Ferrari uses a prancing horse on a yellow shield as its famous emblem. The black horse, known in Italian as the Cavallino Rampante, is one of the most recognizable symbols in motorsport and luxury cars.
The design originated with Italian World War I flying ace Francesco Baracca, who painted a prancing horse on his aircraft. According to Enzo Ferrari’s account, Baracca’s mother later suggested that Ferrari use the horse as a good-luck symbol. Ferrari adopted it for Scuderia Ferrari’s racing team in 1932, adding a yellow background associated with Modena, Enzo Ferrari’s hometown.
The shield version includes the Italian tricolour and the initials “SF,” meaning Scuderia Ferrari. Ferrari also uses a rectangular version bearing the company name. The shield is often seen on the fenders of Ferrari road cars, while the rectangular mark is strongly associated with the brand itself.