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Enzo Ferrari


Synopsis


Ferrari means red. It means racing. Excellence, luxury, and performance.

Less well-known is the man behind the brand.

For nearly seventy years, Enzo Ferrari dominated a motor-sports empire that defined the world of high-performance cars.

Next to the Pope, Ferrari was the most revered man in Italy. But was he the benign padrone portrayed by an adoring world press at the time, or was he a ruthless despot, who drove his staff to the edge of madness, and his racing drivers even further?

Brock Yates's definitive biography penetrated Ferrari's elaborately constructed veneer and uncovered the truth behind Ferrari's bizarre relationships, his work with Mussolini's fascists, and his fanatical obsession with speed.

"A fascinating and provocative book" The Observer.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years

Enzo Ferrari's passion for racing began at an early age when he attended a race in Bologna in 1908. He started his career as a driver for Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali (CMN) in 1919 and later joined Alfa Romeo in 1920. In 1929, he founded Scuderia Ferrari, which initially operated as a racing team for Alfa Romeo drivers.

Chapter 2: The Birth of Ferrari

After disagreements with Alfa Romeo, Ferrari left the company in 1939 and founded his own eponymous car company in Maranello, Italy. The first Ferrari car, the 125 S, was built in 1947.

Chapter 3: Racing Dominance

Ferrari cars quickly became dominant in Formula 1 and other racing competitions. The team won its first Formula 1 World Championship in 1952 and continued to achieve numerous victories. Ferrari's legendary drivers included Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Niki Lauda.

Chapter 4: The Road Cars

In addition to racing cars, Ferrari also produced road cars that were highly sought-after by wealthy enthusiasts. The first road car, the 250 GT, was released in 1954. Other iconic road models included the Testarossa, F40, and LaFerrari.

Chapter 5: The Man Behind the Myth

Enzo Ferrari was a complex and driven individual. He was known for his fiery temper, relentless pursuit of victory, and unwavering belief in his team. He instilled a culture of excellence and innovation that became synonymous with Ferrari.

Chapter 6: The Legacy

Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988, but his legacy continues to live on. Ferrari remains one of the most successful and respected car manufacturers in the world, renowned for its racing pedigree, engineering excellence, and enduring style.

Real-Life Example

The legendary Ferrari 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase) is a perfect example of Ferrari's racing heritage. It was introduced in 1959 and was based on the 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France. The SWB won numerous races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 and 1960. Today, it is considered one of the most valuable and collectible cars in the world.