Ferrari continues to produce some very special cars, including the Ferrari 812 Competizione, with its most exhilarating V12, or the Ferrari 296 GTB, which is changing the EV game. But we must remember that the latest Ferrari models we now adore stand on the shoulders of past models. The car that set the stage for these future models was the Ferrari 125 S, the first car with the Ferrari badge.
The Ferrari 125 S may have been the vision of Enzo Ferrari, but others helped to build its legacy. It was built to be raced, especially with its V12 engine and its steel tube-frame chassis. The backstory behind the 125 S enthralls us. The legacy of the 125 S inspires us. Let's take a closer look at what we forgot about the Ferrari 125 S.
9 When The 125 S Was Born
The 125 S was a two-seater roadster that was intended for the racetrack. A photograph of a V12 twin-six Packard at the time of the First World War stirred the imagination of Enzo Ferrari. It is not surprising since these Packards prove that the brand was the pinnacle of American luxury. Over thirty years later, the 125 S is born.
The 125 S was launched on May 11, 1947. It would spurn a legacy that we are now enjoying. It was all because of the vision of one man.
8 Enzo Ferrari And The 125 S
Enzo Ferrari had been a race car driver. He knew the ins and outs of the business, having also been a mechanic, joining the Alfa Romeo team in 1920. So, when in 1939, Enzo Ferrari split with Alfa Romeo and went his own way, it was going to ultimately lead him toward building his own car that bore his name, despite some hurdles along the way.
After the war, Enzo gathered men around him, who helped with his vision. One of those men was Gioacchino Colombo.
7 The Influence Of Gioacchino Colombo
Gioacchino Colombo had worked at Alfa Romeo under Vittorio Jano, one of the engineering stars of the early Alfa Romeo racing team, reaffirmed by the Alfa Romeo P2 that Jano designed. Look at the legendary ride 1931 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider by Zagato, and witness the legend of Jano. Vittorio's influence would have undoubtedly shaped Colombo's future.
Colombo would become the mastermind behind the 125 S's engine, which would become known as the 'Colombo engine.'
6 The Ferrari 125 S Was Built To Race
When Ferrari left Alfa Romeo in 1939, it had not been a pleasant split. He had been working with the racing team, but he was now not allowed to race or design cars under the Ferrari name for four years under a contractual agreement. But he found a way to continue his dream.
No matter what, the Ferrari 125 S was always going to be designed for racing. It was Enzo's passion. The Ferrari 125 S was soon on the racetrack, taking it to the competition, and ultimately, cementing the Ferrari name into automobile legend.
5 Competition And Sport Version
Two versions of the car were built: Competition and sport. Their bodywork was different, but the running gear and chassis were essentially the same.
The Piacenza Roadster, or Chassis 01C, is the more popular version. It can be recognized by its standard sports car body.
4 Solid Chassis
After the war, Gilberto Colombo, known for producing steel tubes, met Enzo Ferrari. He was no relation to Gioacchino. Gilberto's father started working on bicycle frames but then moved into steel tubing for aircraft. Gilberto eventually joined him.
Gilberto later became the founder of Gilco Autotelai, which was started in Milan, where Gilberto spent his childhood. His company specialized in chassis construction. Gilco helped to construct the steel tube-frame chassis of the Ferrari 125 S.
3 Colombo's Engine
The Ferrari 125 S is powered by a 1.5 liter V12, that was designed by Gioacchino, with assistance from Luigi Bazzi, the test driver, and Giuseppi Busso, an engineer.
Colombo's engine would establish its own mark after the 125 S, adapted, further developed, and enhanced for later models. Gioacchino's legacy lived on. Just need to look at GTO Engineering's Ferarri 250 California Spyder.
2 The Ferrari 125 S At The Races
The Ferrari 125 S had a slow start to its racing career, unable to finish in its first race. Enzo Ferrari described it as a "promising failure." But one failure never defined it.
The 125 S lit up the track at the Grand Prix of Rome at the Baths of Caracalla, claiming a victory. Its average speed was close to 55 mph. It went on to win other races.
1 What Happened Next
Since the launch of the 125 S in 1947, replicas have been made. As we know, Enzo Ferrari continued to grow his company. He built on his winning race record with other cars claiming victories at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 13 years after the launch of the 125 S, Gioacchino Colombo ended up returning to Alfa Romeo.
The Ferrari 125 S goes down in automotive history as not only a pioneer of generations of Ferrari models but also as a remarkable story of persistence and determination.