New Book Review

Nathan's synopsis of the latest Ferrari book releases.

"Le Ferrari Nel Cuore, Ferrari at Heart"

by Mauro Forghieri, edited by Daniele Buzzonetti

• Published by Artioli Editore 1899
• €55
  
• ISBN: 978-88-7792-174-1 
  
• Large size: 11.7” x 10”
  
• 318 pages
  
• 300+ photos/illustrations
  

Back in 2013 Giorgio Nada published the Book, “Forghieri on Ferrari – 1947 to the Present”, which was basically Forghieri’s thoughts on Ferrari’s racing efforts from 1947 through to 2011. So, now we have another tome of similar size, but with a difference. This new book concentrates mainly on Forghieri’s life as Chief Designer of Ferrari’s Racing Department. Therefore the focus is tighter on the 1960 – 1987 period with more detail than the first book.

Forghieri studied engineering at the University of Bologna and graduated in February 1960. On 4 July 1960 he started work at Ferrari. His first contract is shown in the book, However, the story is more interesting than it appears, as Enzo himself and Mauro’s father were involved in his employment. 

At the end of 1961 came the “palace revolution”, when Enzo fired eight senior employees including Chief engineer Carlo Chiti. Suddenly twenty-six year old Mauro Forghieri was elevated to Chief Designer of the racing and technical department. 

Forghieri’s first major success came quickly. Ferrari were still developing the 250 GT series of cars which were so vital to the economic performance of Ferrari. But the 1962 car, called the 250 GTO was having handling problems and needed sorting if it was to match its predecessors. Forghieri’s efforts resulted in a car that has become famous for the quality of its handing, and speed. 

From here we move through the first rear-engined V12 sports car, the 250 P, and its successors. He discusses technical innovations such as the introduction of fuel-injection, and the development of the adjustable wing on F1 cars, Not forgetting major engine designs such as the 3-litre flat twelve and the 1.5litre turbocharged engines of the Villeneuve period,

Apart from the technical details the new book goes into more detail about Forghieri’s relationship with Enzo and the pressure he was under to produce results, and how much pressure Ferrari ase under financially as well. One story he tells is of mechanic Dino Pignatti, who was driving the team transporter. During a journey of nearly 1000kms (600+ miles) Pignatti stopped for a meal. When Pignatti presented the bill to Enzo he noticed that Pignatti had two coffees after his meal, but Ferrari only paid him for one! He considered that two coffees were a luxury and indulgent!

 It also includes more details about the political situation at Ferrari once Fiat became involved. There's also a chapter on the development of the 408, and Forghieri's life after Ferrari. 

My only criticism is that in places the translation is a bit stilted, and I hate grey text on white paper. It might be modern and look great to the designer, but it’s not easy to read.

Personally, I'm pleased to have both books.

Nathan Beehl