Looking across the showroom at Prestige Imports, you find exotics from iconic nameplates such as Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Pagani. Yet, for many among us who grew up running Matchbox cars across the hardwood kitchen floor, one stood out from the rest: the Ferrari. Despite its familiarity from National Lampoon’s Vacation and Miami Vice, it still remains a curiosity. So, why not get to know Ferrari a little better?
Four Little-Known Facts about Ferrari
“Ferrari Red” Came About Randomly
Today, roughly 45% of Ferraris produced are red in color. However, this wasn’t necessarily Ferrari’s choice. In the 1920s, the International Automobile Federation assigned colors to all countries competing in the Grand Prix. Italy — home of Ferrari, Maserati and others — drew red, which became known as “rosso corsa.” While other Italian automakers have largely shed this association, Ferrari and rosso corsa are inseparable.
Its Iconic Logo has a Story
The logo of Ferrari is known as Cavallino Rampante, Italian for “prancing horse.” It depicts a black stallion set against a yellow shield, with the Italian national colors and the letters S.F (for Scuderia Ferrari) alongside. The plan for the logo itself was a tribute to a Francesco Baracca, and World War I ace fighter pilot who died in 1918. The prancing horse was depicted on Baracca’s family coat of arms as well as his war emblem, and when Ferrari was created in 1939, the logo was adopted in the pilot’s honor.
Ferrari has its own Theme Park
Would you like to take in the Ferrari experience firsthand? Short of taking a test drive at Prestige Imports, you might do well to head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which opened its doors in 2010. It boasts four thrill rides, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster. The F1-inspired Formula Rossa rollercoaster reaches nearly 150 mph, and is joined by the new “Flying Aces” roller coaster, which honors none other than Francesco Baracca.
How the Testa Rossa Got its Name
For kids who came of age in the ‘80s, there really was no greater Ferrari than the famed Testa Rossa, a 12-cylinder behemoth with distinctive side intakes that made it look like a shark. The name “Testa Rossa” literally means “redhead” in Italian, leading many to believe that this was a nod to the supercar’s obvious sex appeal. Alas, that was not the case; the name first came about in 1958, on a 3-liter V12 with red-painted camshaft covers. When the Testa Rossa model was revealed in 1984, the name was reintroduced.
There are countless other facts and insights into the amazing history of Ferrari, but the best way to experience these iconic vehicles for yourself is to simply pay us a visit at Prestige Imports, serving Fort Lauderdale and all of South Florida from our location in North Miami Beach. We’ll see you soon, and we leave you with this — take it away, Sonny.
