ENZO FERRARI, THE IMMORTAL “IL COMMENDATORE”

On the same date in the year 1988, Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Cavallino Rampante, passed away. A man of strong convictions, he did not simply create a brand—he forged a legend.

Born in 1898 in Modena, he began as a driver before realizing that his true talent lay elsewhere: bringing people together and imagining cars destined to transcend eras. In 1929, he founded Scuderia Ferrari, which would go on to become the most successful team in Formula 1 history.

His philosophy was clear:

“Racing cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win.”

Authoritative, distant, and nicknamed “Il Commendatore”, he would stare into his interlocutors’ eyes yet remained unreadable behind his dark glasses.

Some of his most famous quotes capture his legacy:

“Racing is my life.”
“Everyone dreams of driving a Ferrari; that was my intention from the very beginning.”
“The best Ferrari ever built is the next one.”
“Nobody remembers who took second place, and it will never be me.”

True to his discreet nature, his death was announced two days later. By a twist of fate, just weeks afterwards, Ferrari claimed a one-two finish at Monza Circuit, just like a final salute from Il Commendatore to his tifosi.

To this day, every Ferrari carries within it his vision and his myth.