Challenge of the Mind 7th

Emiliano Avina

Mr. Skipper

Encounters 7

February 16, 2022

Only Those Who Dare Truly Live

Introduction

Racing has been around since the first cars were invented, but one car stood out. The Ferrari was a revolutionary car in the racing industry. These cars would be the best and fastest racing automobiles in the world. They are one of the most luxurious cars and best cars for racing. Enzo Ferrari, the creator of Ferrari, made these astonishing cars. Enzo Ferrari was a retired driver and was inspired by his father and his brother to make cars for the track and the roads. Even though he was suppressed in his young life, his love and knowledge of cars was still strong. He is the reason there are such luxurious and fast cars on the markets and roads. He was a compassionate man and wanted to make the best car in the world and the tracks. He was known as the man who ‘invented’ the word “fast” (Enzo Ferrari Biography).

Early Life

Enzo Ferrari was born on February 18, 1898. He grew up in a small town named Modena, Italy. He was born into a manufacturing family, his father named Alfredo Ferrari.  He had a heavy passion for race cars and race car driving from a young age. He decided he was going to be a race car driver ever since he was 10 years old since his brother, Pierro Ferarri, was a racecar driver (“Enzo Ferrari Biography”). He never had a proper education growing up. When his father took Enzo to racing competitions, he was always interested and was fascinated by the cars. He taught in the Lathe Operator School in the Modena fire brigade’s workshop in 1914 (Kitman). During the Great War, Enzo’s father and brother died because of the breakout of the Italian flu. He got sick with the virus and got an honorable discharge during the war. Although he lived a normal life, he was oppressed by his family and friends. During Enzo Ferrari’s early 20’s he worked as a test driver for Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali (Ott). He made his first appearance at the 1919 Parma-Poggio di Berceto hillclimb race, placing himself in fourth. He then left and joined Alfa Romeo. “After winning the Circuito del Savio in 1923, Ferrari met the parents of World War I flying ace Francesco Baracca, who suggested the young driver use the emblem that decorated their son's plane for good luck” (Ott). This emblem was a prancing horse, later used as his company's logo. He raced for the last time in August 1931. In 1932 his son, Dino was born. He left Alda Romero for good in September 1939. 

Beginning of Career

After leaving Alfa Romeo, Enzo opened Auto Avio Costruzioni. He had a hard time getting to produce his cars under the Ferrari name since Alfa Romeo told Enzo he could not use ‘Ferrari’ as his company’s name. After 4 years he could use the name ‘Ferrari’ in his company. In 1932, the prancing horse that was given to him by a famous aviator’s parents, was made into the official logo of the Ferrari. He wanted to make his own racing cars, but World War 2 broke out and he then focused on making grinding machines (Ott). He made auto parts for the Italian military during this time.. After the war, he went back to making cars. He released the first official Ferrari car in March 1947, the Ferrari 125 s. The unique car won its first race that same year, the Rome Grand Prix, and continued to win 1948, 1949, and 1951. In 1952 and 1953, the Ferrari won the world racing championship. During these few years, it picked up leverage and Enzo started making cars for road use. The wealthy and famous were over these cars when they were being produced. 

Significant Accomplishments

Enzo Ferrari accomplished many things throughout his lifetime, but some of them were important to his success. The first model he created of the Ferrari won over 8 races in a span of 4 years. It was important because it showed that his cars were better than many other cars on the racetrack. It also showed that it was superior, so people wanted the car. “In 1927, he was awarded the title of ‘Commendatore’ for his contribution in sports in Italy” (Enzo Ferrari Biography). “After winning the Circuito del Savio in 1923, Ferrari met the parents of World War I flying ace Francesco Baracca, who suggested the young driver use the emblem that decorated their son's plane for good luck” (Ott). He made his first appearance at the 1919 Parma-Poggio di Berceto hillclimb race, placing himself in fourth. The hill climbing race was his first race with his first model of his car (not an official model). The unique car won its first race that same year, the Rome Grand Prix, and continued to win 1948, 1949, and 1951. In 1952 and 1953, the Ferrari won the world racing championship (Kitman). The races would show that his cars were far superior to other different race cars. After the rich and wealthy saw the races, they wanted cars for themselves. Enzo decided to make them for the public, which made his company rise. 

Impact on the World

Enzo Ferrari had many accomplishments in his life, but he also impacted the world. He influenced many people to make cars, such as Lamborghini. Ferrari cars are one of the most sold cars in the world. His cars changed the racing world, for they won many races around the world (Ott). When he started selling his cars, people bought them and his company started to grow. His company stayed for over 40 years and competed with other brands because he adapted his company to modern super cars. Ferrari cars won over 4000 trophies and 13 world championships which led racing tracks to have more Ferrari’s. He was introduced into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994 (Ott). Although he impacted the world and left a big mark on the world, he left the world with no regrets on August 18, 1988. “In 1952, Ferrari was awarded with the title of ‘Cavaliere del Lavoro’ for his contribution to the car industry, helping to enhance the image of Italy in the world” (Biography). Since the publication of Ferrari cars the wealthy have bought the best cars, undoubtedly influencing the public racers to buy them and succeed in many races.

Conclusion 

Even though Enzo had many accomplishments and a rough start to his career, he still managed to be one of the best and superior car producers in the world. He made the most luxurious cars and fastest for its time. His knowledge of cars and years of experience led to his success. He was an influence to many racers and a hard working man. He was inspired by his father and brother to be a persevering man. He first wanted to work on himself, but then realized that the public was astonished and compassionate about the public’s liking. “Only Those Who Dare Truly Live”(Ott)

Works Cited

“Enzo Ferrari Biography.” The Famous People, www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/enzo-ferrari-3780.php. Accessed 5 Dec. 2021.

Kitman, Jamie. “In Italy, There Was the Pope and Then ThereWas Enzo Ferrari”. The New York Times, 25 Apr. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/ 04/25/books/book-enzo-ferrari-car-luca-dal-monte.html. Accessed 5 Dec. 2021.

Ott, Tim. “Enzo Ferrari Biography” Biography. A&E Television Networks, 7 Aug, 2020, www.biography.com/athlete/enzo-ferrari. Accessed 5 Nov. 2021.

Shelokhonov, Steve. “Enzo Ferrari.” IMDb, www.imdb.com/name/ nm0274060/bio#overview. Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.