Ferrari History

Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena Italy on February 18 1898. He came from a well to do family that owned a metal foundry making railroad parts, they were the first in his town to own a car. When WWI came Enzo’s father and brother (Dino) were drafted into the Italian army, whom both died from influenza in 1916. Enzo was forced to leave school to run the foundry, when the business collapsed he started work as a metalworker at the Modena Fire Brigade workshop in order to support his widowed mother. Enzo himself was later drafted into the Italian army where he worked shoeing mules for the mountain artillery, after a few months he becomming seriously ill and was released from the military. Not interested in going back to shcool and against his mothers will, he found work as a test driver in Turin in late 1918. Enzo then moved to Milan to work at CMN (Costruzioni Maccaniche Nazionali) as a racing car driver. His first real race came in the 1919, the Parma-Berceto, he then entered the Targa Florio that same year. Enzo Ferrari

Enzo then founded Scuderia Ferrari, (literally means Ferrari Stable) who were mainly sponsers and trainers for Alfa Romeo. He was officially hired by Alfa Romeo as head of their racing department in 1938, then in 1940, upon learning of the company’s plan to take control of his beloved Scuderia, he quit Alfa. Since he was prohibited by contract from racing for several years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories for Piaggio and RIV as Italy was gearing up for WWII. Ferrari did in fact produce one race car, the Tipo 815, in the non-competition period; it was thus the first actual Ferrari car, but due to the war it saw little competition.
In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello, where it has remained ever since. The factory was bombed in 1944 due to making machines for ball bearing production, it was rebuilt in 1946 to include a works for road car production. The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5-litre V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia.

Since then, company cars, driven by the best drivers, have racked up over 5,000 successes on race tracks and roads all over the world, creating a legend. The most important achievements have been 9 Formula 1 Drivers’ World titles, 14 Manufacturers’ World titles, 8 Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championships, 9 wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours race, 8 at the Mille Miglia, 7 at the Targa Florio, and, up to the end of 1997, 113 wins in Formula 1 Grands Prix.
WhileÂ Enzo’s beautiful and blazingly fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not for racing. Ferrari has long been one of the ultimate toys for the rich and young (or young-at-heart). Ferrari cars feature highly-tuned small V8 and V12 engines, often in a mid-engined configuration. But until the introduction of fuel injection in the 1980s, they were quite temperamental and were dificult to maintain. Before the mid 1980s they carried a reputation for unreliability and bad engineering, though these were written off by enthusiasts as “character.” Ferrari owners have famously and religiously defended the merits of their cars while virulently criticizing other brands.
In 1969, to meet growing market demand, Enzo Ferrari sold 50% of the share capital to the Fiat Group, and investment that increased to 90% in 1988. In spite of this Ferrari has always maintained a strong autonomy, thanks to its specialist activities.
Enzo Ferrari died in Modena on August 14, 1988. As of the writing of this article, FIAT owns 56% of Ferrari, Mediobanca owns 15%, Commerzbank AG owns 10%, Lehman Brothers owns 7%, and Enzo’s son Piero Ferrari owns 10%.
Ferrari 456GT

At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari introduced a special two-tone version of the 456M GT as a further example of the personalisation opportunities offered by the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme, presently adopted by 90% of Ferrari’s clientele.
In the case of the 456M GT displayed on the Ferrari stand, and expressly designed for Michael Schumacher, the dominant characteristic is the two-tone paint finish. This elegant ‘tone on tone’ personalised colour mix was obtained through a specific study personally commissioned by Schumacher on the chromatic tones of grey, then also applied to other exterior details as the wheel rims and the radiator grille.
The personalised options are also extended to the car’s interior with the new graphics for the dials, while the cross-drilled brakes contribute to adding a more sporty note to the two-tone 456M GT ‘Scaglietti’. The tailoring process has also been applied to many leather interior details, such as the steering wheel, the door trims and the rear parcel shelf.
The seats are characterised by micro-perforated leather to the central part, whilst the crimson stitching contributes to the even more personalised style of the interior. The final personalisation ‘touches’ are a special version of the hi-fi stereo system and the radio-satellite navigation system.

