The Home of Italian Sports Cars

Modena, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is widely regarded as the home of Italian sports cars, at the heart of the country’s “Motor Valley.” Centered on Modena and its nearby towns—Maranello, Sant’Agata Bolognese, and Bologna—this cluster is where Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, and Lamborghini were forged and where much of Italy’s high-performance automotive culture still lives.

Why Modena Sits at the Epicenter

Modena’s claim is both historic and practical. Enzo Ferrari was born here, founded Scuderia Ferrari in Modena in 1929, and later established his car company before relocating the main factory to nearby Maranello in the 1940s. Maserati moved its headquarters to Modena in 1937 and continues to base key operations in the city, including production of its MC20 supercar. Pagani’s atelier and museum sit just outside Modena, reflecting a tradition of bespoke craftsmanship deeply embedded in the area. Around these brands is a dense network of specialty suppliers, test tracks, museums, and engineering talent—an ecosystem that sustains the Motor Valley’s global reputation.

The Motor Valley at a Glance

The following key marques, sites, and circuits explain how Modena anchors the broader Motor Valley and why the region is synonymous with high-performance motoring.

• Ferrari (Maranello): Headquarters and main factory; Museo Ferrari in Maranello, with the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena highlighting the founder’s life and early workshop.
• Maserati (Modena): Corporate home and production site for the MC20; heritage tied to the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in the city.
• Pagani (San Cesario sul Panaro, Modena province): Boutique hypercar maker with factory tours and a dedicated museum.
• Lamborghini (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Bologna province): Factory and Museo Automobili Lamborghini a short drive from Modena.
• Ducati (Borgo Panigale, Bologna): While a motorcycle icon, its presence underscores the region’s broader performance engineering culture.
• Dallara (Varano de’ Melegari, Parma): Racing and chassis specialist, central to the area’s competition pedigree.
• Circuits: Autodromo di Modena for testing and events; Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) and Misano World Circuit host major international racing.

Taken together, these brands and facilities form a compact, driveable constellation around Modena, making the city a practical and symbolic hub for enthusiasts and industry alike.

Visiting Highlights

If you’re planning a trip, the stops below provide an efficient immersion into the region’s history, technology, and culture, starting from Modena and radiating outward.

1. Museo Enzo Ferrari (Modena): Explore the founder’s story in a striking, light-filled gallery built around Enzo’s original workshop.
2. Museo Ferrari (Maranello): See Formula 1 machines and road icons, often with themed exhibits that rotate through the year.
3. Maserati in Modena: Check availability for factory or showroom experiences; the MC20 production line reflects the brand’s modern renaissance.
4. Pagani Museum and Atelier (San Cesario sul Panaro): Reserve ahead for guided tours showcasing Zonda and Huayra craftsmanship.
5. Lamborghini Museum and Factory Tour (Sant’Agata Bolognese): Book early; tours often sell out during peak months.
6. Imola Circuit: Look for track days or guided tours to walk the famous corners and visit the Ayrton Senna memorial.
7. Local flavors in Modena: Complement petrolhead pursuits with traditional balsamic vinegar tastings and Emilian cuisine in the historic center.

With good planning—typically booking factory tours weeks in advance—you can comfortably see several museums and one or two factories over two days, using Modena as a convenient base.

Practical Notes

Modena is about 40–50 minutes by train or car from Bologna, whose airport offers the widest international connections. Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and active event calendars, but also larger crowds. Factory tours often require reservations and may have age or footwear restrictions; check each venue’s official site before you go.

Why the Label Matters

Calling Modena the home of Italian sports cars recognizes more than brand addresses—it acknowledges a living industrial cluster. The region concentrates design studios, carbon-fiber and engine specialists, racing teams, and test facilities within short driving distances. This proximity accelerates innovation, sustains skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations, and keeps Italy at the forefront of performance engineering.

Summary

Modena is the home of Italian sports cars, the historic and practical heart of the Motor Valley where Ferrari, Maserati, and Pagani have deep roots and where Lamborghini and other icons sit just beyond the city limits. For travelers and enthusiasts, it offers unparalleled access to museums, factories, and circuits that tell the story of Italy’s high-performance heritage—past, present, and very much alive.

Where are Italian sports cars made?

Discover Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, all the private collections, museums, factories and circuits in Modena and around. Within a few kilometers from Modena you will find the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Ducati in Bologna, the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum in Funo and much more!

What is the most famous Italian sports car?

Ferrari

• Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari, Maranello, Italy, in the year 1939.
• Ferraris are emblematic of speed and luxury—people notice you on the road.
• There is no Ferrari that can properly be called entry-level.
• The current sweetheart is the SF90 Stradale.

What Italian city is famous for cars?

Modena

Modena Mòdna (Emilian)
Coordinates: 44°38′49″N 10°55′32″E
Country	Italy
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Modena (MO)

What is the supercar capital of Italy?

MODENA
Birthplace of Ferrari: MODENA – Hidden Supercar Capital With a 1,000-Year Legacy – YouTube.