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Auto Avio Costruzioni 815: the first car designed by Enzo Ferrari
The Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 is a 1940 sports car, considered the first model designed by Enzo Ferrari, although the 'Ferrari' name wasn't used yet. In this article, we look at its history, technology, and why this car is so significant today.
815 in brief
After leaving Alfa Romeo, Enzo Ferrari had a contractual obligation not to use his name on cars for a while, so in 1940 he founded the company Auto Avio Costruzioni. The 815, a two-seater sports car for racing, was created there.
The name means eight cylinders and a 1.5-litre engine capacity. Only two cars were made, so this isn't a production model but a historic exhibit.
Why this model matters
Although the 815 was never mass-produced, it's seen as the start of Ferrari's history: here, Enzo Ferrari's ideas about a light, fast, and racing car were first combined.
The two 815 cars competed in the 1940 Mille Miglia (Brescia) races, but they didn't win. Soon, war engulfed Italy, and production wasn't continued.
The tech
The engine is an inline eight-cylinder, 1.5-litre, constructed from two Fiat four-cylinder blocks. It wasn't a completely new design, but it was specially adapted for racing.
The body was created by Carrozzeria Touring based on the idea of a light open sports car (spider). Due to its small size and weight, the car was quite fast in its class.
What to know if you're interested in the 815
There are practically no original cars in the used-car market: these are museum pieces.
The 815s you see in ads are usually replicas or tribute cars, and their provenance needs to be verified.
Versions
This model has no trims: only two race cars were produced.
815
1940Two-seater race spider.
- Inline eight-cylinder 1.5-litre engine
- Carrozzeria Touring body
- Only two cars were built
815 in brief
| 815 | |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | History enthusiasts and collectors |
| Engine | 1.5-litre inline eight-cylinder |
| Produced | Two cars |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Practically unattainable |
The 815 is a historic rarity, not a typical purchase: due to its extremely low production numbers, it's crucial to verify the provenance of any '815'.
Pros
- The first car created by Enzo Ferrari
- Unique historical value
- Original racing construction
- Carrozzeria Touring design
Cons
- Practically impossible to acquire the original
- It's difficult to verify the provenance of copies and replicas
- There's no practical experience of use
Frequently asked questions
Is the 815 a Ferrari?
Technically no, as the car was produced under the name Auto Avio Costruzioni, but it is considered the first model created by Enzo Ferrari.
How many 815s were produced?
Only two cars.
What does the name 815 signify?
Eight cylinders and a 1.5-litre engine capacity.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
