Ferrari: A Legacy of Passion and Performance

Few names in the automotive world command the same reverence as Ferrari. For more than 75 years, the Prancing Horse has symbolised beauty, speed, and engineering excellence — a brand that transcends motoring to represent Italian artistry at its finest.

At Birch, we care for numerous Ferraris, from early road cars to the latest hybrid supercars. Each one is a masterpiece that embodies the same principles we value — precision, performance, and passion — making Ferrari’s history not just fascinating, but deeply connected to the way we work.

Enzo Ferrari: From Racer to Visionary

The Ferrari story begins with its founder, Enzo Ferrari, born in 1898 in Modena, Italy. Initially a racing driver for Alfa Romeo, Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari as a racing team for the marque. His passion for motorsport was unwavering — a belief that racing was not merely competition, but the ultimate expression of mechanical perfection.

In 1939, he left Alfa Romeo to start Auto Avio Costruzioni, building racing cars under his own name. The company’s first car, the 815, competed at the Mille Miglia in 1940, but World War II forced production to halt.

It wasn’t until 1947 that Ferrari truly began. That year, the 125 S — the first car to wear the now-iconic Prancing Horse badge — rolled out of the factory gates in Maranello. With a V12 engine designed by Gioachino Colombo, it set the tone for everything Ferrari would become: innovative, passionate, and uncompromising.

Building a Racing Empire

Ferrari’s dominance on the track soon became legend. By the early 1950s, the marque had claimed its first Formula 1 World Championship, with Alberto Ascari at the wheel. In the decades that followed, Ferrari’s cars would go on to win more than 240 Grand Prix and multiple Le Mans titles, establishing it as motorsport’s most successful and enduring name.

Tom Chilton, Birch’s Commercial Director and a lifelong racing driver himself, captures the spirit perfectly:

“Ferrari’s racing history is the heartbeat of the brand. Every time you drive one — even on the road — you can feel that DNA. It’s engineered emotion.”

This connection between road and race cars remains Ferrari’s defining characteristic. The same passion that built Formula 1 champions inspired road icons like the 250 GTO, the F40, and today’s SF90 Stradale.

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From Road Cars to Rolling Art

Ferrari’s road cars have always been more than machines. Each generation pushes the boundaries of performance while maintaining a timeless design language — purposeful, elegant, and instantly recognisable.

The 1950s brought the 250 series, including the legendary 250 GT California Spyder, now one of the most valuable cars in the world. The 1980s saw the raw, turbocharged brilliance of the F40, the last Ferrari personally approved by Enzo before his death in 1988.

In recent years, Ferrari has embraced hybrid technology without losing its soul. The LaFerrari and SF90 combine electric innovation with traditional power, proving that the Prancing Horse continues to evolve — never standing still, but never forgetting where it came from.

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Ferrari at Birch: Preservation Meets Passion

At Birch, Ferrari ownership is something we understand deeply. Our clients trust us to care for cars that are not only valuable but irreplaceable. Whether it’s a 1960s classic or the latest mid-engine supercar, every Ferrari entering our bonded and climate-controlled facility receives the same meticulous attention.

Our approach mirrors Ferrari’s own philosophy — precision in preparation, respect for heritage, and pride in performance. Cars are stored in optimum conditions, regularly exercised, and maintained to ensure they are as road-ready as they are showroom-perfect.

Zaak Andrews, Birch’s Vehicle Specialist, explains:

“Every Ferrari we look after has a story — often personal, always passionate. We see it as our responsibility to preserve that story for the next generation. The joy of owning a Ferrari isn’t just in driving it; it’s knowing it’s cared for with the same dedication that went into building it.”

The Enduring Spirit of the Prancing Horse

Today, Ferrari stands as one of the most recognisable and desirable brands on earth. Its cars remain a benchmark for performance, design, and desirability. But beyond the statistics and records lies something more powerful: emotion.

From Enzo’s workshop in Modena to the pit lane at Monza, from the 250 GTO to the Daytona SP3, Ferrari’s history is one of relentless pursuit — of speed, beauty, and excellence.

At Birch, we see those same values reflected in the work we do every day. Whether storing a rare Ferrari 288 GTO or preparing a modern 812 Superfast for a client’s return, we share the same devotion to perfection that has defined the Prancing Horse for generations.

“Ferrari doesn’t just build cars,” said Chilton. “It builds dreams — and we’re proud to play a small part in helping those dreams endure.”