History of Ferrari in Timeline

Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer established in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari. While its first car was built in 1940, the company formally adopted the Ferrari name in 1945 and began producing its current line of road cars in 1947. Ferrari became a public company in 1960. After being a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. from 1963 to 2014, it was spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2016. Ferrari boasts a diverse model range, including supercars, grand tourers, and SUVs. Notably, vintage Ferrari models from the 1950s and 1960s are among the most valuable cars ever sold at auction.

1923: Inspiration for the Prancing Horse Emblem

In 1923, after a victory in Ravenna, Enzo Ferrari met the family of Francesco Baracca, whose mother suggested he adopt the prancing horse emblem on his airplane as a good luck charm.

1929: Enzo Ferrari Founded Scuderia Ferrari

In 1929, Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari, a racing team.

1929: Scuderia Ferrari Races

In 1929, Scuderia Ferrari began racing in Grand Prix events.

1929: Creation of Scuderia Ferrari

In 1929, Scuderia Ferrari was created as a Grand Prix racing team affiliated with Alfa Romeo.

1932: First Use of the Prancing Horse Emblem

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

1932: Scuderia Ferrari Motorcycle Racing Division

In 1932, Scuderia Ferrari operated a motorcycle racing division to scout and train future Grand Prix drivers, using British motorcycles from Norton and Rudge.

1933: Alfa Romeo's Withdrawal from Racing

In 1933, Alfa Romeo's withdrawal from racing turned Scuderia Ferrari into its unofficial representative on the track.

1935: End of Scuderia Ferrari Motorcycle Racing Division

By 1935, the Scuderia Ferrari motorcycle racing division was phased out due to obsolescence of pushrod motorcycle engines and economic troubles stemming from the Great Depression.

1937: Scuderia Ferrari Fielded Top Drivers

Between 1929 and 1937, Scuderia Ferrari won 144 out of 225 races.

1937: Liquidation of Scuderia Ferrari

In 1937, Scuderia Ferrari was liquidated.

1939: Ferrari Founded

In 1939, Enzo Ferrari founded Ferrari S.p.A. in Maranello, Italy.

1939: Enzo Ferrari Leaves Alfa Romeo

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.

1940: First Ferrari Car Built

In 1940, the company built its first car.

1943: Factory Moved to Maranello

In 1943, the Ferrari factory was moved to Maranello under threat of Allied bombing raids.

1945: Adoption of the Ferrari Name

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

1945: Company Name Change

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

1947: Production of Road Cars Begins

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

1947: Sports Car Racing Began

In 1947, Ferrari began racing sports cars, and the 125 S won six out of ten races.

1947: Ferrari Returns to Grand Prix Racing

In 1947, Ferrari returned to Grand Prix racing.

1947: 125 S Wins Races

In 1947, the 125 S won many races, contributing to Ferrari's reputation.

1947: Prancing Horse on Ferrari 125 S

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

1948: Development of Cars for Formula Two and Formula Libre

In 1948, Ferrari developed cars for Formula Two and Formula Libre events, which led to the creation of the Dino engine.

1948: First Race of the 125 F1

In 1948, the 125 F1 was first raced at the Italian Grand Prix.

1949: Victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 1949, Ferrari achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, enhancing its reputation.

1949: Introduction of the 166 Inter

In 1949, Ferrari introduced the 166 Inter, marking the company's significant entry into the grand touring road car market. The first 166 Inter was a four-seat berlinetta coupe.

1951: First F1 Series Victory

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

1951: Victory at the Carrera Panamericana

In 1951, Ferrari achieved victory at the Carrera Panamericana, helping build the company's reputation.

1952: Dominance Between 1952 and 1964

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

1952: Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One

Since 1952, Scuderia Ferrari has been active in Formula One, achieving numerous championships and victories.

1957: Significant Wins

By 1957, Ferrari had won three World Sportscar Championships, seven victories in the Mille Miglia, and two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

1958: Start of Series-Produced Car: 250 GT Coupé

In 1958, Ferrari began producing its first series-produced car, the 250 GT Coupé.

1960: Ferrari Becomes a Public Company

In 1960, Ferrari became a public company.

1963: Ford's Attempted Buyout of Ferrari

In 1963, Enzo Ferrari was approached by the Ford Motor Company for a potential buyout, but Ferrari unilaterally cut off negotiations when he realized the deal would not allow him to stay in control of the racing program.

