15.10.2004 Ferrari have turned up at the Australian Motor Show in Sydney with five cars, displaying all of the current range, including the recently-launched 612 Scaglietti

Always one of the most popular stands at any motor show, Ferrari have turned up with five cars, displaying all of the current range, including the recently-launched 612 Scaglietti, which made its Australian debut at the Melbourne Motor Show earlier this year.

The 612 on display occupies a prominent position in the centre of the stand, and is certainly Ferrari's star attraction on this occasion. Replacing the 456M GT, the Scaglietti's styling looks considerably more imposing and impressive 'in the metal' than photos suggest.

There is a considerable amount of detail work, particularly in the headlamps and flanks, which photos tend to gloss over, and as always with Ferraris the engine is beautifully presented, with the red cam covers providing a talking point and bringing to mind the famous name in the history of the Prancing Horse, 'Testarossa'.

Although its replacement the F430 was launched in Paris last week, Ferrari have nevertheless brought two examples of the 'normal' 360 Modena to Darling Harbour, one coupe and one Spider.

Despite being close to replacement, the 360 is still a competitive proposition, while also noteworthy in this context was the single 360 Challenge Stradale, a stripped-out version of the 'standard' (if there is such a thing) 360 Modena.

Ferrari's stand layout parallels that of the closely-located Maserati effort, with similar architecture and the cars arranged in the same layout, a centrepiece (for Ferrari the 612) being flanked by a couple of on either side.

The final one of these is a red 575M, obviously a rare sight across the world but especially so in a market which only caters for a handful of cars each year.

by Shant Fabricatorian in Sydney