History of Ferrari in Timeline

Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer established in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari. While its first car was built in 1940, the company officially adopted the Ferrari name in 1945 and started producing road cars in 1947. Ferrari went public in 1960 and was a subsidiary of Fiat from 1963 to 2014, before being spun off as an independent entity in 2016. Today, Ferrari offers a range of supercars, grand tourers, and an SUV. Vintage Ferraris, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s, are highly valued and often command top prices at auctions.

1923: Meeting with Francesco Baracca's Family

In 1923, Enzo Ferrari met with the family of Francesco Baracca, a deceased flying ace, after a victory in Ravenna. Baracca's mother suggested that Ferrari adopt the prancing horse emblem as a good luck charm.

1929: Enzo Ferrari Founded Scuderia Ferrari

In 1929, Enzo Ferrari, formerly a salesman and racing driver for Alfa Romeo, founded Scuderia Ferrari, a racing team.

1929: Scuderia Ferrari Creation

In 1929, Scuderia Ferrari was created as a Grand Prix racing team, affiliated with Alfa Romeo. Enzo had worked for Alfa Romeo in the 1920s.

1932: First Use of the Prancing Horse

In 1932, Enzo Ferrari first used the Prancing Horse emblem on his racing team's Alfa Romeo 8C, with a canary yellow background, the color of Modena.

1932: Scuderia Ferrari Operated a Motorcycle Racing Division

In 1932, Scuderia Ferrari established a motorcycle racing division as a means to scout and train future Grand Prix drivers, utilizing British motorcycles from Norton and Rudge.

1933: Alfa Romeo Withdrawal

In 1933, Alfa Romeo withdrew from racing, and Enzo Ferrari's connections turned Scuderia Ferrari into Alfa Romeo's unofficial representative on the track.

1935: Ferrari Exited Motorcycle Racing

In 1935, Ferrari exited motorcycle racing due to the obsolescence of pushrod motorcycle engines and economic challenges from the Great Depression, despite having achieved three national titles and 44 overall victories.

1937: Scuderia Ferrari Success

Between 1929 and 1937 the team fielded such top drivers as Antonio Ascari, Giuseppe Campari, and Tazio Nuvolari, and won 144 out of its 225 races.

1937: Liquidation of Scuderia Ferrari

In 1937, Scuderia Ferrari was liquidated and absorbed into Alfa Romeo.

1939: Ferrari Founded

In 1939, Enzo Ferrari founded Ferrari S.p.A. in Maranello, Italy, initially under a different name due to a non-compete agreement.

1939: Enzo Leaves Alfa Romeo and Founds Auto Avio Costruzioni

In 1939, Enzo Ferrari left Alfa Romeo due to disagreements with upper management and founded his own company, Auto Avio Costruzioni.

1940: Abortive Racing Effort

Aside from an abortive effort in 1940, Ferrari began racing sports cars in 1947, when the 125 S won six out of the ten races it participated in.

1940: First Ferrari Car

In 1940, Ferrari built its first car.

1943: Factory Moved to Maranello

In 1943, under threat of Allied bombing raids, Auto Avio Costruzioni's factory was moved to Maranello.

1945: Ferrari Adopts Current Name

In 1945, Ferrari adopted its current name and began work on a new V12 engine.

1945: Adoption of Ferrari Name

In 1945, the company adopted its current name, Ferrari.

1947: Begin Sports Car Racing

Aside from an abortive effort in 1940, Ferrari began racing sports cars in 1947, when the 125 S won six out of the ten races it participated in.

1947: Production of Road Cars Began

In 1947, Ferrari began producing its current line of road cars.

1947: Return to Grand Prix Racing

In 1947, Ferrari returned to Grand Prix racing, which was at that point metamorphosing into modern-day Formula One.

1947: 125 S Wins Races

In 1947, the 125 S, Ferrari's first car, won many races.

1947: Adoption of the Rectangular Prancing Horse

In 1947, the rectangular Prancing Horse emblem was first used on the Ferrari 125 S, the first Ferrari-branded sports car.

1948: Ferrari Developed Cars for Formula Two and Formula Libre Events

As early as 1948, Ferrari began developing cars for Formula Two and Formula Libre events, which ultimately led to the creation of the Dino engine.

1948: First Homebuilt Grand Prix Car Raced

In 1948, Ferrari's first homebuilt Grand Prix car, the 125 F1, was first raced at the Italian Grand Prix.

1949: Victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 1949, Ferrari achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, contributing to its reputation as a high-quality automaker.

1949: Introduction of the 166 Inter

In 1949, Ferrari introduced the 166 Inter, marking the company's significant move into the grand touring road car market. The first 166 Inter was a four-seat berlinetta coupe with body work designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.

