Ferrari

Founded in 1939 and officially becoming an automotive manufacturing company in 1947, Ferrari has consistently been a leader in the world of luxury sports cars. Enzo Ferrari, its founder, started the journey by establishing Auto Avio Costruzioni, which built the 125 S, Ferrari's first vehicle, featuring a 1.5 L V12 engine. This marked the beginning of Ferrari’s longstanding tradition of engineering high-performance engines.

Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello, Italy, quickly became the heart of innovation and racing excellence. The company's deep-rooted connection with racing began with early successes in the Mille Miglia and the Le Mans series. Their entry into Formula One in 1950 cemented their status in competitive motorsport, where Ferrari became the oldest and most successful team in racing history. Legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher all contributed to its enviable record in Formula One.

Throughout the decades, Ferrari has produced numerous iconic models that have set benchmarks in automotive design and performance. The Ferrari 250 GTO, introduced in 1962, is often hailed as one of the greatest cars ever made, blending aesthetic appeal with remarkable engineering. The 1980s witnessed the Ferrari F40, a supercar that represented the zenith of automotive ambition during its era.

Ferrari is known for its distinctive prancing horse logo, which has an intriguing origin. The symbol was inspired by the emblem of World War I flying ace Francesco Baracca, whom Enzo Ferrari admired.

Ownership changes have played a pivotal role in Ferrari's history. In 1969, Fiat S.p.A acquired a 50% stake in the company, later increasing its share but ensuring Ferrari's independence in terms of branding and operations. In 2015, Ferrari went public, adding another layer to its storied legacy.