Enzo Ferrari was an Italian automobile executive and entrepreneur who founded Ferrari. He was born in Italy in 1898 and had a difficult early career before becoming an Alpha Romeo driver in 1924. In 1929, he founded Scuderia Ferrari and in 1939 started his own company, Auto Avio Costruzioni, which eventually became Ferrari. Under his leadership, Ferrari created its first car in 1947 and became a successful racing brand, signing an agreement with Fiat in 1969 that gave Fiat a 50% stake in the company. Though he faced some failures early on, Ferrari was determined, enthusiastic, and adaptable, which helped make him and his company hugely successful in the automotive world.