1951: First F1 Victory

In 1951, Ferrari achieved its first victory in an F1 series at the British Grand Prix, heralding its strong performance.

1951: Victory at Carrera Panamericana

In 1951, Ferrari secured a victory at the Carrera Panamericana, further solidifying its reputation as a high-quality automaker.

1952: Won Six World Drivers' Championships

Between 1952 and 1964, the team took home six World Drivers' Championships and one Constructors' Championship.

1952: Active Since The Beginning of Formula One

Since 1952 Scuderia Ferrari has fielded fifteen champion drivers, won sixteen Constructors' Championships, and accumulated more race victories, 1–2 finishes, podiums, pole positions, fastest laps and points than any other team in F1 history.

1957: Success in Racing

By 1957, just ten years after beginning to compete, Ferrari had won three World Sportscar Championships, seven victories in the Mille Miglia, and two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, among many other races.

1958: First Series-Produced Car: 250 GT Coupé

In 1958, Ferrari's first series-produced car, the 250 GT Coupé, was launched.

1960: Ferrari Becomes a Public Company

In 1960, Ferrari became a public company.

1963: Negotiations with Ford

In 1963, Ferrari approached Ford seeking a business partner to handle manufacturing operations, but negotiations fell through.

1963: Subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A.

In 1963, Ferrari became a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A.

1963: Ford Attempts to Buy Ferrari

In 1963, Ford Motor Company approached Enzo Ferrari for a potential buyout. Ford audited Ferrari's assets, but Enzo Ferrari ended negotiations when he realized he would not be able to stay in control of the racing program.

1964: Won Six World Drivers' Championships

Between 1952 and 1964, the team took home six World Drivers' Championships and one Constructors' Championship.

1964: Initial Fortune Ran Dry

Ferrari's initial fortunes ran dry after 1964, and its began to receive its titles in isolated sprees.

1964: Ferrari Won the 1964 Formula One Season in American Colors

In 1964, Ferrari protested the FIA's homologation requirements, moved its racing assets to the North American Racing Team, and subsequently won the Formula One season in American colors—blue with a white racing stripe.

1964: Ford GT40 Production

In 1964, after failing to acquire Ferrari, Henry Ford II directed his racing division to negotiate with Lotus, Lola, and Cooper to build a car capable of beating Ferrari, resulting in the production of the Ford GT40.

1965: Last Consecutive Victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 1965, Ferrari achieved its last consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat that would not be repeated until 2024.

1966: Le Mans Streak Broken

Ferrari's winning streak at Le Mans was broken by Ford in 1966.

1967: Introduction of the Dino 206 GT

In 1967, Ferrari introduced the V6-powered Dino 206 GT as the first production rear mid-engined car, sold under the Dino marque.

1967: Release of Dino 206 GT

In 1967, Ferrari produced the Dino 206 GT, its first mass-produced mid-engined road car, breaking from tradition.

1967: WSC Title

In 1967, Ferrari would win one more WSC titles.

1968: Release of 365 GTB/4

In 1968, Ferrari produced the 365 GTB/4, featuring streamlined styling that modernized Ferrari's design language.

1969: Chris Amon Won the Tasman Series Championship in a Dino 246 Tasmania

In 1969, Chris Amon won the Tasman Series championship driving a Dino 246 Tasmania, marking a notable achievement for Ferrari in non-F1 open-wheel racing.

1969: Fiat Buys 50% of Ferrari Shares

In 1969, Fiat bought 50% of Ferrari's shares, marking a successful business partnership.

1969: FIAT Purchases Controlling Interest in Ferrari

In 1969, as the Ford deal fell through, FIAT approached Ferrari and purchased controlling interests in the company. Enzo Ferrari retained a 10% share.

1969: Last Grand Prix entry by non-Scuderia Ferrari team with a Ferrari car

In 1969, the North American Racing Team's entries in the final three rounds of the season marked the last time a team other than Scuderia Ferrari entered a World Championship Grand Prix using a Ferrari car.

1972: WSC Title

In 1972, Ferrari would win one more WSC titles.

1973: Cease Competing in Sports Car Events

In 1973, Ferrari ceased competing in sports car events due to poor revenue allocation, combined with languishing performance in Formula One.

1973: Introduction of the Berlinetta Boxer

In 1973, Ferrari introduced the flat 12 powered Berlinetta Boxer, the first rear mid-engine model to be sold under the Ferrari name.

1975: Drivers Title

In 1975, Niki Lauda's skill behind the wheel granted Ferrari a drivers' title.