The Practical Ferrari 456M

Unlike most Ferrari models, past and present, the 456M GT is a 2+2 berlinetta coupe, which means it has a snug two-place rear seat in addition to the customary front buckets. As the company puts it, this is “the evolution of a very popular concept amongst Ferrari clients who want a real Ferrari with the practicality of rear seats for two additional passengers.”
In contrast to the mid-engine 360 Modena, Ferrariâ€™s least costly model that is equipped with a V-8 behind the seats, the 456M GT has a V-12 engine mounted up front. The list price for the 456M GT is $226,975, while the automatic-transmission GTA goes for $232,170. That makes the 456M Ferrariâ€™s most expensive model in the U.S. market at least until the 550 Barchetta goes on sale in spring 2001.
Ferrari sold about 4,000 cars worldwide during 2000, the companyâ€™s eighth year of increased sales. More than 1,000 went to North America, with California accounting for 22 percent of sales. Plans for 2001 are identical, with no more than 4,000 cars expected to go out the door.
“Berlinetta” translates to “little sedan,” which is the Italian way of describing what Americans call a two-door coupe. Like other Ferrari models, the 456M GT was styled by Pininfarina, a legendary Italian design studio thatâ€™s been responsible for many illustrious models in the companyâ€™s history.
About a foot longer than the 360 Modena, the 456M GT measures 187 inches overall. Body lines are softer than those of other Ferrari models, coupled with a cross-hatch grille and large bodyside scallops. The carâ€™s classic look is accentuated by its long-hood and short-deck profile. Body panels are constructed of aluminum, the chassis is made of steel, and the hood is carbon fiber.

512 BB

New European legislation on noise and pollution forced Ferrari Company to make major modifications to the 365 BB and so, in 1976, the 512 BB was born. Exterior changes included larger wheels, a new front spoiler and extra cooling ducts, while the engine was enlarged to nearly 5 litres.
However, the new larger engine was actually down on power and performance as legislation had enforced a lower maximum rpm. This was addressed, to a degree, in 1981 with the addition of Bosch fuel injection.
While many believe it does not have the charisma of its predecessor the Daytona, there can be no denying that the BB has its own place in supercar history thanks to its stunning looks and mid engine design.

2002 550 Barchetta

Anything with a prancing horse on it seems to sell like crazy these days.Â Ferrari flags, Schumacher caps, fire-engine-red scale models, embroidered polo shirts, and, of course, sports cars. The waiting list for the U.S.-market 360 Spider stretches into the first quarter of 2004, factory-fresh 360 Modena coupes call for at least twelve months’ patience, and even the V-12-engined heavyweights aren’t available on short notice.
So when Ferrari announces a limited-edition model, the importers can be very picky about whose order they accept. Being rich is obviously a must, being famous helps, but being a loyal, longtime collector is the strongest argument in the case for delivery. In the instance of the 550 Barchetta, it took only a few weeks to select the 448 lucky aficionados who are now entitled to part with $245,000 for a powerful and exclusive two-seat sports car that has a rudimentary part-time roof.
The official name of this new Ferrari is the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. Pininfarina’s name is included because this car is intended to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the design house and coachbuilder. The company has a long association with Ferrari, dating back to 1952, and has shaped a bunch of milestone open-top Ferraris, among them the 500 Mondial, the 375MM Spider, the 250GT Spider, the 330GTS, and the 365GTS/4 Daytona.
Pininfarina’s latest creation is a first-rate crowd-stopper, but in some ways, it’s also one of the company’s weaker efforts. Simply stated, the 550 Maranello is not particularly suited to such a conversion.
When you lop off the roof of the coupe, the car’s proportions suddenly look funny: The wheelbase seems a little short, the overhangs are too long, and, robbed of its greenhouse, the broad-shouldered body appears cluttered and busy. We like the lowered windshield, the A-posts with body-color roots and jet-black uppers, and the aluminum fuel-filler cap. But, at the same time, we could do without details such as the tacky yellow Ferrari badges on the flanks and the two-piece, five-spoke alloy wheels.

Spies Catch Shot Of 599 Roadster

When it comes to any new Ferrari models we never get tired of seeing them. Especially when that model has not yet been officially released and they are trying to keep it in hiding. The Ferrari 599 Roadster has been spotted once again in Italy.
The best part about this picture is that we get to see it without its top. The test mule has donned a roof that doesn’t quite fit – which leads us to believe that Ferrari will be introducing a convertible version of the 599. We could expect it to be a folding hard top like that on the California, a soft top like that on the F430 Spider, or a rotating flip top like that on the 575M-based Superamerica.
Of course we might be thinking out of the box too much and it could just mean that it will become a normal production model or even a special edition Ferrari. When Ferrari was asked what they were working on at the moment they only said that they had many ideas. Obviously they gave no details. So for now we have to wait.

