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THE BEGINING OF THE FERRARI
This was the very first car to wear the Ferrari badge. The V12 engine was designed by Gioachino Colombo with contributions from Giuseppe Busso and Luigi Bazzi. Sport and competition versions of the 125 S were built with different bodywork although the chassis and running gear of the cars remained basically identical. -
166 S
The 166 S was launched at the start of 1948 in both berlinetta and spider versions, both of which were built by Allemano. The berlinetta took victory in that year’s Mille Miglia, while the spider won the Giro di Sicilia. -
195 Inter
This was a touring-type version of the 195 S, with a more powerful yet more flexible engine which made driving easier for clients unused to extreme performance. Touring, Ghia and Ghia Aigle (the first foreign coachworks to take an active interest in a Ferrari) created a number of different versions, some of which proved to be quite successful in GT racing. The most popular versions of this model, however, were those by Vignale, who produced some stunning personalised coupés for the most exclusiv -
225 S
Ferrari continued with its development of two absolute jewels at this particular time: the two V12s designed respectively by Gioachino Colombo and Aurelio Lampredi. Columbo’s touch was still very much in evidence in the 225 S’s engine, although the improvements made to it were entirely the result of Lampredi’s research, particularly the strikingly innovative and efficient design of the intake manifold and the distribution. A number of examples were built using Gilco’s “Tuboscocca” (tubular semi- -
250 Europa
The 250 Europa took over from the 212 Inter, and for economies of scale, shared the same chassis as the 375 America. The Lampredi V12 was kept below 3 litres. -
750 Monza
The prototype made its debut at Monza in 1954 with an engine based on a development of the four-cylinder Type 555 and took both first and second positions. The power unit with its twin overhead camshaft and very respectable horse-power, developed a very high torque that made for particularly impressive driving. Almost all of the coachworks were built by Scaglietti to a Dino Ferrari design. The most notable of the 750 Monza’s other victories was the 1954 Tourist Trophy -
250 GT Coupé
Presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1954, the 250 GT Coupé represented Ferrari’s first attempt at standardising a model destined for the normal motorist. Developed from the 250 Europa, it was fitted with a version of the Colombo Type 125 engine fed by three classic Weber 36 DCZ carburettors. -
250 GT Berlinetta
This was the first model in the legendary berlinetta series. These cars were not only perfect for driving to the track, but also for racing (and winning!) on it. -
410 Superamerica
The engine that was to equip the 410 Superamerica was presented on the chassis of the 375 America at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955. The car itself was unveiled to the public later, at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show. The elegant bodywork with its impressive dimensions was the work of Pinin Farina. It is a curious fact that this model, which was destined for series production, actually gave rise to a number of competition versions, reverting to Ferrari’s customary practice. -
250 GT Cabriolet
Pininfarina presented this two-seater spider at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957, a year after a similar proposal by Boano debuted at the same venue. With its classic lines, the Pininfarina interpretation proved to be an instant hit with the more refined clientele.
After the first 40 cars had been produced, a second series was created. To differentiate it from the more sporting 250 GT Spider California, the Cabriolet’s styling was made more sober, boot space was increased and it was made more comfo