Enzo Ferrari was born 18 February 1898 in Modena, Italy. He was a lover of motorsport from an early age. His first job in the world of motor sport was with Alfa Romeo. He drove a modified production cars in the 1920 Targa Florio, and managed to finish second.
In 1929 Ferrari started his own firm, Scuderia Ferrari. He was sponsored by the Ferrara-based Caniano brothers, Augusto and Alfredo, heirs to a textile fortune. Alfa Romeo had temporarily withdrawn from racing in 1925 and the Scuderia’s main task was to assist his wealthy Alfa Romeo customers with their racing efforts. Scuderia Ferrari caused a sensation. It was the largest team ever put together by one individual. None of the drivers were paid a salary but received a percentage of the prize money won.
After the war Ferrari set out to create his own Grand Prix car. In 1947 he entered the Grand Prix of Monaco. The car was designed by his old collaborator Gioacchino Colombo. Ferrari’s first Grand Prix victory came in 1951 at the British Grand Prix in the hands of Argentine Froilan Gonzalez. The team had a chance for a World Championship evaporate at the Spanish Grand Prix. Before the most important race in the young team’s history Ferrari decided to experiment with new Pirelli tires. The result was thrown treads, which allowed Fangio to win the race and his first title.
Production sports cars were also an important endeavour for Ferrari but in marked difference with other car manufacturers, racing was not used to sell more cars, rather cars were sold so that the team could go racing.
Ferraris would become common feature at all major sports car events including Le Mans, the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia. It was at the Mille Miglia that Ferrari would claim some of its greatest victories.
In 1975 Ferrari attained something of a renaissance at the hands of Niki Lauda winning two World Championships and three Constructor titles in three years. The brilliant driving of Gilles Villeneuve gave the new Ferrari several victories in 1981 but it was evident that the chassis needed to be upgraded before the car could seriously challenge for the title. At mid-season the team was joined by Dr Harvey Postlewaite whose job it was to build an improved chassis for the following season.
Enzo Ferrari died at the age of 90 in 1988 – a brilliant man who brought untold qualities to the motorsport forum.
We are very proud to stock the only model of Ferrari to carry the name of the company founder. When future historians and collectors reflect upon what car best defined the early 21st century, the Ferrari Enzo will certainly be high up on the list. The coachwork was done by Pininfarina, with a request from Ferrari to 'do something special.'