1977: Drivers Title

In 1977, Niki Lauda's skill behind the wheel granted Ferrari a drivers' title.

1982: Won the Constructors' Championship

In 1982, the team also won the Constructors' Championship.

1983: Won the Constructors' Championship

In 1983, the team also won the Constructors' Championship.

1984: Release of the 288 GTO

In 1984, Ferrari released the 288 GTO, which is considered by many to be the first in the line of Ferrari flagship supercars.

1988: Enzo Ferrari's Death

Enzo Ferrari died in 1988, which resulted in Fiat expanding its stake in the company to 90%.

1991: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo Succeeded Enzo

In 1991, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo succeeded Enzo Ferrari, and under his 23-year chairmanship, the company greatly expanded.

1993: Ferrari Challenge Supported

Since 1993, Ferrari has supported the Ferrari Challenge, a one-make championship based around the company's road lineup.

1996: Renewed Relationship with Shell Oil

In 1996, Ferrari renewed its relationship with Shell Oil, which continues to develop and supply fuel and oils to Ferrari's racing teams.

1996: Michael Schumacher Signs

In 1996, Michael Schumacher signed onto the team.

1997: Launch of Formula Uomo

In 1997, Ferrari launched Formula Uomo, a long-term master-planned effort to improve overall corporate efficiency, production, and employee happiness.

1999: Six Consecutive Constructors' Titles

Beginning in 1999, Ferrari won six consecutive constructors' titles.

2000: Five Consecutive Drivers' Titles

Between 2000 and 2004, Michael Schumacher gave Ferrari five consecutive drivers' titles.

2003: Grooming of Felipe Massa

Between 2003 and 2006, the initiative follows the team's successful grooming of Felipe Massa.

2004: Montezemolo Chairman of Fiat

Between 2004 and 2010, in addition to his leadership of Ferrari, Montezemolo was also the chairman of Fiat.

2004: Dominant 2004 Season

Ferrari was especially dominant in the 2004 season, where it lost only three races.

2004: Design Inspiration for A1 Grand Prix Cars

In 2004, the design of Ferrari's Formula One car served as the inspiration for the cars supplied for the A1 Grand Prix series starting in 2008.

2005: Start of Affected Models for Brake Failure Recall

Since 2005, 23,555 Ferrari models sold in America were fitted with a potentially faulty brake fluid reservoir cap that may not vent pressure adequately, which caused them to be recalled in August 2022.

2006: Grooming of Felipe Massa

Between 2003 and 2006, the initiative follows the team's successful grooming of Felipe Massa.

2007: Drivers Title

In 2007 Kimi Räikkönen won one drivers' title.

2008: Display of F430 Spider Running on Ethanol

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Ferrari displayed an F430 Spider that ran on ethanol, showcasing their exploration of alternative fuel technologies.

2008: Investment in Formula Uomo

By 2008, Ferrari had invested over €200 million in the Formula Uomo program, which took over ten years to fully implement.

2008: Constructors' Titles

In 2007 and 2008 Ferrari won two constructors' titles.

2008: Launch of the Special Projects Programme

In 2008, Ferrari launched the Special Projects programme (Portfolio Coachbuilding Program), aimed at reviving the tradition of one-off and limited production coachbuilt models, allowing clients to create bespoke models based on modern Ferrari road cars.

2008: Completion of the SP1

In 2008, the first car to be completed under the Special Projects program was the SP1, which was commissioned by a Japanese business executive.

2008: Ferrari Supplied Cars for A1 Grand Prix Series

Starting in 2008, Ferrari provided cars complete with V8 engines for the A1 Grand Prix series, with the car designed by Rory Byrne to resemble the 2004 Ferrari Formula One car.

2009: Ferrari Driver Academy Begun

In 2009, Ferrari's junior driver program, the Ferrari Driver Academy, was begun.

2009: Ferrari Supplied Cars for A1 Grand Prix Series

In the 2008–2009 season, Ferrari continued to supply cars complete with V8 engines for the A1 Grand Prix series. The car was designed by Rory Byrne and styled to resemble the 2004 Ferrari Formula One car.

2010: Unveiling of the HY-KERS Concept

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled a hybrid version of their flagship 599, called the "HY-KERS Concept", which added over 100 horsepower to the 599 Fiorano's 612 hp.

2010: Montezemolo Ends Fiat Chairmanship

Between 2004 and 2010, in addition to his leadership of Ferrari, Montezemolo was also the chairman of Fiat.

2010: Production of the Millechili Concept Car

In 2010, Ferrari produced the Millechili, their most recent concept car, showcasing styling elements that may be incorporated into future production models.