Ferrari Recalls 2005-2007 612 Scagliettis

Those who own a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti with the F1 transmission will be very upset to know that it is defective and their car will be recalled. A build-up of heat will trigger the clutch sensors.
Ferrari has issued an official recall of all of these Scagliettis that have the possibility of being affected by this problem. Close to 366 of these cars are being recalled at this time and the dealerships will be replacing the sensor and a related cable holder and magnet. These things could be making it difficult to shift.
The recall stated that only the 2005-2007â€™s have been affected by this.

Personalize Your Ferrari California Using Online Configurator

Not many of us have the chance to see one or even many Ferraris displayed in front of us. That is unless you have millions of dollars to purchase your very own or you have the pleasure of visiting the factory in Maranello. In order to make up for this Ferrari has created an online configuration program.
This new program gives us the chance to personalize our very own California model. We can create the Ferrari of our dreams by giving it the color, trim, and wheel combinations that we like best. On the program you will have 27 exterior colors to chose from, three wheel options, five brake calipers, and 12 leather hues. With these options you have a chance at 4,860 different combinations you can make!
With this program you can discover which color you really want the California to have and how you would personalize it to your specification. So while we may not have the opportunity to see a real one up close we can spend hours dreaming and seeing it displayed on our computer screens! If nothing else it is a great way to kill time.

Ferrari Zobin Concept

When it comes to its designs for the latest supercars Ferrari is taking risks and opening new doors for consumers. They have always created the fiercest and most unique designs – but over the past few years they have taken it to new heights. A good example of this is the new California – which has proven to be popular among the masses.
Their newest concept is also impressive and quite different from what we are used to. The Zobin concept was designed by the Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi. The back end of the car seems to be taken from the one-off P4/5 that was produced by Pininfarina. The front end is actually from the Enzo F1 designed nose surrounded by a metal band that wraps around to create front fenders and a front spoiler.
The headlights have been suspended from the metal band and float beside the center fuselage. This is a single-seater concept that is powered by an engine (though what we don’t know). As curious as we are to what will power it we are far more interested in the design of the whole thing. This design is obviously very unique and leaves room for improvement.
It can be a rare thing for automakers to be able to not only improve on past models or concepts – but to give them something that will amaze people in a positive way. As for this we would love to see the Ferrari F1 team take it to whole new heights and continue their upward climb to winning almost every trophy!

FX70 To Become Successor To Enzo

It has been awhile since we have received news on what model will become the new successor to the Ferrari Enzo. We are excited to hear that production for the new car has already started and has been given the codename of FX70.
For now the mule is being held in the shell of an F430 Scuderia. Unfortunately we don’t have a very good picture of the car right now – but we have been told that there are noticeable differences that show off the newer model.
The wheels on the Scuderia are too large to be the ones that will stay on it. Also the track is too wide and there is a large center mounted exhaust that is not supposed to be there. Of course that isn’t the only good news that we have heard.
It seems that Ferrari is working on producing two different engine options that will be used for the new FX70. They include a twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 700 horsepower and a twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 800 horsepower. If rumors are true then Ferrari will choose the TT V8 engine so as to make up for the climate concerns that is plaguing many automakers.

FX70 To Become Successor To Enzo

Ferrari Hands Keys To Fastest Man Alive

What do you have to do to get into a Ferrari without actually having to pay for one? A whole lot. Many famous people get their chance of riding in some of the top exotic cars because they have the status. So how do we normal people get to do it? The same way!
The only way Ferrari is going to let anyone drive their car is if they have the right amount of status and publicity. Lucky for Usain Bold he had exactly like this. Bolt was deemed the Fastest Man Alive after setting a new world record in the 100 and 200 meter sprints at last summer’s Beijing Olympics.
Because of this Ferrari thought it fit that he drive around in the world’s fastest supercar and in one of the world’s richest cities – Monaco. Bold was given the keys to a Ferrari F430 and was allowed to drive on parts of the F1 circuit in the city. It was all in principality for the upcoming IAAF awards. We wonder how many new records he is going to set in this car!

