There is always something special about seeing a Ferrari in the wild. Even your average Joe – who cannot distinguish the difference between a coupe or sedan – knows a Ferrari when they see one. Exotic cars with the Cavallino Rampante badge have longed been an aspirational item for those who achieve financial success in life. Set goals, work hard, make sacrifices and take risks; it sounds like a relatively straightforward formula but far from it. For the minority of society who travel this path and are able to not only see, but grab the light at the end of the tunnel – the result is usually a trophy in the form of a Rosso Corsa Ferrari; a reminder of slaying the monster known as adversity.
2017 marked the 70th birthday of Ferrari. With Ferrari associated groups in all parts of the world celebrating the occasion, it was only fitting for Adelaide’s Ferrari enthusiasts to also join the dance floor. Ferrari Adelaide hosted the celebration, which saw over ninety owners taking part. After a leisurely drive into the delightful Adelaide Hills region, the group parked up at the Birdwood Motor Museum where budding Ferrari fans were waiting, eager to celebrate the occasion.
Ferrari Adelaide brought out a fleet of vehicles. Included were demo cars as well as special limited edition models owned by their clients. The 599 GTO is a recent arrival to Adelaide, with the car still wearing its WA number plates.
When it comes to limited edition models, customers cannot simply opt to purchase one. The factory and dealerships decide who they think is worthy enough to be selected. Ferrari dealerships commonly get a set allocation for limited edition models and for the F12 Tour de France, Ferrari Adelaide received one single allocation. Fortunately, on the day, the lucky and kind owner decided to showcase the 768 hp, 6.3L-V12 powered unicorn – providing attendees a rare opportunity to get up up close and personal with the AUD $800,000+ automobile.
The last of the modern naturally aspirated mid-engine Ferraris, the track-focused 458 Speciale are now tightly held by owners. Current values are almost double their original 2014 list price of AUD $550,000+.
The F430 Scuderia was the predecessor to the 458 Speciale. Sold between 2008 and 2009, the Scud saw power increased to 503 hp – 20 hp more than the regular F430, with weight reduced by 100 kg. All this resulted in a 3.6 second sprint to 100 km/h with top speed capped at 319 km/h.
One of the most beautiful Ferraris of all time, not including any of the big five, has to be the mid-engine V12 powered Testarossa. The Testarossa won the love of many thanks to its television appearance on Miami Vice.
Most of Ferrari’s current models could be found lying around the lawns of the Birdwood Motor Museum; California T, 488 GTB, 488 Spyder and GTC4Lusso.
The current model 488’s elder mid-engine siblings were all soaking in their share of Vitamin C.
From a vintage point of view, this particular 365 GT 2+2 was a standout. Only 52 right-hand drive examples were built out of 800 units produced.
It was very kind of Ferrari Adelaide and all the vehicle owners above to allow fans to join in on this 70th birthday party. Whether it was a 308 in the eighties, 360 Modena in the nineties, F430 in the noughties or 458 Italia in the current day – the Rosso Corsa coloured Ferrari will continue to be that aspirational trophy for those who strive to set goals, work hard, make sacrifices and take risks.
