Ferrari linchpin for decades.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Backdrop Of Revolution (1957)
An interesting race for history buffs was the short-lived Havana Grand Prix in which future Ferrari rival Carroll Shelby finished second in 1957, driving a 410 S. The 1958 event was marred by the kidnapping of driver Juan Manuel Fangio by Communist guerillas. The race would later be permanently cancelled after the 1959 Castro-led revolution.
Klemantaski Collection, Getty Images
Repeat Le Mans Win (1961)
Ferrari won their second consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1961, with first and second place taken by the 250 Testa Rossa as had been the case the year before. Their strongest competition was the North American Racing Team (NART) in another Testa Rossa. The NART car’s engine failed with an hour left, indicative of the unforgiving nature of the 24 Hours.
Shark-Nose (1961)
The Ferrari 156, dubbed the “Shark-Nose” because of its distinctive front air intakes, achieved dominance in the 1961 Formula 1 season. That year’s Belgian Grand Prix saw the 156 take the top four places, a Formula 1 record. Ferrari’s Phil Hill was the championship driver.
Harry Pot, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, Wikimedia Commons
Collector’s Dream: The 250 GTO (1962–1964)
One of Ferrari’s greatest and most stylish cars, the 250 GTO saw production limited to 36 units. Designed for GT3 class racing, it brought a victory at the 1964 Daytona 2000, driven by Phil Hill and Pedro Rodriguez. Highly sought after by collectors, a 2023 purchase at auction fetched a price tag of over $51 million (US).
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Sixth Straight Le Mans Title (1965)
Capping off a run of success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that had commenced in 1949, the Ferrari team celebrated a record sixth consecutive Le Mans title in 1965. The 250 LM took the top two places, easily fending off aggressive bids by Ford and Porsche. By doing so, the car gained a status even higher than the 250 GTO for some Ferrari connoisseurs.
Payback (1967)
Most racing fans know the story of Ford’s victory over Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Less well-known is the story of the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, where Ferrari took the top three places. The three cars were bunched at the finish line for a photo, a framed version of which would hang in Enzo Ferrari’s office for years. The avenging model was the 330 P4.
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Coolness Factor (Late 60s)
The sophistication of their cars and a growing list of racing accomplishments had made Ferrari a major status symbol by the late 60s. Hollywood icon Steve McQueen bought a 275 GTB/4 while filming the car-chase classic Bullitt (1968)—and jazz great Miles Davis bought a 275 of his own, as did many other stars of the era.
Arend, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Testing Track At Fiorano (1972)
Ferrari built their own development track in 1972, near the Maranello production plant. Called Fiorano, the move was spurred by the increasing demands of technology. The new track had a wide variety of corners to simulate Formula 1 conditions, and provided a more convenient testing environment.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
The Dino 308 GT4 (1973)
The Dino 308 GT4 was visually a departure from other models, and the body design by Marcello Gandini wasn’t a hit on its release in 1973. An effort to boost sales of the mid-engined V8 would lead to a rebranding from Dino to Ferrari in 1976. Those who did buy the car loved it, as did Enzo Ferrari himself, and the model’s reputation has improved over the decades.
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Return To Formula 1 Greatness: The 312T (1975–1980)
Ferrari returned to the top of Formula 1 in the late 70s with Niki Lauda taking the crown in 1975 and 1977. Success was in large part due to the 312T, which would bring three drivers’ championships and 27 race wins between 1975–1980, making it the most successful car in Formula 1 history.
Xjs-Khaos, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 512 Berlinetta Boxer (1976)
The BB debuted in 1976 with a flat 12-cylinder engine mid-mounted directly behind the driver. Factory production wasn’t set up to meet North America’s new emission standards, but demand was high enough to stimulate a market for import with modifications. 929 BBs were produced between 1976–1981.
Profile In Courage: The Return Of Niki Lauda (1976)
While racing for Ferrari in the German Grand Prix on August 1, 1976, Niki Lauda suffered one of the worst accidents in Formula 1 history. After suffering from severe burns and other serious injuries, Lauda immediately returned to racing. In a remarkable display of courage, he took fourth place at the Italian Grand Prix only six weeks after the wreck.
Martin Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Day To Savor (1979)
The 1979 Italian Grand Prix saw Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve finish first and second for Ferrari after the more powerful Renaults all had to retire with engine problems. The two drivers rolling to the Formula 1 championship in front of a home crowd gave Ferrari fans a victory they could savor like a fine wine.
crazylenny2, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 308 GTS: A Car Made For Prime Time (1979)
Ferrari’s next mid-engined V8 was produced from 1975-1985. The sleek 1979 model became an 80s icon through its regular appearance on the TV series Magnum PI.
Villeneuve Shines (1981)
Gilles Villeneuve took the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix by a fifth of a second. With the four following cars finishing within a second of the winner, it was one of the closest races in Formula 1 history. The race was a gem of strategy by Villeneuve; in an otherwise difficult season, the Ferrari team had gained their most improbable—and unforgettable— victory.
Etienne (Li), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Greatest Day At Monza (1982)
The passing of Gilles Villeneuve and injury to Didier Pironi forced Ferrari to bring in the aging Mario Andretti for the final two races of 1982, which included the Italian Grand Prix. Andretti took a stunning pole position, beating the second-place qualifier by three hundredths of a second. This garnered just enough points to give Ferrari a surprising constructors’ championship.
