Enzo Ferrari's wife, Laura Ferrari, remains a fascinating figure in the world of motorsport and business. Though she's often overshadowed by her legendary husband, Laura played a pivotal role in the success of Ferrari. Let's dive into her life, her relationship with Enzo, and her lasting legacy.
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Laura Ferrari wasn’t just the wife of a motorsport legend—she was an artist, a businesswoman, and a driving force behind one of the world’s most iconic brands. Let’s explore her life, her contributions, and the complexities of her marriage to Enzo Ferrari.
Laura Ferrari's Profile
| Full Name | Laura Dominica Garello Ferrari |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1900 |
| Birthplace | Racconigi, Provincia di Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy |
| Date of Death | February 27, 1978 |
| Age | 77 |
| Place of Death | Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Profession | Artist, Businesswoman |
| Parents | Andrea Garello and Delfina Porchietti |
| Husband | Enzo Ferrari |
| Child | Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari |
Who Was Laura Ferrari?
Born Laura Dominica Garello on September 10, 1900, in Racconigi, Italy, Laura was a woman of many talents. She was not only an accomplished artist and dancer but also a savvy businesswoman who played a key role in the Ferrari empire. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Enzo Ferrari, one of the most celebrated figures in motorsport history.
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In the 2023 biographical sports drama film Ferrari, Oscar-winning actress Penélope Cruz brought Laura’s story to life. Cruz portrayed Laura as a fiery, complex woman whose life was marked by both triumphs and heartbreak. In interviews, Cruz revealed the challenges of portraying someone about whom so little is known. She said,
“Nobody knew about Laura. So we started to do research together. We ended up looking for people who knew her, and even talking to strangers in the street, because there was very little written about her. There was no video or audio of her, nothing.”
Through Cruz’s portrayal, we see Laura as a woman deeply affected by the loss of her son, Dino, and the pain of discovering her husband’s affair. Yet, despite these challenges, she remained a force to be reckoned with. Cruz emphasized,
“If she had such a difficult personality, it was because of her loss and her deep pain, her struggle to make it through each day. It represents so many women around the world still living in very similar situations today.”
“You could really feel the deep depression that she was having for so many years of her life.”
Enzo and Laura Ferrari's Relationship
Laura and Enzo’s relationship began in Turin, Italy, where they met and quickly formed a bond. They lived together for two years before getting married on April 28, 1923. Laura was just 23 years old when she tied the knot with the man who would become one of the most influential figures in motorsport.
Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, in 1932. However, tragedy struck in 1956 when Dino passed away due to muscular dystrophy. This devastating loss profoundly affected both Laura and Enzo, as depicted in the film.
Complicating matters further, Enzo began an affair with Lina Lardi in the late 1920s. Lina worked at a Ferrari factory, and their relationship resulted in the birth of Enzo’s second son, Piero Lardi, in 1945. Laura’s pain was compounded by the fact that Piero was never acknowledged by Enzo during her lifetime. The film explores the tension between Laura and Enzo over this issue, highlighting the emotional struggles within their marriage.
Did Ferrari Leave His Wife?
Despite the challenges in their marriage, Enzo and Laura remained together until her death in 1978. Divorce was illegal in Italy until the 1970s, which meant separation was not an option for the couple. Nevertheless, Laura remained a steadfast supporter of Enzo, contributing significantly to the growth and success of their company.
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The film portrays Laura as a vital part of Ferrari’s legacy, highlighting her role in building one of the world’s most luxurious car brands. Her dedication to the company was unwavering, even in the face of personal adversity.
Did Enzo Ferrari Marry Lina Lardi?
There is no evidence that Enzo Ferrari married Lina Lardi. She is widely referred to as his mistress. Founder of the British Sports Car Hall of Fame, John Nikas, once remarked on what Enzo valued most in life:
“His real loves in life were racing and Dino.”
Laura Ferrari's Death
Laura Ferrari passed away on February 27, 1978, at the age of 77. Her death was attributed to a long illness. After 55 years of marriage, Laura left behind a legacy of resilience and strength, having weathered the storms of personal tragedy and marital challenges.
Laura Ferrari's Net Worth
While specific details about Laura’s wealth remain undisclosed, her husband Enzo Ferrari had an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his death in 1969, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Enzo sold 50% of Ferrari to Fiat for $11 million, and after his death, the Agnelli family acquired another 40% for $13.6 million. Today, the remaining 10% owned by their son, Piero Lardi, is worth approximately $9 billion.
The Ferrari brand has grown into one of the most successful F1 teams, attracting top drivers like Michael Schumacher, Alberto Ascari, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso. The company’s legacy continues to thrive, thanks in part to Laura’s early contributions.
