Ferrari 125 Sport: Where Ferrari Really Began
I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s asked me, “So what was the first Ferrari?” It wasn’t a red supercar with a gated shifter and a howling flat-plane crank. It was this: the Ferrari 125 Sport. Or, to be precise for the purists among you, the Ferrari 125 S—often nicknamed “125 Sport” in period. When I finally got a brief passenger ride in a faithful recreation around the roads near Modena, I noticed right away how small and purposeful it felt. No fluff. Just a tiny V12, a light chassis, and a founder with something to prove.
The Ferrari 125 Sport Backstory: Enzo’s Leap From Team Boss to Builder
Before the Ferrari badge hit a bonnet, Enzo Ferrari ran Scuderia Ferrari as Alfa Romeo’s semi-official racing outfit in the 1930s. Then came war, lean years, and—eventually—his own name on the nose. In 1947, the very first Ferrari-badged car emerged from Maranello: the Ferrari 125 Sport. Under the hood? Gioachino Colombo’s jewel-like 1.5-liter, 60-degree V12—tiny by today’s standards, but with the character and ambition of an opera tenor.
Colombo’s compact V12 DNA lived on in various forms for decades. The sound may have evolved, but that urgent, high-rev feel became a Ferrari signature.
Ferrari 125 Sport: First Race, First Hiccup
If you think the first Ferrari sailed straight to victory, not quite. The Ferrari 125 Sport made its competitive debut on May 11, 1947, at Piacenza with Franco Cortese driving. It led. Briefly. Then a fuel pump problem forced retirement—one of those teething issues that engineers still mutter about over espresso.
Ferrari 125 Sport: First Win Comes Fast
Two weeks later, at the Rome Grand Prix around the Terme di Caracalla circuit, Cortese and the Ferrari 125 Sport made amends. Win secured. Relief exhaled. That season, Ferrari’s little V12 would go on to chalk up six wins in 14 starts. For a brand-new constructor, that’s not bad. Actually, that’s remarkable.
Ferrari 125 Sport: Quick Specs That Still Raise Eyebrows
- Engine: 1.5-liter V12 (Colombo design), naturally aspirated
- Power: approx. 118 hp at high revs (for 1947, stout stuff)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (rare and racy for the day)
- Chassis: tubular steel; double wishbone front, live rear axle
- Weight: around 650–700 kg depending on trim and event
- Production: only two built (blink and you missed them)
Period cars didn’t have sound insulation. A Ferrari 125 Sport is quiet enough to hear your mechanic thinking, but not your kids arguing in the back—because there is no “back.”
What Happened to the Ferrari 125 Sport?
This part is a little bittersweet. The first two 125s didn’t retire to glass cases. They were cannibalized and evolved into later competition Ferraris—think 159 and 166 derivatives—as the factory chased more speed and reliability. That was normal then. Racing budgets were tight, and yesterday’s car became tomorrow’s test mule. If you’ve heard someone say they were stripped for Dino projects, that’s a myth; the Dino marque arrived decades later.
Ferrari 125 Sport vs. Its Rivals (Circa Late ’40s)
Context matters. The Ferrari 125 Sport was up against supercharged brutes and seasoned rivals. Here’s a snapshot of the era’s landscape:
| Car | Engine | Power (approx.) | Layout | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 125 Sport (1947) | 1.5L V12, NA | ~118 hp | Front-engine, RWD | First Ferrari; 6 wins in 1947 |
| Alfa Romeo 158 "Alfetta" | 1.5L S/C inline-8 | ~225 hp (late ’40s tune) | Front-engine, RWD | Dominant pre/post-war GP car |
| Maserati 4CLT | 1.5L S/C inline-4 | ~220–260 hp | Front-engine, RWD | Tough privateer favorite |
| Maserati A6GCS (early) | 1.5–2.0L NA inline-6 | ~120–170 hp | Front-engine, RWD | Agile sports-racer rival |
Different formulas, different aims—but the Ferrari 125 Sport punched above its weight. No supercharger, yet it hustled and handled, and that five-speed helped it sing where others simply bellowed.
Living With a Legend (Sort Of)
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect climbing into a recreation of the 125 on a bumpy lane outside Maranello. But it’s immediate. The steering is quick, the pedals are close-set, and the V12 doesn’t so much idle as clear its throat. On rough roads, the car chatters and darts, yet it’s never nervous—more like a terrier on a leash. If you’re picturing a relaxed Sunday GT, it’s not. If you’re picturing a hot-blooded racer you could fettle in a small workshop and tow to a hillclimb? That’s the vibe.
Elevate Your Ferrari Experience with AutoWin Accessories
If you’re lucky enough to own a modern Ferrari, you already know the cabin can be a temple—or a crime scene after one cappuccino mishap. One sensible upgrade that doesn’t scream “tuner catalog”? Proper, custom-fit floor mats. They won’t make your car faster, but they will keep it feeling new, which matters when your passenger climbs in wearing gravel.
AutoWin: Premium Mats, Zero Fuss
When a few owners mentioned to me that they swapped the factory mats for upgraded ones, I checked out AutoWin. The fit and finish are tidy, and the textures feel suitably premium for a Ferrari badge. Worth it if you’re into details.
Why Choose AutoWin Floor Mats for Your Ferrari:
- Custom fit: Tailored to specific Ferrari models for proper coverage. No curling edges, no sliding under pedals.
- Premium materials: Hard-wearing, easy to clean, and they actually look the part—subtle, not shouty.
- Style options: From understated to carbon-fiber leather finishes, so the mats complement the interior instead of fighting it.
- Protects resale: Keeping the carpets pristine is one of those quiet wins future buyers notice immediately.
Conclusion: Why the Ferrari 125 Sport Still Matters
The Ferrari 125 Sport wasn’t just the first Ferrari model—it was a statement that the tiny factory in Maranello would build its own future, one hard-fought checkered flag at a time. From that first, frustrating fuel pump issue to a Rome Grand Prix win a fortnight later, it set the tone: relentless improvement, engineering bravery, and a soundtrack the world would soon recognize. If you’re stewarding a modern Ferrari, keep the legend tidy with thoughtful upgrades—AutoWin mats are an easy, low-drama step—while remembering where it all began: a little V12 called the Ferrari 125 Sport.
Ferrari 125 Sport FAQ
What was the very first Ferrari model?
Officially, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S—often called the Ferrari 125 Sport—was the first Ferrari-badged car.
When did the Ferrari 125 Sport debut?
May 11, 1947, at Piacenza. It retired with a fuel pump issue.
When did it score Ferrari’s first win?
Two weeks later, at the Rome Grand Prix (Terme di Caracalla circuit) with Franco Cortese driving.
How many Ferrari 125 Sport cars were built?
Just two, later reworked into subsequent Ferrari racers as the factory evolved the platform.
What power did the Ferrari 125 Sport make?
Approximately 118 hp from a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated V12—small capacity, big character.
