Would you buy a Ferrari? Which model would you choose? Or if you already own one, what made you buy it?
Car preference is very personal and SCC members have differing reasons for choosing to own a particular make and model of sports, supercar or hypercar.
The legendary Italian sports car maker Ferrari has captured hearts and imaginations for over 70 years.
In our series focusing on individual brands, their history and identity, this article focuses on the iconic Italian car maker.
Passionate about Ferrari
From humble beginnings in 1947, this iconic brand has grown into a global symbol of speed, luxury, and racing excellence.
Car lovers around the world dream of owning a sleek, red Ferrari with its famous prancing horse logo.
The story of Ferrari is one of passion and innovation. It all started with Enzo Ferrari, a racing driver who turned his love for motorsports into a thriving business. His vision led to the creation of some of the most beautiful and powerful cars ever made.
Today, Ferrari continues to push the limits of automotive engineering, both on the racetrack and on the road.
It all began with Enzo’s passion
Enzo Ferrari, a car-mad young man from Modena, Italy, kicked off his journey as a test driver for Alfa Romeo. His love for speed and innovation led him to set up the Scuderia Ferrari racing team in 1929. This team became a playground for Enzo’s brilliant ideas and cutting-edge tech.
But things got a bit sticky with Alfa Romeo. Enzo and the bosses didn’t see eye to eye on racing matters. Even though Scuderia Ferrari was doing well with Alfa’s backing, Enzo felt the company wasn’t as keen on racing as he was. So, he decided to go his own way.
When Enzo left Alfa Romeo, he had to promise not to restart Scuderia Ferrari for four years. But that didn’t stop him! He used the money from Alfa to start a new company called Auto Avio Costruzioni (AAC) in Modena. During World War II, AAC made aircraft parts and tools for the Italian government.
In December 1939, a gentleman called Lotario Rangoni Machiavelli asked AAC to build two racing cars for him and Alberto Ascari to drive in the Mille Miglia race. AAC jumped at the chance and created their first ever car – the Tipo 815.
Sadly, the 1940 Mille Miglia was cancelled because of the war. But the Tipo 815 wasn’t forgotten. It was a big deal for AAC and Ferrari, marking the start of their incredible sports car journey.
Post wartime production
After World War II, Enzo Ferrari shifted gears, founding Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947. The company’s first road car, the 125 S, roared to life that same year. Built on a tweaked Fiat chassis and powered by a 1.5-litre V12 engine, it set the stage for Ferrari’s future success.
The 1950s and 60s saw the birth of legendary models like the 250 GTO and 275 GTB. These cars blended racing prowess with sleek design, quickly putting Ferrari at the top of the luxury sports car market. The 250 GTO, in particular, has become a collector’s dream, with some examples fetching over £40 million at auction.
Ferrari’s racing heritage continued to grow throughout the 60s and 70s. The company racked up wins at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Formula One World Championship. Iconic drivers such as John Surtees, Niki Lauda, and Jackie Stewart helped cement Ferrari’s reputation on the track. To date, Ferrari has claimed an astounding 5,000+ race victories, including 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ Championships in Formula One.
The road wasn’t always smooth, though. In 1961, Ferrari faced internal turmoil when several executives were sacked due to disagreements about the company’s direction. Some wanted to expand into higher-volume models, while Enzo Ferrari insisted on maintaining the brand’s exclusivity and performance focus.
Financial challenges in the 1970s led to Fiat acquiring Ferrari in 1969. Despite this change, Ferrari continued to create incredible sports cars like the 308 GTB and 512 TR.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw Ferrari expand its lineup and boost sales. New models like the 360 Modena and F430 hit the streets, while the company also dabbled in limited-edition supercars and hybrid models. Ferrari’s luxury offerings grew too, with custom interiors and high-end features becoming the norm.
Ferrari gained independence as a standalone company in 2016, spinning off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This move allowed Ferrari to create its own course and focus on growth opportunities.
Today, Ferrari stands as one of the most valuable and respected car brands in the world. Its prancing horse logo, inspired by Italian WWI ace pilot Count Francesco Baracca, is recognised worldwide. The company continues to push the limits of performance and style, with models like the 812 Superfast boasting a speed of over 339 km/h and a 0-97 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds.
