The Myth

When a legend can be explained, it ceases to be a legend, it then becomes either history or just a forgotten story.

The legend of Ferrari, the man and the cars that bear his name cannot be explained. Even the most famous symbol of Ferrari, the black Prancing horse on a yellow shield is part of the mystery. The prancing horse was originally the squadron symbol of a famous world war one fighter ace, Francessco Baracca, who had shot down 35 enemy aircraft before he was killed himself in an aerial battle in 1918. According to Enzo Ferrari himself, Baracca’s father gave the insignia to Ferrari following him winning a race at Savio in 1923, in recognition of Ferrari’s courage and talent on the racetrack. The red so typical of Ferrari was the colour assigned to Italian cars competing in Grand Prix races by the International Automobile Federation in the early part of the century.

When Ferrari started building cars, his interest was mainly cars designed for racing. If he’d had his own way, there may never have been a customer Ferrari, especially one for the road, it was only the commercial reality that without customers he couldn’t afford to go racing.

Although not always successful, Ferrari has never been off the Grand Prix scene, always powered by engines designed in house, and not bought off the shelf like many other constructors. Ferrari is one of the most important and best-known trademarks in the world. From the earliest racers to the latest 200mph supercars, for over 40 years, Ferrari has been synonymous with very fast, very beautiful cars. Over the years, few manufacturers have been held in such high regard both in the motoring industry and on the racetrack.

Within motor racing circles, Ferrari is considered the most glamorous and secretive name around. Behind the romantic mystique and glamour of Ferrari lies sheer raw power. Formula One is a breeding ground for power, and Ferrari is the master. Many of the lessons learnt on the racetrack are applied in the factory to make their road cars the ultimate in performance and handling.

To quote Formula One supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, “Ferrari is motor racing. It is the representation of everything motor racing stands for – speed, glamour, style and excitement”.