autoevolution's Ferrari Month

With a history spanning over 80 years, arguably the most loved sports car brand on the planet would have never become what it is today without the existence of a very special man. Known as “Il Commendatore” or as "Il Grande Vecchio" in his later years, Enzo Ferrari was one of a kind.

Born on 18 February 1898, Enzo Anselmo Giuseppe Maria Ferrari started out his automotive odyssey as a Fiat test-driver, was later promoted to a race car driver and soon jumped ship to Alfa Romeo's racing department. Following the birth of his son, Dino, Enzo retired from driving and switched to managing Alfa's racing division and founded the Scuderia Ferrari racing team in 1929.

Ferrari as a carmaker has its origins in 1939, a little over 80 years ago, having been incorporated as Auto Avio Contruzioni. Enzo had no desire to ever make road cars, as he was infatuated with racing, but he was somewhat forced to do it so that his racing activities would continue without a hitch. That said, his dream has always revolved around motorsport activities, especially Formula 1, where the Scuderia has been present in almost 1000 races since the competition's inception in 1950, the longest stint of any F1 team.

Over the years, the man behind the Ferrari legend gave us some of the most coveted supercars in automotive history, and his legacy is unmatched by anyone in the history of motorsport or fast road cars. We hope that you will share the Ferrari dream with us during this special February, the month that graced the world with Enzo's birth.

Editor's note: This special feature by autoevolution was not sponsored or supported by a third-party.