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Cavilino Rampante: the origins...

During WWI, Count Francesco Baracca, a ledgendary "asso" in the Italian Air Force, always had a prancing horse painted on his planes. He died on June 19, 1918, when his plane was shot down, after successfully fighting 34 duels during the course of the war.

The prancing horse seemed a natural symbol for Baracca to use, as he came from a Cavalry regiment and also because his family were known for the horses they raised on their estates at Lugo di Romagna.

However... it has also been suggested that it might have been copied from a German plane shot down bearing the Stuttgart coat of arms, as it bears quite a resemblance.
- Interestingly, this is the same horse that Porsche ended up using in their crest.

On June 17, 1923, Enzo Ferrari met Countess Paolina, Baracca's mother, at the Savio race track, where he won. She suggested to Enzo that he might like to use Baracca's prancing horse on his cars for good luck.
Alfa Romeo did not let Enzo use the horse until the SPA 24 Hours in 1932, though. He won the race, driving an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

1916 Nieuport Ni17 "Baracca"

* 1:48 scale.

Eduard kit - Built and photographed by Bill Model Company

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