Best Ferrari Books 2026 – Icons, Racing History & Pure Passion

written by Mads
Last updated: December 2025

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Ferrari is not just a car brand — it’s emotion. From Formula 1 dominance to some of the most beautiful road cars ever built, Ferrari has created a legacy that goes far beyond engineering. It’s about sound, design, racing, and obsession.

Over the years, I’ve picked up a number of Ferrari books — some for their history, others simply because they capture that unique Ferrari feeling. This is a curated selection of the ones worth owning.

 

Ferrari

One of the most complete Ferrari books out there. This is less about lifestyle and more about depth — packed with technical details, racing history, and a serious level of research. You can feel that this was written for people who really want to understand Ferrari, not just admire it.

👉 Perfect if you’re looking for a deep, almost encyclopedic take on Ferrari.

1. Ferrari

This book is considered the bible for any serious Ferrari historian, full of technical detailed information especially on the racing history that Ferrari has. Hans Tanner took details very seriously and collected beautiful photos into the book. A must have for any Ferrari enthusiast. 

The Ferrari Book - Passion for Design

The Ferrari Book – Passion for Design

This one is all about the feeling. Less technical, more emotional — focusing on design, aesthetics, and the people behind Ferrari. Strong photography, great storytelling, and exactly the kind of book you leave on the table.

👉 Perfect if you want a visually stunning Ferrari book with real presence.

2. The Ferrari Book – Passion for Design

The Ferrari Book – Passion for Design is an engrossing tribute to the iconic brand. Editor Michael Köckritz, author Jürgen Lewandowski, and photographer Michel Zumbrunn provide readers with an up-close look at Ferrari’s beauty, power, and sex appeal. With exciting stories, anecdotes, and stunning photographs, the book explores the personalities, designers, and racing victories that have made Ferrari a true automotive phenomenon. A must-read for anyone who loves cars and design.

Ferrari: Forty Years On The Road

A deep dive into Ferrari’s golden era. This book focuses purely on the early road cars — from the late 1940s through the 1960s — including icons like the 250 series. Less racing, more design, proportions, and the cars that defined Ferrari’s image.

👉 Perfect if you’re into classic Ferrari road cars and their most beautiful era.

3. Ferrari: 40 Years On The Road

This book tells everything about Ferrari from the so-called Golden Period, 1947-1967 in which Ferrari made some of the most beautiful road cars. the 340, 342 and 375 as well as the legendary 250 series. That book includes a number of rare photos from motor shows. A great Ferrari road car summary with interesting and rare photos. As I said, road cars only.

Ferrari by Pininfarina

This is where Ferrari’s design DNA comes to life. Focusing on Pininfarina’s work for Ferrari, this book covers a wide range of iconic models — from the early 250 series to later cars like the 308 and even the F40. It’s less about specs and more about shape, lines, and timeless design.

👉 Perfect if you’re into Ferrari design and the legacy of Pininfarina.

4. Ferrari by Pininfarina

Ferrari looks back on a number of great coach builders. Zagato, Vignale and of course Pininfarina. This is in my opinion the best book about Pininfarinas work for Ferrari. A wide spectrum of cars are covered here, the 250s of course and the 375, but also cars like the 400 and the 308 as well as the F40. Not cheap but totally worth the money.

Ferrari Formula 1 - Every Race Car Since 1950

Ferrari Formula 1 – Every Race Car Since 1950

Pure Formula 1 history. This book covers every Ferrari F1 car — from the early days to modern machines — with specs, race history, and strong visuals. More reference than storytelling, but incredibly complete.

👉 Perfect if you’re into Ferrari’s Formula 1 legacy and racing cars in detail.

5. Ferrari Formula 1 – Every Race Car Since 1950

If you are a fan of Formula 1 racing, you will love Ferrari Formula 1 Car by Car. This book is a comprehensive reference guide to all of Ferrari’s F1 cars, from the 125 to today’s technological powerhouses. It features technical specifications, racing records, and stunning full-page images, both historic and contemporary. This is a must-have for any Ferrari or F1 enthusiast.

1000GP - The Official Ferrari Book

Ferrari 1000GP – The Official Book

A true collector’s piece. This limited edition celebrates Ferrari’s 1,000th Formula 1 race with massive depth — two volumes, hundreds of pages, and an incredible amount of historic material. From victories to titles, it captures the full scale of Ferrari’s F1 legacy.

👉 Perfect if you want a premium, large-format Ferrari book with serious collector value.

6. Ferrari 1000GP – The Official Book

Ferrari 1000 GP: The Official Book is an impressive two-volume publication in a limited edition, celebrating Scuderia Ferrari’s remarkable achievement of 1,000 Grands Prix. With over 700 pages and 1,000 illustrations, this book traces Ferrari’s participation in Formula 1 since 1950, including 230 victories, 15 drivers’ titles and 16 constructors’ titles. This is an essential read for all Prancing Horse enthusiasts, featuring previously unpublished photos and a striking slipcase in “Rosso Storico 127”.

Pininfarina: Masterpieces of Style

Pininfarina – Masterpieces of Style

A tribute to one of the greatest design houses ever. This book goes beyond Ferrari and shows the full scope of Pininfarina’s work — from early icons like the Cisitalia to legendary Ferraris and modern projects. Strong visuals, strong legacy.

👉 Perfect if you’re into automotive design and Italian styling at its best.

7. Pininfarina – Masterpieces of Style

This book is a comprehensive tribute to the almost 90 years of Pininfarina’s stylistic and industrial history, which made it a true bastion of the “Made in Italy” phenomenon. The book contains a wealth of black and white and color photos showcasing some of the most iconic cars in Italian and global motoring history. From the Cisitalia 202 to the Ferrari 288 GTO, Pininfarina has created works of art on wheels. The book also covers Pininfarina’s recent history and its expanding presence in the Asian market.

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