1995 F50

The Ferrari F50 was intended to be a Grand Prix vehicle for the road, but with a sports car chassis. With a big engine and a carbon fiber body structure it was a fantastic performer. Top speed was 207 mph just 6 mph faster than the F40, but it carved 2.0 seconds off the 0-100 mph time at only 8.0 seconds, neck-wrenching acceleration.
Although the F50 was shown in prototype form in 1991, it was some time before it emerged as a production car – and then only 349 were built. Of course, the design was changed a lot before it went into production, but some features are the same as on a Grand Prix car.
Inspired by the F40, the F50 was improved aerodynamically, and had its own looks. The fenders sweep rather lower than the centre section of the body, and the headlamps sit behind plastic covers. New for Ferrari were the outlets from the radiator in the hood – 30 years after Ford did it on the GT40.
There are long air intakes in the flanks of the car, and the neat tail is topped by a high-mounted spoiler. The whole car had a strong wedge line, and was designed to get the air away from beneath the car.
The biggest change was that a standard Ferrari engine was modified for the F50, so the car was powered by a 4.7 liter V-12 65-degree engine developing no less than 513 bhp at 8,500 rpm. With an output of 109 bhp per liter, this was definitely like a racing car at that time. Maximum torque was delivered at 6,500 rpm, so despite the huge power output, you needed to keep the engine spinning to get the most out of it. This was a highly advanced engine, with five valves per cylinder now found on the Ferrari V-8 engine in the 360 Modena and CS, but this was conceived a decade ago. The engine was coupled to a six-speed gearbox.
Ferrari moved on a long way from the F40 in the design of the F50, as the car is built around a carbon fiber composite tub just like the Grand prix cars. There is a tubular sub-frame at the front for the suspension pivots, but the engine is bolted directly to the rear of the tub. The rear suspension is carried on outriggers from the gearbox.

Could We See A Convertible 599 GTB Fiorano

When it comes to rumors we are all ears â€“ especially when it comes to possible information on aÂ new model. The new rumors are giving us insight into a convertible model of the 599 GTB Fiorano â€“ which Ferrari is planning on releasing within a couple of years.
Speculation surrounding the 599 Spider is backed up by an interview with Ferrari’s General Director, Amadeo Felisa, which appeared recently in the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. When asked about a convertible 599, Felisa confirmed that Ferrari is developing such a model for possible production in a limited series like its predecessor, the 575-based SuperAmerica.
Based on traditional Ferrari nomenclature revived for the 599 GTB â€“ the roadster will most likely carry the 599 GTS designation, perhaps given another name to replace Fiorano for the open-air version.

Ferrari 360 Modena Replica

I’ll be surprised if most of your friends won’t drool all over you when they see you in this stunning Ferrari 360 Modena Replica, made by Extreme Cars. Judging by the looks of these vehicles, these guys seem to have done quite an impressive job in turning a humble Peugeot 406 Coupe into a jaw dropping Ferrari.
According to Extreme Cars, the replica kit, which consists of numerous exterior panels (doors, mirrors, roof, lights, bumpers etc) and an interior package (centre console, seats etc) costs about 17.000 Euros or 22.000 USD.
Extreme Cars says that an average kit takes approximately 100 hours to assemble. If you want Extreme Cars to do the job for you, then the you’ll have to take out another 17.000 Euros or 22.000 USD from your bank account. Add to that of course the cost of buying a Peugeot 406 Coupe.
Think that even if this is just a Replica, its a shame that this car’s engine is in the front powering the front wheels? Well, if your into more “extreme” sports, Extreme Cars announced that it is programming a limited run edition which will get two 3.0 V6 engines one in the front and one in the rear, available for about 45.000 USD or 35.000 Euros.

Ferrari 250 TR Racer To Be Auctioned At Maranello

The Ferrari 250 TR is one of the more unique and beautiful supercars that was made by this automaker. According to history it was also one of the most competitive. With this supercar Ferrari managed to secure ten wins in a total of nineteen races between 1958 to 1961. This included a win during the Le Mans.
The fact that one of these models is up for sale is a rare thing to see – but you can guarantee that it will bring in plenty of money. Dozens of collectors of high end cars will willingly pay the thousands of dollars that is needed to secure the 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis #0714TR) for themselves. The RM Auctions’ Ferrari Leggenda E Passione will be held in May at Maranello.
This particular model to be sold on the block was campaigned between 1958 and 1963 and was given a black paint true to its period. RM has high hopes that the Ferrari 250 TR will set a new record that could exceed $21.7 million.