Enzo Ferrari (1898-1989), though best known for the highly desirable Italian automobiles that wear his name, didn't produce his first "Ferrari" until 1946. The first production Ferrari, the 166 , had the now legendary trademark Ferrari engine, the V12.

Prior to 1946, Enzo had manufactured cars based on FIATs, like the Tipo 815. A step farther back into history found the Italian as a semi-successful racecar pilot. After driving, he managed Alfa-Romeo's racing department for 11 years. Alfa-Romeo took control of the team in 1938. Under Enzo's leadership Alfa-Romeo won four consecutive Le Mans 24 hour events, 1931-1934.

From the start of Ferrari automobile production, performance with style has been the rule. This included race cars, too. Competition success was a major means of promotion and press for any manufacturer and Ferrari used motorsports superbly. Ferrari won their first Le Mans 24 hour event in 1949. Proof that Ferrari was quickly building cars of endurance and speed. Ferrari went on to win this event nine times, six of them consequtively, by 1965. True dominance. Bentley and Jaguar, with five victories apiece, were the second leading manufacturers at Le Mans by 1965. Mercedes-Benz, known for their grand prix and sports cars for decades, had only one Le Mans win by 1965.