To celebrate the milestone 70th anniversary of the carmaker, here are 7 things you probably may not have known of the modern Ferrari.
Technological excellence, performance, style, exclusivity. These are just a few of the words that come to mind at the sight of the prancing horse of Ferrari that first revved into the scene on March 12, 1947.
If you’re quick with math, that makes today exactly 70 years since Enzo Ferrari fired up the 125 S, the first car to bear his name and which would become an internationally-renowned Made in Italy speed icon.
To celebrate this milestone, here are 7 things you probably may not have known of the modern Ferrari.
1947 – Ferrari is founded
In all known records, 1947 is recognised as the founding year of the Ferrari NV company. However, Enzo Ferrari founded the company in 1939 (which at the time was named Auto Avio Costruzioni). It built its first car in 1940. It wasn’t until 1947 that it premiered the 125 S, the first Ferrari-badged car, following a name change.
1950 – Ferrari makes F1 debut
Ferrari is the oldest surviving and most successful Formula One Team, having competed in every world championship since the inception of the championship in 1950. It raced under Scuderia Ferrari, the official racing division of Ferrari. José Froilán González gave the team its first victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix.
1969 – Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder
Ford Motor Company was among the few who were interested to buy out Ferrari but the deal fell through as the contract would remove Enzo Ferrari from staying at the helm of the company racing programme. Fiat approached Ferrari later with more success, allowing Enzo to retain a 10% share and which today is currently owned by his son Piero Lardi Ferrari.
1972 – The Fiorano Circuit, Ferrari’s test track, is officially opened
Located in Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello, The Fiorano Circuit was launched for development and testing purposes, originally measuring 8.4 metres wide and 3 kilometres long. In 1992, a chicane was added, making it 3.2 kilometres long. As a test track, it comes with a wide range of corner types to help Ferrari simulate corner and track types of other Grand Prix circuits.
1988 – Enzo Ferrari passes away aged 90
Enzo Ferrari died on 14 August, 1988 at the age of 90 but it wasn’t until 2 days later that his death was made public by Enzo’s request to compensate for the late registration of his birth. One of the last cars he witnessed the launch of was the Ferrari F40, which was also dedicated as a symbol of his achievements. The first car to be named after him will not come until 2002, launched as the Enzo Ferrari.
1993 – The marque’s first single-make challenge, the Ferrari Challenge, is launched
First launched so owners of the 348 Berlinetta can be involved in racing, the Ferrari Challenge now comprises 3 official championships in the United States, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Since 2007, the Ferrari Challenge exclusively used the Ferrari F430 model, but in 2010 the 458 Challenge wasborn. For the 2017 season, Ferrari has introduced the 488 Challenge, which will replace the 458 Challenge Evoluzione.
2013 – The Cavallino Rampante’s first hybrid model, the LaFerrari, goes into production
Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, its name which translates to literally mean ‘The Ferrari’ is meant to signify that this car is the definitive Ferrari. It weighs under 1,000kg and only 499 units have been built, although 500 more were later made for auction. Last year, a LaFerrari sold for USD$7 million (approximately MYR31.1 million) making it “the most valuable 21st century automobile ever sold at auction”.
Ferrari70: The LaFerrari Aperta
For its 70th milestone anniversary, the carmaker has a new limited edition special series model – the LaFerrari Aperta. Created for its most loyal clients and is also made as the spider version of the acclaimed La Ferrari supercar, it is an effortless combination of extraordinary performance with the unique exhilaration of open-top driving. What’s more seductive is that it is equipped with the same hybrid power unit as the coupé: an 800cv 6,262cc V12 engine coupled with a 120kW electric motor.
Limited to only 209 units, it comes with a removable carbon-fibre hard top and removable soft top; more efficient powertrain’s control electronics; reangled radiators to direct airflow out along the underbody rather than over the bonnet; longer front air dam to help boost downforce; L-shaped flap on the upper corner of each windscreen pillar; different butterfly door angle with different wheel arches; and a new carbon fibre insert that will allow the doors to rotate.
Ferrari is also celebrating the anniversary with a series of events and campaigns that mark power, speed and style that is synonymous with the Ferrari name. Discover the Ferrari Legacy at the official website here.
(Source: Ferrari)
