As car enthusiasts aka petrolheads, we often speak of cars having a soul. That soul, particularly in sports cars, is expressed through their shape, brand heritage, and colour. Few brands have inspired generations of enthusiasts as Ferrari has, with over 75 years of history infused with passion and performance. In an increasingly monochrome world, let’s explore the story of one of Ferrari’s boldest colours—Giallo Modena, a shade of bright yellow that embodies the brand’s spirit.
The History of Racing Colors
Ferrari is forever associated with red, but there’s much more to the story. In 2017, Montblanc introduced a remarkable tribute: the Great Characters Enzo Ferrari Special Edition, a burning red fountain pen dedicated to the Drake himself—Enzo Anselmo Giuseppe Maria Ferrari. He was the visionary who, just after World War II, built a car brand from nothing that went on to become the most successful manufacturer in all major racing disciplines.
At the dawn of automotive racing, colours had a clearly defined role. In 1900, millionaire and New York Herald owner James Gordon Bennett Jr. established the Gordon Bennett Cup, a series of races across Europe. In the 1903 edition, a new rule was introduced: each country’s cars would be identified by a specific colour before numbers were adopted. This system remained in place until 1968, with each country represented by a distinct shade: British cars were Green (British Racing Green), French cars were Blue, German cars White (later evolving into silver, but that’s a story for another time), Italian cars Red (Rosso Corsa) and Belgian cars were Yellow.
This is where Ferrari’s yellow connection first made its mark. In 1961, Ferrari dominated the Formula 1 Championship with the stunning 156 F1, later nicknamed the Sharknose. That same year, Olivier Gendebien, a Belgian driver and multiple Grand Prix and sports car race winner, competed in a Ferrari 156 F1 painted in Giallo Modena—Belgium’s official racing colour. This very car served as inspiration for the Montblanc Enzo Ferrari Giallo Modena Edition.
Ferrari’s “Second Soul”
As breathtaking as Ferraris are in red, there has always been something extraordinary about seeing them in yellow.
Deeply tied to his hometown of Modena, Enzo Ferrari integrated a key element from the Modena coat of arms, which prominently features yellow, into his brand identity. This, combined with the prancing horse he received as a gift from Francesco Baracca’s mother (a World War I pilot of the Italian Royal Air Force), led to the creation of the Scuderia Ferrari crest. One could argue that yellow was the first colour Enzo Ferrari truly chose himself—a personal statement beyond the mandatory racing red assigned to Italian manufacturers. Introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to red (specifically, Giallo Fly), yellow has always had a strong connection to sports cars. But why? The answer is simple: visibility.
Yellow stands out. This is why New York taxis have been yellow since 1915—to be unmistakable in a sea of traffic. However, yellow is also one of the most difficult colours to apply to a car’s bodywork, requiring advanced paint technology to ensure depth and consistency. This is one reason why it took so long to become widely available in mass-market production cars. This rarity and technical challenge only add to the mystique of yellow Ferraris. Now, to celebrate Enzo Ferrari’s 127th birthday, Montblanc has unveiled a Special Edition that pays tribute to Ferrari’s second soul: the colour yellow. A whole collection in Giallo Modena—a statement of passion, innovation, and heritage.
Yellow follows Red
The Giallo Modena Edition by Montblanc brings together a series of stunning design elements that immediately catch your eye.
While retaining details from the previous red edition, this version introduces new features:
- The Montblanc emblem on the cap’s top, now set against a striking blue resin backdrop, framed by a ruthenium-coated metal grid.
- Dark ruthenium-coated metal accents, which embody automotive excellence.
- A 14k gold nib, also coated in ruthenium, featuring intricate engravings that reflect Ferrari’s precision and elegance.
- An engraved clip on the cap, with clean, aerodynamic lines that further enhance its distinctive appeal.
On a recent business trip to Italy’s “Motor Valley”—the region in Emilia Romagna where proper cars and motorbikes come from—I had the privilege of visiting a vast collection of classic and sports cars. When it comes to Ferraris, one thing is certain: for every Ferrari you own, you need two—one in red and one in yellow, at least the ones available in yellow. Each color reveals different details, highlighting the nuances of Ferrari’s design in its own unique way. You don’t believe me? Ask Jay Leno! If you already own the red version of Montblanc’s Great Characters Enzo Ferrari, the Giallo Modena Edition is a must-have counterpart. But just a warning: it’s highly visible. On your desk or in your next meeting, it will stand out like a New York taxi or a Belgian race car in the 1960s. It’s not for the faint of heart—but damn, it’s worth it!
Red may be Ferrari’s signature, but yellow is its hidden soul.
