After Ferrari F50 production concluded in 1998, the die-hard tifosi dreamt of what exotic machine Maranello would create next—and what form it would take.

Speculation was rampant over whether the next model would employ a rear-mid-mounted V-8 or V-12, and if the packaging would be spartan and purposeful like the F40, or luxurious and evocative of vintage designs like the F50.

In mid-2002, then Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo ended the wait with the introduction of the forthcoming Ferrari Enzo.

The model’s name required little explanation; he reasoned that after Ferrari had named cars for historically important locales like Maranello and Modena, the time had finally come to honor the company’s founder.

Di Montezemolo also clarified that the new model would have a strong connection to Formula One racing, as the manufacturer had just won the 1999, 2000, and 2001 Manufacturers’ Championships and the 2000 and 2001 Drivers’ Championships.

Michael Schumacher was, in fact, in the mi...