This documentary unveils the story of Mauro Forghieri, the visionary engineer who helped shape Ferrari’s legacy, his complex relationship with the charismatic Commendatore Enzo Ferrari and his pivotal role in creating the most coveted cars in the history of car making: the Ferrari 250 GTO.

At just 26, the young aerodynamics engineer was unexpectedly put in charge of Ferrari's racing department in 1961 after the infamous “Great Walkout” of the

company’s top engineers and executives. At the time, Ferrari was grappling with significant financial and personal challenges and was in desperate need of a victory. Against all odds, Forghieri created the 250 GTO — a car that would not only define Ferrari’s success but also go on to triumph in its class at Le Mans in 1962. This is the tale of an underdog who saved one of the most iconic car companies in the world, interwoven with the trajectory of his most famous creation.

From dominating the tracks to being nearly forgotten and ultimately achieving legendary status as the most expensive race car ever sold at over $70 million, the 250 GTO’s journey is one of resilience and triumph. This documentary is more than a tribute — it’s a thrilling cinematic journey into innovation and ambition as well as a philosophic reflection on humanity and legacy.

Screening at part of the series...

FAST CARS FOREVER!

From the earliest days of moving pictures, cars have zoomed across the screen. To get in the mood for the upcoming release of F1: The Movie, the Playhouse is proud to present FAST CARS FOREVER!, a series of movies dedicated to the thrill of racecars and the daredevils behind the wheel. The series culminates with a special car meetup in our lot ahead on opening weekend for F1, the details of which are available now to IMAX members with more specifics to be released soon. Join us for more than 50 years’ worth of car movies that range from action to documentary and horror, which collectively will put you in exactly the right mindset for the IMAX spectacle around the corner.

Other films in the series:

Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)

Christine (1983)

Days of Thunder (1990)

Ferrari: Fury and the Monster (2025)

Cars (2006)