Based in Maranello, Italy, sports car manufacturer Ferrari was founded in 1928 by Enzo Ferrari. The company then sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari. The famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is a black prancing stallion on a yellow shield, usually with the letters S F, with three stripes of green, white and red at the top. In 1969, the control of the company’s sports car division was taken over by the Fiat Group. It was never Enzo Ferrari intention to produce road cars when he had formed his company Scuderia Ferrari. In fact, Ferrari prepared and successfully raced various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was hired by Alfa Romeo to head their motor racing department. Ferrari models of late have been clouded by a realisation that many models destined for the track became road cars. Indeed, Ferrari has a remarkable emotive value. Though the maker has always been regarded as a specialist manufacturer of high performance motorcars, it is much more than that. Its cars are special - some Ferraris are on kept on display for other paying customers simply to enjoy viewing. Even if everyone can not be a Ferrari owner, these dream cars are bought as much for their historical relevance and sheer charisma as anything else. A drive in any Ferrari is an experience of a lifetime. Since its formation, Ferrari has always been involved in motor sport, competing in a range of categories including Formula One and sports car racing through its Scuderia Ferrari sporting division alongwith supplying cars and engines to other teams. In 1949, Ferrari won its first victory in motor sports at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1950, Scuderia Ferrari joined the Formula One World Championship in the first year of its existence. It won its first World Drivers Championship two years later and Team Ferrari is the oldest team left in the championship. As of 2008, the team's records include 15 World Drivers Championships, 16 World Constructors Championships, 209 Grand Prix victories and 622 podium finishes in 776 Grand Prix contested. Ferrari’s current range includes two models equipped with V8 engine, with the great performing F430 available in coupe and convertible along with two other models equipped with a front V12 engine, the 599 GTB and the luxurious 612 Scaglietti. These cars not only deliver power and speed which thrill but great levels of safety and comfort too.