Ferrari – Geschiedenis en klassieke Ferrari‘s

Ferrari is an Italian car brand that was founded in 1929 in Modena, Italy. The brand was originally founded as a racing team (Scuderia Ferrari) by Enzo Ferrari. It was not until 18 years later, in 1947, that the company began producing road cars under the name Ferrari SpA. Ferrari has been inextricably linked to Formula 1 for many years and has achieved many successes in races.

Fiat owned 90% of Ferrari since 1969. In 2014, Fiat merged with Chrysler to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). In 2016, Ferrari was spun off from FCA and listed independently as Ferrari NV. Ferrari shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RACE.

entrance to Ferrari factory Maranello

• History of Ferrari
• The rearing horse
• Iconic classic models
• Buying a classic Ferrari – buying tips
• Specialists in the Netherlands

History of Ferrari

Enzo Ferrari began his career in 1923 as a driver for Alfa Romeo, where he soon rose to head the team. In 1929, he founded Scuderia Ferrari for this purpose, with which he achieved many victories with the Alfa Romeo cars for nearly 10 years.

In 1939, Enzo left Ferrari Alfa Romeo and they agreed that the name “Ferrari” would not be associated with racing or racing cars for four years. Enzo therefore founded another brand: Auto Avio Costruzioni. In 1943, the factory moved from Modena to Maranello, where it is still located today. In 1945, the brand began designing what was to become the first true Ferrari car, and on March 2, 1947, this model was unveiled in the form of the Ferrari 125 S.

1947 Ferrari 125S

Ferrari has been active since the first year of Formula 1 in 1950 and has remained so ever since. It is the only brand that is active in Formula 1 year after year. In 1951, Ferrari won a Grand Prix for the first time thanks to driver José Froilán González. The following year, they even became world champions with Alberto Ascari. Many victories would follow.

The rearing horse

Behind the Ferrari logo lies a personal story. When Enzo Ferrari achieved a victory with his Alfa Romeo at the Savio Circuit on May 25, 1923, the parents of the late Francesco Baracca were also present. After the race, Enzo and the parents had a conversation during which they presented Enzo Ferrari with the shield that their son had flown on his plane. Their son had flown during the First World War with a black horse on his aircraft. Enzo Ferrari adopted the shield as the logo and placed it on a yellow background, which was a reference to Modena.

Various stories circulate as to why Francesco Baracca had an image of a horse on his aircraft. He is said to have been a horse enthusiast, but the story also goes that he took it from a German plane. This is plausible, as the horse is the emblem of Stuttgart and would then be the same horse as that of Porsche. Enzo used the horse for the first time on July 9, 1932, in Spa.

Iconic classic Ferrari models

Ferrari has produced dozens of legendary models over the decades. Below is a selection of the most iconic classic Ferraris – cars that not only defined the brand but influenced the entire automotive world.

Ferrari 250 GTO (1962–1964)

De 250 GTO is considered by many to be the most beautiful and coveted Ferrari ever built. Only 36 examples left the factory in Maranello, making it one of the rarest cars in the world. With a 3.0-liter V12 and a weight of less than a thousand kilograms, the 250 GTO was unbeatable on the track in its time. Today, examples sell for amounts exceeding fifty million euros, making them consistently the most expensive cars in the world.

Ferrari GTO 250

Ferrari Dino 246 GT (1969–1974)

De Dino Technically, it is not a Ferrari – the brand was deliberately not on it – but it is inextricably linked to the brand. Named after Enzo's son Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, who died at a young age, the 246 GT was the first Ferrari for a wider audience. The mid-engine layout, the sleek Pininfarina bodywork, and the characteristic V6 make it one of the most beloved classics from Maranello.

Ferrari dino

Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS (1975–1985)

Made famous worldwide by the television series Magnum PI, but an extraordinary car even without that fame. The 308 introduced the mid-engine V8 recipe that Ferrari would follow for decades. The GTS variant with the Targa roof remains one of the most affordable entry-level models in the classic Ferrari world to this day – making it particularly popular with first-time buyers.