1963: Negotiations with Ford

In 1963, Ferrari approached Ford for a business partnership, but negotiations fell through.

1963: Ferrari Becomes Subsidiary of Fiat

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

1964: Initial Fortunes Run Dry After 1964

After 1964, Ferrari's initial fortunes ran dry.

1964: Dominance Between 1952 and 1964

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

1964: Production of the Ford GT40

In 1964, as a result of failed negotiations with Ferrari, Henry Ford II directed his racing division to build a car capable of beating Ferrari, eventually leading to the production of the Ford GT40.

1964: Ferrari Wins F1 Season in American Colors

In 1964, while protesting FIA homologation requirements, Ferrari moved its racing assets to the North American Racing Team, and John Surtees won the Formula One season in blue with a white racing stripe.

1965: First Consecutive Victory Since 1965

The victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans was the first consecutive victory at the race since 1965.

1966: Ford Breaks Ferrari's Winning Streak

In 1966, Ford broke Ferrari's winning streak at Le Mans.

1967: Release of the Dino 206 GT

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

1967: WSC Title Win

In 1967, Ferrari won another WSC title.

1968: Release of the 365 GTB/4

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

1969: Tasman Series Championship Win

In 1969, Chris Amon won the Tasman Series championship driving a Dino 246 Tasmania for Ferrari.

1969: Fiat Buys 50% of Ferrari's Shares

In 1969, Fiat bought 50% of Ferrari's shares.

1969: FIAT purchases controlling interests in Ferrari

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

1969: Last Non-Scuderia Ferrari Entry in World Championship Grand Prix

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 with a Ferrari car.

1972: Final WSC Title

In 1972, Ferrari won another WSC title.

1973: Cease Competing in Sports Car Events

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

1973: Release of the Berlinetta Boxer

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

1975: Niki Lauda Grants Ferrari Drivers' Title

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

1977: Niki Lauda Grants Ferrari Drivers' Title

In 1977, Niki Lauda granted Ferrari a drivers' title.

1982: The Team Wins the Constructors' Championship

In 1982, the team won the Constructors' Championship.

1983: The Team Wins the Constructors' Championship

In 1983, the team won the Constructors' Championship.

1984: Release of the 288 GTO

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

1988: Death of Enzo Ferrari

In 1988, Enzo Ferrari died, and Fiat expanded its stake in the company to 90%.

1991: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo Becomes Chairman

In 1991, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo succeeded Enzo Ferrari as chairman of Ferrari.

1993: Ferrari Challenge Supported

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

1996: Ferrari partners with Shell Oil

In 1996, Ferrari began its current long-standing relationship with Shell Oil. Shell develops and supplies fuel and oils to the Scuderia Ferrari's Formula One and World Endurance Championship teams.

1996: Schumacher Signs to Ferrari

In 1996, Michael Schumacher signed onto the Ferrari team.

1997: Ferrari launches Formula Uomo

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

1999: Six Consecutive Constructors' Titles

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

2000: Schumacher Gives Ferrari Drivers' Titles

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

2003: Felipe Massa's Grooming

Between 2003 and 2006, Ferrari successfully groomed Felipe Massa.

2004: Montezemolo Becomes Chairman of Fiat

In 2004, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo became the chairman of Fiat.

2004: Design of Ferrari Formula One Car

In 2004, Rory Byrne designed the Ferrari Formula One car which would later be resembled in cars supplied to the A1 Grand Prix series from 2008.

2004: Schumacher Gives Ferrari Drivers' Titles

In the 2004 season, Ferrari was dominant and lost only three races.

2005: Vehicles recalled for brake failure sold since 2005

As part of the recall issued on 8 August 2022, affected Ferrari models sold in America since 2005 are being fitted with a replacement cap and receive a software update due to a potential for brake failure.

2006: Felipe Massa's Grooming

Between 2003 and 2006, Ferrari successfully groomed Felipe Massa.

2007: Räikkönen Wins Driver's Title

In 2007, Kimi Räikkönen won the drivers' title for Ferrari.

2008: Ferrari Supplies Cars for A1 Grand Prix Series

From the 2008–2009 season, Ferrari supplied cars with V8 engines for the A1 Grand Prix series. Also in 2008, an F430 Spider that runs on ethanol was displayed at the Detroit Auto Show.

2008: Launch of the Special Projects Programme

In 2008, Ferrari launched the Special Projects Programme to create bespoke coachbuilt models based on modern Ferrari road cars.

