Red alert for Ferrari fans

THE famous prancing horse will set up shop in the CBD after a year-long hiatus from Adelaide's marketplace.

THE famous prancing horse will set up shop in the CBD after a year-long hiatus from Adelaide's marketplace.

Adelaide BMW operator Adelaide Motors has been awarded the prized Ferrari dealership and is finalising plans for a new state-of-the-art, stand-alone showroom.

A new "face of Ferrari in SA" is being sought to operate the dealership, which will offer sales and servicing.

Adelaide Motors director Kym McInerney would not reveal the location of the new showroom but said its design had been approved by Ferrari headquarters in Maranello.

However, The Advertiser understands the company's Suburban Taxi site at the western end of Hindley St is being proposed for the new development, expected to open later this year.

"The new dealership will be a statement of modern Italian design and the showroom structure will incorporate design elements taken directly from Ferrari's vehicles," Mr McInerney said.

Ferrari has been absent from Adelaide's new car sales market since November 2011, when Prestige Formula was downgraded.

The president of the South Australian division of the Ferrari Club Australia, Frank Russo, said it was critical the incoming sales and service team offered a superior level of customer service.

"Regardless of whether it's a 2013 or a 1960s car, as far as our members are concerned their Ferrari is special," he said.

Adelaide Motors already plans to start servicing Ferraris from its West Tce home next month.

"Regardless of whether it's a 2013 or a 1960s car, as far as our members are concerned their Ferrari is special."