Racing Legacies: Luigi Chinetti Jr. on NART’s Influence and the 'Ferrari' Film

by Bernard Martin

Luigi Chinetti Jr. has a unique perspective on Ferrari’s history, shaped by his family’s deep-rooted connection to the brand. His father, Luigi Chinetti Sr., was instrumental in Ferrari’s early success in North America. Chinetti Sr. began his career as a machinist for Nicola Romeo, where he developed expertise in precision engineering. His technical skill and passion for racing led him to join Alfa Romeo’s racing division in the 1920s, where he worked alongside Enzo Ferrari. Throughout the 1930s, Chinetti Sr. played a crucial role in Alfa Romeo’s racing efforts, preparing, racing and maintaining race cars for Ferrari’s 'Scuderia Ferrari' Alfa Romeo team.

When World War II broke out, Chinetti Sr. found himself stranded in the United States, unable to return to Italy. Seizing the opportunity, he became a U.S. citizen and used his knowledge of Ferrari’s craftsmanship to introduce the brand to an American audience. Unlike war-ravaged Europe, the United States had an affluent market eager for high-performance automobiles, and Chinetti Sr. understood how to position Ferrari as a prestigious marque among American collectors and racers.

The Birth of NART and Ferrari’s Expansion in North America
The North American Racing Team, aka N.A.R.T., was instrumental in Ferrari’s expansion beyond Europe. Chinetti Jr. recalls that, in the early days, there was no formal Ferrari dealer network—every Ferrari built in 1946 was essentially a race car. His father, Luigi Chinetti Sr., was a key figure in bringing Ferrari to North America.

Ferrari 166MM Barchetta at the Ferrari Challenge at Watkins Glen 2024

NART was founded in 1956, partly inspired by a North American Van Lines truck that influenced the team’s name. At its core, NART sought to promote American drivers on the international racing stage, helping solidify Ferrari’s presence in North America. One of the team’s most significant moments came in 1949, when Chinetti Sr. decided to campaign a Ferrari 166MM barchetta at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—despite Ferrari’s initial reluctance. He strategically reduced the car’s horsepower to ensure its durability over the grueling endurance race, a move that ultimately paid off.

The nickname barchetta, meaning 'little boat,' calls attention to the chassis's superleggera strengthening ribs, which gave the car a boat-like shape.  The name was first used at the 1948 Turin Auto Show, likely applied by a journalist. In 2005, Motor Trend Classic placed the 166 MM barchetta sixth in their list of the ten "greatest Ferraris of all time."

Ferrari’s Focus: Europe vs. North America
Chinetti Jr. reflected on how Ferrari’s focus differed across markets. "While Ferrari prioritized single-seater race cars in Europe, NART emphasized two-seater sports cars for the American market." This distinction helped Ferrari appeal to U.S. customers and racers, and it was the sports car sales in North America that supported the single-seater racing program in Europe.

Chinetti Jr.'s Critical Look at the Ferrari Film

Chinetti Jr. also shared his thoughts on Ferrari (2023), a film that attempts to capture the essence of Enzo Ferrari’s life and career. While he found the Mille Miglia race sequences evocative of the era, he felt the film’s portrayal of Ferrari himself did not align with his own memories. Chinetti Jr. remarked, "No one called him Enzo. I could never imagine it. He referred to my father as 'Chinetti' and my dad called him 'Commendatore.'"

Chinetti Jr. was also found the depiction of Mrs Ferrari not to be accurate according to his recollection. “Mr. Ferrari was made by Mrs. Ferrari,”   Laura Ferrari played a crucial role in managing Ferrari’s business operations, particularly in financial and administrative matters. Her influence extended to key decisions within the company, ensuring its stability during difficult periods. She was known for her strong presence and unwavering support of Enzo Ferrari, often acting as the backbone of the company behind the scenes. Her deep involvement in Ferrari's management and her oversight of finances truly helped solidify the marque’s longevity.

Her prominent role also indirectly contributed to one of Ferrari’s most significant internal conflicts, the "Palace Revolt" of 1961. Tensions between key engineers—most notably Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini—and Ferrari’s leadership, including Laura Ferrari’s firm grip on company affairs, led to the mass departure of several top engineers. This shake-up ultimately resulted in the formation of ATS, Automobili Turismo e Sport, a rival firm founded by the disgruntled former Ferrari staff. That in turn led to the inception of Iso Rivolta's Grifo and the iconic BIzzarini's.  The incident was a defining moment in Ferrari’s history, really demonstrating Laura Ferrari’s formidable influence in the company’s structure and decision-making.

Engineering Philosophy and the Colombo Engine
Chinetti Jr. also highlighted Ferrari’s engineering philosophy, recalling how certain individuals—like Gioachino Colombo, the designer of Ferrari’s early engines—operated with full creative control. “You didn’t tell Mr. Colombo how to design an intake manifold,” Chinetti Jr. noted, emphasizing the respect and autonomy given to Ferrari’s top engineers. The Ferrari Colombo engine, designed by Colombo in the late 1940s, became the backbone of Ferrari’s early road and race cars. It was a lightweight, high-revving V12 that powered some of the most iconic Ferraris, from the 166 series to the 250 GT, cementing its place in Ferrari’s engineering history. Colombo’s work laid the foundation for Ferrari’s dominance in motorsports and luxury performance vehicles.

A Lasting Legacy
NART’s influence on Ferrari and motorsports remains undeniable. The team not only introduced Ferrari to North America but also provided American drivers with opportunities to compete at the highest levels. Chinetti Jr.’s reflections offer a rare and personal glimpse into this critical chapter in motorsports history, bridging past triumphs with modern interpretations of Ferrari’s legacy.

For those interested in Ferrari’s rich racing history and its cinematic portrayal, Chinetti Jr.’s insights serve as a compelling reminder of the people and decisions that shaped the brand’s success.