Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena, Italy
Until February 17th, 2024
The Enzo Ferrari Museum celebrates “the innovative spirit of the Prancing Horse in a journey whose culmination is the Purosangue“. Since 1947, Ferrari has distinguished itself by passion and often innovation, with the introduction of models that have regularly been milestones in the history of the automobile or competition. The Ferrari 125 S, the brand’s first model, offered an original design and a lightweight V12 engine of only 1,500 cm3 allowing high revs. This model marked the beginning of a long series of cars that have undoubtedly marked history and left an indelible mark on the automotive world.
It is the starting point of the Museo Enzo Ferrari’s new “Game Changers” exhibition, which showcases some of the most important cars in Ferrari’s history, telling the story of the Maranello brand through the lens of innovation. “ Game Changers ” takes visitors on a journey to discover some of Ferrari’s most striking models, by their design or the innovative technologies adopted, whether for competition or Grand Touring cars. Their outstanding performances have often resulted in unforgettable victories.
The exhibition is divided into three sections – design, technology and performance – and presents fifteen iconic cars struck with the Prancing Horse.
The design aspect is illustrated by the Ferrari 375 MM, designed by Pinin Farina in 1952, which was also the first single car commissioned by Roberto Rossellini for Ingrid Bergman, and by the Ferrari 166 MM , the first “Barchetta” with an aluminium body, dressed in light and elegant lines. You can also admire the Ferrari 250 GT convertible, the first convertible produced in (small) series by Ferrari, as well as other models of the 250 line.
Technology and Performances
Technological innovation is reflected in the Ferrari 400 Automatic, the first Ferrari Grand Touring 2+2 to offer an automatic gearbox in 1976 in response to market demand and the needs of an increasingly sophisticated international clientele. Another example, at the other end of the spectrum is the Ferrari F1-89, the very first single-seater to be equipped with an electrohydraulic gearbox. This solution will then be adopted by all competition cars. More recent, the Ferrari FF is the first model of the brand to adopt 4-wheel drive.
In the Performance section, visitors can admire the 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, the first mid-engined Ferrari GT berlinetta with an original 180° V12. The Ferrari 288 GTO, developed to race in FIA Group B, is powered by a 400hp V8. Finally, it will not know the competition but will give birth to the line of Ferrari supercars, starting with the Ferrari F40. Finally, the spectacular 2005 Ferrari FXX is the first model of a special series of Prancing Horse designed specifically for the track without being homologated for a national or international sports category. Again, the idea will be taken up by several supercar manufacturers. It represents the ultimate evolution of the Ferrari Enzo powered by a V12 of more than 800 hp.
Finally, the exhibition highlights Maranello’s latest, the Purosangue SUV, which is also the first Ferrari with four doors and four seats. Ferrari joins the long list of manufacturers who have introduced an SUV in their range, but with here an athletic and elegant design and without giving up the mythical V12.
The photos on this page belong to the Enzo Ferrari Museum, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.