Horse Power - Ferrari, Il Cavallino Rampante

There are few brands that can match Ferrari when it comes to being desirable, iconic or instantly recognisable, anywhere on the planet. The passion of the brand combined with it illustrious racing pedigree in motorsport, ranging from endurance racing such as Le Mans to Formula 1 and classic rallies including Mille Miglia. Nothing conjures images of enthusiasm like a red Ferrari taking the chequered flag to the roar of an adoring crowd of colour matched fans, who even have their own title: The Tifosi. All of this is just on the track, the road cars are a whole other genre of excellence, the pursuit of perfection and the added magic that each Ferrari leaves with when passing the factory gates in Maranello leaves every other manufacturer green with envy. 

In 1908 a spark ignited the imagination of a 10-year-old Italian boy at a motor race, his name was Enzo Ferrari. It was not until 1929 that Enzo founded a racing team titled Scuderia Ferrari, as a way to follow his adoration of motorsport. In its initial days, it functioned as the racing department for Alfa Romeo. Enzo’s vision for the company was far bigger and needed more funding to be more competitive, the solution came in 1947 when the first road car for sale was produced, the Ferrari 125 S. Selling cars to the public was never the objective, but the racing association meant there was relentless demand for a road car that wore the badge with the prancing horse. 

The same can be said for the brand 75 years later. Huge desirability and modest production numbers drive exclusively, as it does with Rolex or Patek, and every model is sold out and bolstered by hefty waiting lists as fans crave the keys to the latest and greatest Ferraris. That being said, it is not just the newest models that have collectors salivating, it is the following of the cars through the history of the brand that really get the juices flowing and there in not decide in which a halo car was not released which did not immediately bank deposits and become THE poster car for enthusiasts be they young or old.

The following unekual series will focus on a handful of the greatest hits to come from Ferrari through the ages, exploring why they are coveted as not only the best from the brand, but arguably some of the best cars ever made. We will launch with the beautiful 250 SWB, then travel through the decades onto the 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo, undisputed automotive royalty.

Thank you to DK Engineering for access to the cars.