When the word’Ferrari’ is mentioned- too often is it associated with Prada, Gucci, Champagne, and extravagant living. This iconic brand was named “World’s most valuable Brand” by ‘Brand Finance Global 500’.Ferrari started as Scuderia Ferrari in a garage in 1929. This racing company neither made their own cars nor entertained high-end lifestlyes. But, thanks to the relentless pursuit of passion and motor-works from a young gentleman Mr. Enzo Ferrari. Ferrari’s climb to success as an entrepreneur is often overlooked, in my opinion. The aforementioned company, Scuderia Ferrari, literally means ‘Ferrari Stable.’ This company built and maintained Alfa Romeo racing cars for wealthy racing drivers competing in the European circuit. The irony, that a brand now associated with pinnacle aspects of luxury started with two men fixing racing cars with a wooden box full of wrenches. Enzo Ferrari was an engineer and businessman. As his Scuderia Ferrari company grew, Enzo worked for Alfa Romeo in the racing division until 1939, when Enzo left to start Ferrari N.V., the Ferrari we all know and love. Enzo worked tirelessly to build to business. Initially the brand used frames, chassis, and various other components to assemble racing cars, only building their own engines- which became the hallmark of the brand. Enzo and his ‘Ferrari’ company would not make their first car from the ground-up until 1947. This 1947 model was the first ‘Gentlman’s sports car’ intended for spirited driving in the Italian countryside. Enzo was the first to admit that the consumer cars Ferrari built, that is anything that is not exclusively a race car, were sold to fund Ferrari’s racing program. This lead to Ferrari’s dominance in the LeMans into the iconic conflict between Ford and Ferrari. Enzo passed away in 1988, at 90 Years of age. While Enzo’s ventures were some time ago- the lesson holds true- that the relentless pursuit of passion can yield something great.
As a side note- Ferrari designed and engineered a car he called the 250 GTO in the mid1960’s- One of these cars, which is one of 36, sold for $70 Million dollars a few years ago. This makes the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO the most expensive car ever sold.
It is so cool learning how anybody can be an entrepreneur no matter what their passion in life is. Ferrari’s humble origins is a great testament to how we can take our passions and turn it into a multi-billion dollar business. One day I hope to own a Ferrari or maybe a car worth more than a thousand dollars. Thanks for the article Roman.
I recently just wrote a research paper on Ferrari and I watched the new movie, Ford Vs. Ferrari. It’s a shame they portrayed Ferrari to be the antagonist but it didn’t take away my appreciation for them. I also didn’t know the story of how Ferrari was founded and their partnership with Alfa Romeo. You also mention that he was a businessman and engineer. There’s a term for that: tinkerpreneur. Enzo seemed like one that tinkered and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes. He was curious and because of this mentality, he was able to make the best cars.
The story of Ferrari is important because regardless of background anyone can have forward-thinking ideas. Enzo was able to build such a valuable brand by cementing itself as such a premium brand.