2008: Ferrari Wins Constructor's Title

In 2008, Ferrari won its second consecutive constructors' title.

2008: Formula Uomo investment

In 2008, Ferrari's Formula Uomo program included over €200 million in investment.

2008: Display of Ethanol-Powered F430 Spider

In 2008, an F430 Spider that runs on ethanol was displayed at the Detroit Auto Show.

2008: Completion of the SP1

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

2009: Beginning of Ferrari Driver Academy

In 2009, the Ferrari Driver Academy was begun.

2009: A1 Grand Prix series continuation

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 is styled to resemble the 2004 Ferrari Formula one car.

2010: Unveiling of HY-KERS Concept

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled a hybrid version of their flagship 599 called the "HY-KERS Concept," adding over 100 horsepower.

2010: Shift Towards In-House Designs

In 2010, Ferrari's in-house styling center began to focus more on creating new designs for clients, shifting away from external coachbuilders for the Special Projects Programme.

2010: Montezemolo's Tenure as Chairman of Fiat Ends

In 2010, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo's tenure as chairman of Fiat ended.

2010: Production of the Millechili

In 2010, the Millechili became the most recent concept car produced by Ferrari themselves.

2011: Announcement of Tailor Made Programme Update

In late 2011, Ferrari announced a significant update to its Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme with the Tailor Made programme, allowing clients to customize their cars with designers in Maranello.

2012: Red as Most Popular Color Choice

In 2012, 40 percent of Ferraris left the factory painted red, maintaining its position as the company's most popular color choice.

2014: Ferrari Remains Subsidiary of Fiat

In 2014, Ferrari remained a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A.

2014: End of Montezemolo's Chairmanship

In 2014, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo's 23-year chairmanship of Ferrari came to an end.

2014: Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Deadmau5

In 2014, the musician Deadmau5 was sent a cease and desist letter regarding his highly customized 458 Italia, dubbed the "Purrari", due to custom badges and a Nyan Cat-themed wrap.

2014: LaFerrari Production Featuring Hybrid System

In mid-2014, the flagship LaFerrari was put into production featuring a hybrid system.

2015: Goal to Keep Alive the Ferrari Dream

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

2016: Ferrari Spun off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

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

2017: Ban on Pink Paint and Pokémon Ferraris

In 2017, the CEO of Ferrari's Australasia branch stated that certain customisations, such as pink paint and Pokémon Ferraris, were "against the company's ethos" and "a brand rule".

2019: F1 Drivers from 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, the total of Ferrari built and sold cars in their whole company history is 219,062.

2019: Introduction of the SF90 Stradale

In 2019, Ferrari introduced their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with the SF90 Stradale.

2019: Ferrari Ranked World's Strongest Brand

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

2019: Scuderia Ferrari Participates in Sim Racing

Since 2019, Scuderia Ferrari has participated in sim racing, marking their entry into virtual motorsport.

January 2020: Ferrari recalls vehicles for Takata airbags

In January 2020, Ferrari recalled 982 vehicles for passenger airbags due to the Takata airbag recalls, because if the inflator explodes, the airbag will spew metal shrapnel at passengers, which can cause severe injury.

June 2021: Ferrari debuts high fashion brand

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

2021: Benedetto Vigna Appointed CEO

In 2021, Benedetto Vigna replaced Louis Camilleri as CEO of Ferrari.

2021: Introduction of the 296

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

August 2022: Ferrari recalls vehicles over potential brake failure

On 8 August 2022, Ferrari recalled almost every car it's sold in the US since 2005 over a potential for brake failure due to a potentially faulty brake fluid reservoir cap.

May 2023: Ferrari's Market Capitalization

As of May 2023, Ferrari's market capitalization was approximately US$85.5 billion.

October 2023: Ferrari accepts cryptocurrency payments

In October 2023, Ferrari started accepting payment in cryptocurrency for its vehicles in the US with intentions to expand the scheme to Europe in 2024. The cryptocurrency payments will be immediately traded into traditional currency to avoid price swings.

2023: Re-entry into Prototype Sports Car Racing

In 2023, Ferrari reentered prototype sports car racing, fielding two 499P sports prototypes in partnership with AF Corse for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

2024: Expansion of cryptocurrency payment scheme to Europe

In 2024, Ferrari intends to expand the cryptocurrency payment scheme, started in the US in October 2023, to Europe. The cryptocurrency payments will be immediately traded into traditional currency to avoid price swings.