When we think of Ferrari and Ford, their famous rivalry at Le Mans in the 1960s often comes to mind. However, what many people don’t know is that before this heated competition, the two automakers shared a friendly and cooperative relationship. In fact, Ford was inspired by Ferrari long before the infamous Ford GT40 went head-to-head with the Prancing Horse.
In this article, we’ll dive into how Ferrari’s early successes on the racetrack caught Ford’s attention and may have even helped shape the development of the iconic Ford Thunderbird.
A winning start
Ferrari officially entered the automotive world in 1947 with the debut of the Ferrari 125 S, a race car powered by a 1.5-liter V12 engine that produced around 120 horsepower. This car made its first appearance at the Piacenza racing circuit on May 11, 1947, driven by Franco Cortese. Although its debut didn’t end in victory, it didn’t take long for Ferrari to taste success. Just two weeks later, the 125 S claimed Ferrari's first-ever win at the Grand Prix of Rome on the Terme di Caracalla Circuit, again with Cortese at the wheel.
By the end of 1947, the Ferrari 125 S had won six out of fourteen races and even participated in the Mille Miglia, although it didn’t finish. This rapid success in its first year signalled Ferrari’s arrival as a serious competitor in the racing world
From Mille Miglia to Le Mans
Ferrari’s momentum carried into 1948, where they achieved another milestone. In that year, Ferrari triumphed at both the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing their growing dominance in endurance racing. The car that secured these victories was the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta chassis 0008M, driven by Italians Clemente Biondetti and Ettore Salani. Ferrari’s international success naturally drew attention from other car manufacturers, and Ford was no exception.
The Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta chassis 0253EU
Photo: Petersen Museum
In the early 1950s, the relationship between Ferrari and Ford was more collaborative than competitive. This initial connection comes in the form of the Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta, chassis 0253EU. According to historians, Enzo Ferrari personally gifted this car to Henry Ford II. This particular Barchetta was not just a symbolic gesture—it may have had a more profound impact on Ford's design future than we realise.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Speculation grew about how Ford used the 212/225 Inter Barchetta as a source of inspiration for their own sports car, the Ford Thunderbird, which debuted in 1955. Chevrolet had already released their two-seat sports car, the Corvette, in 1953, and Ford was eager to create a rival. The Ferrari 212/225, with its sleek lines, design elements like the integrated exhaust in the rear bumper, and egg-crate grille, could have been a direct influence on the Thunderbird's styling.
Photo: Petersen Museum
Many car enthusiasts also note similarities between the two vehicles, from their hood air intakes to their single rear tail lights. If you spot any other resemblances between these two iconic cars, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Photo: Bring a Trailer
The 212/225 Inter Barchetta with chassis number 0253EU was far from an ordinary Ferrari. It came equipped with a 2.7-liter V12 engine, a more powerful version compared to the regular Ferrari 212 models. Built using Carrozzeria Touring’s signature Superleggera method, this car was the last Barchetta body created by the renowned coachbuilder. Interestingly, it also featured a longer wheelbase, adding to its distinctiveness.
Photo: Bring a Trailer / Petersen Museum
What makes this car even more unique is the possibility that it could have been Ferrari’s first-ever left-hand drive model. During this time, most Ferraris were still built with the steering wheel on the right.
Ferrari and Ford's falling out
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the relationship between Ferrari and Ford soured. The turning point came when Ford Motor Company Vice President Lee Iacocca proposed to Henry Ford II that they should boost their car sales by acquiring Ferrari. At first, Enzo Ferrari seemed open to the idea, but in a twist, he used Ford’s offer to negotiate a better deal with Fiat. This allowed Ferrari to maintain control over Scuderia Ferrari, a key factor for Enzo.
Naturally, this did not sit well with Ford. Feeling rejected, the automaker sought revenge, focusing its efforts on defeating Ferrari in the racing world. Thus, in 1964, Ford developed the GT40, a car specifically designed to dethrone Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford’s efforts were successful; the GT40 went on to win Le Mans from 1966 to 1969, effectively ending Ferrari’s dominance.
The Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta today
The Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta, chassis 0253EU, now resides at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Their archives even feature a photo of this exact Ferrari parked beside a study model of the Ford Thunderbird, subtly highlighting the connection between these two rival automakers.
The history between Ferrari and Ford is often defined by their bitter rivalry at Le Mans, but their earlier relationship paints a much different picture. Before the famous feud, the two companies shared a unique connection that may have even influenced Ford’s designs.
If you’re ever in Los Angeles, make sure to check out the Petersen Automotive Museum to see this iconic car in person. We’d like to thank them for the pictures used in this article.
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