Ferrari’s story joins a racing team founded in Modena with the cars later built in Maranello. From the 125 S and the first road-going 166 Inter to the 250 GT, the marque developed a language in which competition, engineering and design meet.
A racing team before the marque
Before a car carried the Ferrari name, Enzo Ferrari had founded a racing team in Modena. Established in 1929, Scuderia Ferrari initially entered Alfa Romeo cars in competition. In 1939 he set up his own company, first called Auto Avio Costruzioni, and in 1943 moved its headquarters from Modena to Maranello. The sequence began with a team; the Maranello carmaker followed.1,2
The 125 S: Ferrari’s first car
On 12 March 1947, the engine of Ferrari’s first car, the 125 S, ran near Maranello. The car made its racing debut at Piacenza on 11 May, but retired while leading. Later that month Franco Cortese drove it to victory at the Rome Grand Prix. The 125 S won six races in 1947, establishing the new marque on the circuit.1,3,4
From the 166 Inter to the road-going GT
Ferrari produced the 166 Inter in 1948 as its first road car. That same September, a different model, the 166 MM, became the first Ferrari shown at a motor show when it appeared in Turin. Customers could order the 166 MM for competition or in road-going form, showing how the early marque served racers and private drivers at once.1,5,6
The essentials
- Founded
- 1947, Maranello
- Headquarters
- Maranello, Italy
- Official site
- ferrari.com
