History of Ferrari Innovations

It’s no secret that Ferrari has always been at the forefront of the automotive industry for its out-of-the-box designs and many innovative feats since its founding in 1947. Throughout its history, the concept of aerodynamics has been the emphasis of the world-class automaker. From the creation of the rear spoiler to competing in every single season of F1, Ferrari Lake Forest covers the history of Ferrari innovations in the guide below.

Ferrari Innovations: A Timeline

1929 to 1939: Scuderia Ferrari

A former racecar driver for Alfa Romeo and soon-to-be-founder of the most prominent F1 automakers of all time, Enzo Ferrari formed Scuderia Ferrari in 1929, a racing team. Alfa Romeo withdrew from racing in 1933 and supplied Scuderia Ferrari with racing cars. Until it was merged into Alfa Romeo in 1937, the Scuderia Ferrari created some of the best race drivers for the decade, winning 144 out of 155 races. Enzo broke off from Alfa Romeo to create his own business in 1939.

1945 to 1947: The 125 S

Ferrari adopted its current name in 1945, and Enzo Ferrari got down to work on a new V12 engine which would go on to power the creator’s first car, the 125 S. Only two 125 S models were made. The 125 S immediately became successful, coming in first place for multiple races in 1947. 

1949: The 166 Inter

The 166 Inter was the automaker’s first “Berlinetta” coupe that marked Ferrari’s move into the market of grand touring road cars, which became the majority of the automaker’s sales. The 166 Inter served as the foundation for these road cars, which were often two-seaters powered by V12s.

1952 to 1964: The 250 Series & Aerodynamic Approach

Starting in 1952, Ferrari began to roll out the 250 Series, which were both designed for road use and racing. Models in the 250 Series paved the way for future models thanks to their aerodynamic designs. Models featured elongated, sloping hoods, and sharp pointed noses which decreased drag for enhanced high-speed stability.

1962 to 1964: The 250 GTO & the Addition of Rear Spoilers

Widely considered the most aerodynamically advanced grand-tourers for its time, the Ferrari 250 GTO was produced between 1962 to 1964 to compete in FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car category. The design was overseen by chief engineer Giotto Bizzarini, who took an aerodynamic-focused approach to improve the 250 GTO’s top speed, which led to the addition of a rear spoiler. 

1967 to 1974: The Emergence of Mid-Engine Road Cars

The automaker shifted its focus in the second half of the 1960s to mid-engined road cars, where the engine is situated between the rear and front wheels. The Dino series (260 GT, 246 GT, and 246 GT) incorporated many features found on modern Ferrari models and were the first in the automaker’s lineage to feature V6 and V8 engines instead of V12.

1984 to 1996s: The Testarossa

Beginning production in 1984, the Testarossa was a V-12 mid-engine sports car that was well beyond its time and took aerodynamics to another level. It featured a wide stance, a side-mounted radiator for improved cooling, and was closer to the ground for enhanced racing stability. The Testarossa remains one of the most famous Ferrari’s of all time.

2013 to Present: Hybrid Beginnings

In 2013, Ferrari created the first-ever hybrid supercar that featured a 6.3-liter V12 engine to go alongside its electric motors. The supercar also was the most aerodynamically advanced supercar manufactured by the automaker and featured several innovative features, including a retractable rear spoiler and a carbon fiber body. While the LaFerrari ceased production in 2016, it ushered in a new future for hybrid sportscar racing and aerodynamic genius.

Learn More With Ferrari Lake Forest

The progression of Ferrari’s innovations would not have been made possible without the influence of drivers like you. With the help of Ferrari Lake Forest, you can become a part of the esteemed automaker’s legendary history with a new or pre-owned Ferrari. For any questions related to our inventory or the history of Ferrari innovations, our team is more than happy to hear from you. Contact us online or give us a call at (847) 295-6560 today.