2010: Shift Towards In-House Designs for Special Projects

In 2010, with the creation of Ferrari's in-house styling center, the focus of the Special Projects programme shifted somewhat from outside coachbuilders to creating new in-house designs for clients.

2011: Announcement of Tailor Made Programme Update

In late 2011, Ferrari announced a significant update to its Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme, introducing the Tailor Made programme, allowing clients to work with designers in Maranello to customize every aspect of their car.

2012: Percentage of Red Ferraris

In 2012, 40 percent of Ferraris leaving the factory were painted red, highlighting the continued popularity of rosso corsa.

2014: End of Fiat S.p.A. Subsidiary Status

In 2014, Ferrari was no longer a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A.

2014: End of Montezemolo's Chairmanship

In 2014, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo resigned as chairman of Ferrari after 23 years.

2014: Deadmau5 "Purrari" controversy

In 2014, the musician Deadmau5 was sent a cease and desist letter regarding his customized 458 Italia, dubbed the "Purrari," due to its custom badges and Nyan Cat-themed wrap; he was also attempting to sell it on Craigslist.

2014: Production of the LaFerrari with Hybrid System

In mid-2014, Ferrari put the flagship LaFerrari into production, featuring a hybrid system, further advancing their hybrid technology efforts.

2015: Company's Head of Sales Statement

In 2015, Ferrari's head of sales stated that the purpose of limiting vehicle production and ranking purchasers was to maintain the brand's value and to "keep alive this dream that is called Ferrari".

2016: Spin-off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

In 2016, Ferrari was spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

2017: Ferrari CEO comments on customisation restrictions

In 2017, the CEO of Ferrari's Australasia branch stated that certain customisations, like pink paint, are "against the company's ethos" and "a brand rule. No pink. No Pokémon Ferraris!".

2019: Graduates of the Academy

As of 2019, 5 out of 18 programme inductees had graduated and become F1 drivers.

2019: Total Ferrari Cars Built and Sold

As of the end of 2019, Ferrari had built and sold a total of 219,062 cars in its history.

2019: Introduction of First Plug-In Hybrid Model

In 2019, Ferrari introduced their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with the SF90 Stradale, marking a significant step in their electrification efforts.

2019: Ferrari Labelled World's Strongest Brand

In 2019, Ferrari was recognized as the world's strongest brand by Brand Finance, a financial consultancy, owing to its cars, enthusiast culture, and licensing deals.

2019: Scuderia Ferrari Participated in Sim Racing

Since 2019, Scuderia Ferrari has expanded its racing endeavors to include participation in sim racing, reflecting the evolving landscape of motorsports.

January 2020: Ferrari Recalls Vehicles for Takata Airbags

In January 2020, Ferrari announced a recall of 982 vehicles due to faulty Takata passenger airbags. The airbags could potentially spew metal shrapnel, leading to severe injury. The affected cars received a new passenger-side airbag assembly.

June 2021: Ferrari Debuts High Fashion Brand

In June 2021, Ferrari debuted their high fashion brand with their first runway show.

2021: Benedetto Vigna Replaces Camilleri as CEO

In 2021, Benedetto Vigna replaced Louis Camilleri as CEO of Ferrari, announcing plans to develop Ferrari's first fully electric model.

2021: Introduction of the 296

In 2021, Ferrari introduced the 296, continuing their line of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

August 2022: Ferrari Recalls Cars Over Brake Failure Potential

On August 2022, Ferrari recalled almost every car it had sold in the US since 2005 due to a potential for brake failure. The issue was a faulty brake fluid reservoir cap that may not vent pressure adequately. The affected cars received a replacement cap and a software update.

May 2023: Market Capitalization

As of May 2023, Ferrari has a market capitalization of approximately US$85.5 billion, making it one of the largest car manufacturers by this metric.

October 2023: Ferrari Starts Accepting Cryptocurrency in the US

In October 2023, Ferrari began accepting cryptocurrency payments for its vehicles in the US, with plans to immediately trade the cryptocurrency into traditional currency to mitigate price volatility.

2023: Ferrari reentered prototype sports car racing and won 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2023, Ferrari, in partnership with AF Corse, reentered prototype sports car racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, fielding two 499P sports prototypes. One of the cars was numbered "50" to commemorate the fifty years since a works Ferrari competed in an endurance race. The 499P secured first place at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending Toyota Gazoo Racing's five-year winning streak and marking Ferrari's first win in 58 years.

2024: Expansion of Cryptocurrency Payments to Europe

In 2024, Ferrari intends to expand its cryptocurrency payment scheme to Europe, after starting it in the US in October 2023.

2024: Ferrari Repeated Victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2024, Ferrari secured its first consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1965, marking another significant triumph in the company's racing history.