Not long ago, two marques – one German, one Italian – each marked their 75th anniversaries. Automotive history and motorsport owe much to two men—their interests, their designs, and the many vehicles produced by the firms founded by Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari. For generations, cars bearing these names have been at the top of the collector car and auto racing worlds.
Ferdinand Porsche made his mark in motorsports Mercedes SS/SSK and Auto-Union racing. Initially a company in Stuttgart, Porsche moved operations for a time to Gmund, Austria, where Ferdinand and his son Ferry set-up shop in 1948, building the first car with the Porsche name. The rich saga of Porsche sports cars and road racing, including the most overall wins – 19 – at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, accelerates from there.
Enzo Ferrari began his career as a racing driver; he later founded Scuderia Ferrari as Alfa Romeo’s racing division before establishing his own automobile company. Relocating from Modena to Maranello, Ferrari produced his first car under the Ferrari name in 1947. Two years later, Ferrari would win Le Mans, the first of 12 overall wins as of last year. Producing sports cars to finance Formula 1 racing, the record of achievement is undeniable – the most Constructors Championships – 16 – in F1 and the most Driver Championships – 7. The Ferrari name is legend and the prancing horse emblem symbolizes the pinnacle of success.
SAH salutes each marque. (ds)