Many know of the rivalry between Lamborghini and Ferrari. They are two of the most widely known vehicle manufacturers, and people chase after vehicles with their names on them. However, how do two manufacturers have such an intertwined history?

Not many people know that Lamborghini was created to be a competitor for Ferrari. Although Ferrari is older by a few decades, the two have been neck and neck through their entire existence. 

Let’s break down the most important parts of these two manufacturers’ history, and see what created this need to be better than the other. 

Early Years

Ferrari was created in Maranello, Italy in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari. The first car was manufactured in 1940, but the first Ferrari-badged car came out in 1947. This vehicle make was founded out of the Alfa Romeo racing division. 

Lamborghini was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini. They began with the objective of producing grand touring vehicles, which aimed to be the biggest competition for Ferrari. They wanted to create similar vehicles, in a more refined manner. The first models were created in the mid-1960s. 

The 1970’s

In the 1970s, Ferrari became a name that many knew. This was also the time when Fiat took over 50% of the stake in Ferrari. This increased the available funds that could be invested in new technologies and innovations.

During this time, Ferrari also began to produce Ferrari engines, which were special to the Fiat Dino. This solidified the partnership between the two franchises and helped to turn the make into a household name. 

Lamborghini grew very substantially within the first ten years it was produced but had a drastic impact during the 1973 financial downturn, as well as the worldwide oil crisis. This was around the time that Lamborghini had sold the company. He retired in 1974.

In come the two new owners of Lamborghini, GeorgesHerni Rossetti and Rene Leimer. Within four years of their leadership, the company fell into bankruptcy, which led it to be laced under a receivership. Lamborghini then was owned by two brothers, Jean-Claude and Patrick Mimran, in 1980. 

The Early 2000s and Beyond

Once the turn of the century hit, many things happened on both sides. Many positive, but some negative.

Ferrari produced one of their fastest model (at the time), which the appropriately named The Enzo, after the original founder of the company. This Ferrari Cost $650,000, and only 400 were made. However, only 399 were put into circulation, as the 400th was donated to the Vatican.

Ferrari became an independent brand in October of 2014, as a result of the merger between Fiat and Chrysler. The stock began to be sold in 2015, which started at $52 per share. In 2020, the CEO, Louis Camilleri, declared his retirement and announces an interim CEO until a permanent successor could be found. 

Lamborghini found some issues in the early 2000s with the financial and economic crisis. Sales for their Lambo cars dropped nearly 50%, which hit the company hard. The company became owned by Audi during this time.

In 2021, the Lamborghini CEO declared that within the next 3 years (by 2024), all of the models it produced will be hybrid. 

Conclusion

Ferrari and Lamborghini are expensive vehicles, and not many people have the money to pay for such automotive beauty. Normal vehicles such as SUVs, Sedans, Pick-up Trucks, and Mini Vans are the most common vehicles on the road and the most affordable around. 

Even those cars can be expensive when it comes to repairing them. How much money do you have saved for vehicle repairs? 

Why not look into a DriveSmart Warranty. Let us help you pay for the repairs that could cost you an arm and a leg. We deal directly with the mechanic so that all you have to do is pick it up once the repairs are done. 

With keys in hand, you are ready for whatever life throws at you. Protect your vehicle with a DriveSmart Warranty. Get a quote today and see how much you could be saving!

Blog By Brooke Lazar