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Adam Driver brings the iconic vehicle visionary and notorious businessman Enzo Ferrari to the screen in the latest “Ferrari” biopic movie. It’s an interesting departure from some of his previous characters and a personality near and dear to car enthusiasts worldwide. However, Driver isn’t who you might expect to step into the supercar builder’s shoes. What’s more, Driver’s roots aren’t as far from the Modena man as you might think.

Adam Driver isn’t from the same circles as Ferrari elite

Enzo Ferrari inspects a newspaper.
Enzo Ferrari | Mondadori via Getty Images

Unlike many celebrity Ferrari owners in Hollywood and beyond, Adam Driver doesn’t come from old money or a nepotistic family safety net. No, Driver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at the age of 18. Very few American military veterans own Ferraris, let alone earn the opportunity to portray Enzo Ferrari on the big screen.

Lance Corporal (LCpl) Driver served his country for the better part of three years before an injury took him off active duty. What’s more, Driver was an infantryman, a demanding and thankless job in the Corps. Still, once Driver left active duty, he committed to acting the way a U.S. Marine is expected to commit to their country: totally. The infantry mortarman attended Julliard, graduating drama school in 2009.

14 years later, Adam Driver brings the controversial industrialist and visionary Enzo Ferrari to life in the biopic movie “Ferrari.” Needless to say, at the intersection of marine and car enthusiast, it’s difficult not to be proud of Driver’s career accomplishments. Still, Driver’s background is far from the typical story of a Ferrari owner. It’s not often that you see a junior enlisted marine driving an 812 Superfast or 458 Italia.

Enzo Ferrari and Adam Driver are wild successes from an unlikely source

Enzo Ferrari, the son of a fabricator, didn’t exactly inherit his empire. In fact, before Enzo rose to prominence as a car builder and rabid racer, he was a veteran of the Italian Army. Fortunately for the automotive landscape we enjoy today, Ferrari left the service without becoming a casualty of the First World War. 

There you have it: Enzo Ferrari and the actor to portray him on the big screen. Two veterans. Two epic stories. Avanti!

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).