
Insulted by Ferrari’s response, Lamborghini decided he would build a better sports car (and show his countryman a thing or two).Īutomobili Lamborghini was founded in In May of 1963 and a new factory was built in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where the company operates to this day. Lamborghini decided to share his constructive criticism with Ferrari but was rebuffed. As he drove and studied some of his Ferrari road cars, he perceived faults in their engineering. Lamborghini began collecting and racing sports cars, including those of fellow Italian Enzo Ferrari. As Lamborghini’s business (which grew to include other appliances) flourished, he became very wealthy. His interest in mechanics eventually led him to form a business making tractors following World War II. Lamborghiniįerruccio Lamborghini was born in 1916 to a family of grape farmers. On the commercial side, the Ferrari Enzo pushed the company performance benchmarks, while the F430 and its successor, the 458 Italia, broadened appeal. The 2000s saw a return to form for Ferrari in motorsport, with three 12 Hours of Sebring victories, one 24 Hours of Daytona win, and 13 total F1 world titles. Things got a bit more curvaceous in the ’90s with the 550 Maranello, the F50, and the 360 Modena. Vehicles like the 288 GTO, Testarossa, and F40 brought the automaker into the modern era of style and power. Fiat increased its stake to 90%, Enzo passed away in 1988, and road car performance leveled up. The ‘80s brought significant changes to Ferrari.

In the 1970s, Ferrari’s first mid-engine V8 road cars hit production, including the 308 GTB, 308 GT4, and 308 GTS. In 1969, Enzo sold half his company shares to Fiat and resigned as president in 1977. Enzo backed out of the deal at the last minute, however, infuriating Ford and igniting a fierce racing rivalry (guess Enzo had a knack for making enemies). In 1961, noting production difficulties, Ferrari began negotiating a sale to Ford Motor Company.
OLDER FERRARI MODELS DRIVERS
The loss of Enzo’s son in 1956 and six of his drivers between 19 put immense strain on Ferrari’s founder, but the company continued to flourish in motor racing.įerrari’s first racing victory came at the Rome Grand Prix in 1947 with the 125 S.
OLDER FERRARI MODELS DRIVER
Ferrari’s first Formula 1 world championship came in 1952 with driver Alberto Ascari. Scuderia Ferrari’s racing success continued, with its first endurance win at the 1948 Mille Miglia and its first 24 Hours of Le Mans victory in 1949. The 12-cylinder car achieved its first victory at the Rome Grand Prix in 1947. After the war’s conclusion, Ferrari set about building his first production car, the 125 S. World War II temporarily halted Italian industry and motor racing, leading Ferrari to move his operations to Maranello in 1943. Ferrari built his first car, the 815, and competed in the 1940 Mille Miglia. In 1939, Enzo left Alfa Romeo to form Auto Avio Costruzioni in Modena. Enzo Ferrari, 1966 Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images Alfa Romeo eventually renamed its team Alfa Corse and made Enzo its head, but the enterprising Italian had other plans. Five years later, Enzo founded Scuderia Ferrari as Alfa Romeo’s official racing division. After starting his own racing career in 1919, Ferrari became a works driver for Alfa Romeo.

From a young age, Ferrari was interested in motor racing. Origins FerrariĮnzo Ferrari was born in Modena, Italy in 1898.

Keep reading to learn about the heritage, models, and future products of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Well, here’s your chance to drop some knowledge on your friends. Most supercar enthusiasts can confidently cite their favorite cars from each Italian automaker, but only a few know the rich history of both brands.

Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, Italy in 1898.