Ferrari 308

Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1991)

De Testarossa It is the symbol of the eighties. The striking side stripes, the wide stern, and the pop-up headlights made it an icon of that era. Under the hood is a 4.9-liter boxer engine with 390 hp. The name – Italian for “red head” – refers to the red-painted valve covers. A car that has stood the test of time just as well as its predecessors.

Ferrari Testarossa

Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)

De F40 It was the last model that Enzo Ferrari personally approved for production, and that makes it special. But even without that historical context, the F40 is a special car: no carpet floor, no radio, no air conditioning – pure driving pleasure. With a 478 hp twin-turbo engine, it was the first road car in the world to reach 320 km/h. To this day, the F40 is considered one of the absolute highlights in Ferrari's history.

Ferrari F40

Ferrari F355 (1994–1999)

De F355 It is often referred to by enthusiasts as the last “pure” Ferrari before electronics began to dominate the driving experience. The 3.5-liter V8, with its characteristic high-pitched rumbling sound and 380 hp, impressed an entire generation of car enthusiasts. The Spider variant with a manual soft top is particularly sought after. It is now a classic youngtimer that is rapidly increasing in value.

Ferrari F355

Buying a classic Ferrari – what to look out for?

A classic Ferrari is a dream for many car enthusiasts, but it is also a purchase that requires due caution. Prices are high, maintenance costs are high, and forgeries and number tampering occur more frequently in this segment than you might think. However, with the right preparation, you buy a car that will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and can increase in value.

Check the numbers

Ferrari keeps accurate records of which cars have been produced. The chassis number, engine number, and body number must match the original factory papers. Ferrari offers via the “Ferrari Registroan official certification confirming the authenticity of a car. For more expensive models such as the 250 GTO, F40, or Testarossa, this document is virtually indispensable – and its absence is an immediate red flag.

History and documentation

The thicker the folder containing maintenance records, invoices, and inspection reports, the better. A verifiable maintenance history with a recognized Ferrari specialist not only inspires confidence but also increases the resale value. Always ask about the import history: has the car ever been registered abroad? American or Japanese imports sometimes have modified specifications that differ from the European original.

Rust and bodywork

Ferraris from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are prone to rust, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, and floor panel. Always have an independent inspection performed by a specialized Ferrari mechanic. Bodywork repair on a classic Ferrari is expensive, and a poorly executed repair is difficult to hide from a trained eye. Also pay attention to paint thickness measurements: deviations on certain panels may indicate past damage.

Engine and technology

Ferrari's V12 and V8 engines are robust when well-maintained, but when neglected, they are a major expense. Always inquire about the condition of the timing belt or chain: on many models, replacing a belt is a labor-intensive job that can easily cost a thousand euros or more. Air-cooled models or cars with dry-sump lubrication have their own specific points of attention – make sure to get thoroughly informed about the specific model beforehand.

Matching numbers vs. restored cars

In the Ferrari segment, “matching numbers”—where the engine, chassis, and body still bear the original numbers—are a major value-determining factor. A fully original, unrestored car can be worth more than a polished restoration, provided the original parts are intact. At the same time, a professionally restored car can be an excellent choice for daily driving pleasure. Know what you want before you go looking.

Insurance and MOT

Classic Ferraris older than 40 years qualify for classic car insurance and are exempt from the annual MOT inspection in the Netherlands. This reduces fixed costs, but does not mean you can postpone maintenance. Classic car insurers often apply a limited annual mileage limit – check this carefully if you intend to use the car regularly.

Buy from a dealer or a private seller?

Reputable classic car dealers often offer more security than a private sale: think of a warranty, inspection reports, and a traceable sales history. Nevertheless, there are also reliable private sellers, certainly within the Ferrari club scene. The Ferrari Club Netherlands is a good place to network and find reliable offers.

Ferrari specialists in the Netherlands

A classic Ferrari deserves maintenance and restoration by someone who knows the brand inside out. Tolerances are tight, parts are scarce, and a mistake can quickly become costly. Below you will find a selection of specialized garages and dealers in the Netherlands with experience in classic Ferraris – from periodic maintenance and timing belts to complete restorations.