Continuous technological development
Ferrari’s cars are packed with impressive tech. Their V12 engines roar with power. Carbon fibre makes cars super light and fast. The sleek shapes cut through the air like a knife. Ferrari keeps pushing the limits of what cars can do. Each new model is more exciting than the last.
Modern Era Supercars (1980s-present)
Ferrari’s jaw-dropping supercars have set the world on fire since the 1980s.
The F40 blazed onto the scene, leaving petrolheads shocked. Then came the Enzo, a technological marvel that pushed boundaries. The LaFerrari took things to another level, mixing hybrid power with Italian flair. These incredible machines have transformed the car industry, inspiring fierce competition and pushing innovation to new heights.
A list of Ferrari’s modern-era supercars from the 1980s to the present:
- Ferrari 288 GTO (1984)
- Ferrari F40 (1987)
- Ferrari F50 (1995)
- Ferrari Enzo Ferrari (2002)
- Ferrari LaFerrari (2013)
- Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta (2016)
Ferrari on the road
Ferrari’s road cars have long been a symbol of prestige, performance, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Since the company’s inception, its road cars have mirrored Ferrari’s racing heritage, blending cutting-edge technology with the luxury and style expected from such an iconic brand. Over the decades, Ferrari has evolved its models to push the boundaries of speed, design, and innovation, from the early V12 engines of the 1950s to the introduction of hybrid technology in modern hypercars. Each era of Ferrari’s road cars reflects a commitment to both tradition and progress, maintaining a delicate balance between performance and everyday usability.
From classics like the Testarossa to modern masterpieces like the LaFerrari, Ferrari’s evolution showcases a continuous drive to redefine the supercar experience.
Here is a list of Ferrari models released since 1980, organised by decade:
1980s:
- Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS (1975–1985, continued into the 1980s)
- Ferrari Mondial 8 (1980)
- Ferrari 400i (1980–1984)
- Ferrari 512 BBi (1981–1984)
- Ferrari 208 GTB/GTS Turbo (1982–1985)
- Ferrari 288 GTO (1984)
- Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1991)
- Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS (1985–1989)
- Ferrari Mondial 3.2 (1985–1989)
- Ferrari 412 (1985–1989)
- Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)
1990s:
- Ferrari 348 TB/TS (1989–1995)
- Ferrari Mondial T (1989–1993)
- Ferrari 512 TR (1991–1994)
- Ferrari 456 GT/GTA (1992–2003)
- Ferrari F355 (1994–1999)
- Ferrari F50 (1995–1997)
- Ferrari 550 Maranello (1996–2002)
- Ferrari 456M GT/GTA (1998–2003)
- Ferrari 360 Modena (1999–2005)
2000s:
- Ferrari 360 Spider (2000–2005)
- Ferrari 575M Maranello (2002–2006)
- Ferrari Enzo Ferrari (2002–2004)
- Ferrari Challenge Stradale (2003–2004)
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (2004–2010)
- Ferrari F430 (2004–2009)
- Ferrari F430 Spider (2005–2009)
- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2006–2012)
- Ferrari 599 GTO (2010–2012)
2010s:
- Ferrari 458 Italia (2009–2015)
- Ferrari 458 Spider (2011–2015)
- Ferrari FF (2011–2016)
- Ferrari F12berlinetta (2012–2017)
- Ferrari LaFerrari (2013–2016)
- Ferrari California T (2014–2017)
- Ferrari 488 GTB (2015–2019)
- Ferrari GTC4Lusso (2016–2020)
- Ferrari 812 Superfast (2017–present)
- Ferrari Portofino (2017–2022)
2020s:
- Ferrari Roma (2020–present)
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale (2020–present)
- Ferrari 296 GTB (2021–present)
- Ferrari 812 GTS (2020–present)
- Ferrari Daytona SP3 (2021–present)
- Ferrari Purosangue (2023–present)
Become a Member of SCC Private Members
Do you own a Ferrari and want to join a club that shares your passion, get in touch with us today.
From member concierge and access to exclusive tours across the UK and abroad, to partner discounts and offers – there are many perks to being a member of SCC.
Already a member and own a Ferrari?
We’re always looking to interview our members for the monthly ‘Member’s Drive’ section of our newsletter – if you’d be happy to talk to us about your car, why you chose it and what you enjoy about it, please do let us know.