Hans van Dijk for Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, Wikimedia Commons
80s Star: The 288 GTO (1984–1987)
People are not in full agreement on the 288 GTO’s origin as a planned Group B racer in the mid 80s, but there’s no question that it was fast. Its body-style was a more aggressive variation of the 308 GTS, but its twin-turbo V8 made it far more powerful. With its small production run of 272 units, collectors view the 288 GTO as an 80s automotive work of art.
Cinematic Icon (1980s)
As Ferrari’s image in North America grew, their cars appeared in numerous films through the 80s. The most memorable of these instances was possibly Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), in which a 250 GT California plunged off a cliff. Fortunately, the real car was so rare and expensive that a replica was used for the scene.
Paramount, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The Supercar (1987)
The last car ever commissioned by Enzo Ferrari, the F40 was released in 1987. The first production car to break the 200 mi (322 km) per hour barrier, it could go from 0 to 100 km (62 mi) per hour in under five seconds, earning it the supercar designation. It was Ferrari’s most powerful—and expensive—car to date.
Alexandre Prévot , CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Grand Send-Off (1988)
The 1988 Italian Grand Prix is remembered for the one-two finish by Ferrari drivers Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto after the seemingly invincible McLaren duo of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were forced out (Senna due to a crash, and Prost because of engine trouble), their only loss of the season. It was a fitting send-off to Enzo Ferrari, who had passed on the month before.
Paul Lannuier, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The 640 F1 And The Paddle Shifter (1989)
Ferrari’s new Formula 1 model for 1989, the 640, adopted a major innovation: the paddle gear shift. Mounted just under the steering wheel, it allowed the driver to shift without removing their grip from the wheel. The car enjoyed a degree of success with three wins, but the modification became a standard feature for all of Formula 1.
A Rare Victory (1994)
Gerhard Berger brought home Ferrari’s lone win of the year at the 1994 German Grand Prix. It was a mishap-filled race that saw only eight drivers finish out of the original 26. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the first win for the Ferrari team in four years and 59 races.
Martin Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael Schumacher Joins Ferrari (1996)
Without a Formula 1 drivers’ championship since 1979, or constructors’ title since 1983, Ferrari had fallen on lean times by the mid 90s. Eager to turn things around, Ferrari signed two-time champion Michael Schumacher in 1996. They would not take first place that year, but great days were waiting just around the corner!
Matthias v.d. Elbe, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Schumacher’s First Ferrari Win (1996)
The 1996 Spanish Grand Prix was Schumacher’s first win as a member of Ferrari, and is still recognized as one of the finest pieces of driving of his career. In a downpour, with other cars skidding off the track, Schumacher smoothly took a lead in lap 13 that he would never relinquish.
A Long-Awaited Triumph (1999)
The 1999 season-ending Japanese Grand Prix saw Ferrari’s Eddie Irvine narrowly lose the drivers’ championship to Mika Hakkinen of McLaren. The disappointment was tempered by Michael Schumacher’s second place showing, which helped lock up Ferrari’s first constructors’ championship in 16 years. It was a prelude to even bigger things.
Paul Lannuier, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Back On Top (2000)
Michael Schumacher won the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix to take his first Formula 1 title with Ferrari. The drivers’ win was Ferrari’s first since 1979. They also claimed the constructors’ category for the second straight year. Ferrari was finally back on top of the Formula 1 world.
Michael Cooper, Wikimedia Commons
Years Of Dominance (2000–2004)
It’s a long road to the top of Formula 1, even if you’re Ferrari and your top driver is Michael Schumacher. Ferrari was in no hurry to relinquish their hard-won title. They continued their dominance through 2004, winning five straight drivers’ and constructors’ championships. They added another title in 2007, with driver Kimi Raikonnen.
The F2004 Sets New Records (2004)
Ferrari’s F2004 allowed Schumacher to win 13 races in 2004, breaking his own record of 11, set two years prior. His five straight Formula 1 championships also set a record. An absolute beast of a car, the F2004 set lap-time records for Monza, Magny-Cours, and Shanghai that still stand today.
Martin Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The LaFerrari Hybrid (2013)
Ferrari released its first hybrid model in 2013. Called the LaFerrari, the car maintained the traditional emphasis on speed, with its electric motor allowing the car to reduce fuel consumption by 40%. With a verified top speed of 350 km (220 mi) per hour, the LaFerrari is an eco-friendly supercar.
Axion23, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Return To Glory At Le Mans (2023–2024)
The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans saw Ferrari win for the first time since 1965 with its 499B prototype. Their repeat win in 2024 was even more memorable. Battling heavy rainfall and poor visibility through the night, the AF Corse team took the victory by only 14 seconds over the runner-up, a hard-earned win.
350z33, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
First to Ten Thousand Points (2024)
Charles Leclerc’s third-place finish at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix saw Ferrari collect their ten thousandth point in all-time Formula 1 competition, a record total for all constructors.
Putting The Legend In Perspective
Ferrari’s racing success, in parallel with their development of cars for an exclusive clientele, enabled the company to build one of the world’s strongest brands—the prancing horse and red paint job form an instant image in the public mind. The recent signing of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025 and the new release of the F80 supercar shows that despite the prestige, Ferrari is not resting on past glories.
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