Italy · 1947

Ferrari

Competition, engines and the mythology of Maranello

The complete perspective

Why the name matters.

Ferrari is inseparable from racing. Enzo Ferrari used road cars to support competition, and the tension between those purposes created front-engine grand tourers, homologation specials, mid-engine supercars and limited flagships that became cultural objects beyond the automobile world.

How it evolved

Colombo V12s and coachbuilt bodies defined the early years. The 250 lineage matured the road-racing GT, mid-engine Dino and Berlinetta Boxer models changed the architecture, and the F40 through LaFerrari lineage turned each technological era into a flagship statement.

What it does best

Engines, racing continuity, design authority, global desirability and an unmatched archive of significant individual chassis.

Where the story is complicated

Brand management, scarcity and market value can overwhelm discussion of how the cars actually drive and differ.

Landmark automobiles