Ferrari
360 Modena
 The
name Ferrari is synonymous with power, performance, and speed.
When many think of their "dream car" it's a sleek,
rumbling Ferrari going 180 miles per hour down the highway.
Since it's humble beginnings in 1947, the Ferrari stable has
always been stocked with some magnificent machines.
Enzo Ferrari was born on February 18, 1898 near Modena, Italy.
He saw his first motor race at the age of 10, and could drive
by the time he was 13. Connected for many years with Alfa
Romeo, Ferrari himself built a only a few sports cars bearing
his own name and his famous prancing horse badge.
Real Ferrari production did not start until after the end
of World War II. In 1943, the Ferrari factory was making ball
bearings for the war effort. The company later moved to Maranello,
Italy where it was destroyed by bombs. In 1946, the factory
was rebuilt and renamed Ferrari. Here all cars were designed
and built.
The first Ferrari to sport the horse trademark on its hood
was a 125 driven by Franco Cortese on May 11, 1947, at the
Rome Grand Prix. The prancing horse was inspired from a painting
on the fuselage of the fighter plane flown by Francesco Baracca
during WW I. Since then, more than 5,000 victories have followed.
Ferraris were fast cars with V-engines from 6 to 12 cylinders
and double ohc valve gear. Enzo Ferrari adopted a flat-12
engine in his Formula 1 racing cars. In 1955 Ferrari took
over the 2.5 liter F-1 Lancias. Beginning in 1961, Ferrari
competition cars were rear-engined.
Ford made an attempt to buy Ferrari for $18m in 1963. Enzo
would only go for the deal if he was allowed to run the racing
side. Ford refused and in response, produced its own sports
racer, the GT40.
In 1969, Ferrari became part of the Fiat empire. Enzo Ferrari
stayed on as head of his factory in Maranello. Some Fiat parts
were used on his very early sports cars. Ferrari died at the
age of 90 in Modena on August 14, 1988.
The trademark prancing horse is still a symbol of excellence.
From the first 125 driven by Franco Cortes to the later Dinos,
Mondials, Monzas, Spiders, Testa Rosas, GTs and other unique
designs, all Ferraris receive attention every time they are
driven down a street. There is no mistaking the sound of a
Ferrari.
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