The newest Ferrari and Maserati dealership has been officially opened in Melbourne, with a $30 million investment by Zagame Ferrari and Maserati setting a new world benchmark for dealerships carrying the names of two of the world’s most famous car companies.
“Our new dealership had to be the equal or better than any other Ferrari and Maserati dealership in the world.” Explains Bobby Zagame, the Managing Director of Zagame Ferrari and Maserati. “It rates as one of the largest in the world, which is a significant vote of confidence in the economy of Melbourne and Victoria. We have ensured that it contains the technology to match that founding cars that carry the Ferrari and Maserati badge, thanks to Melbourne architect, David Earle, it shares their style and we have provided our staff with the facilities to ensure that our customer service can match their legendary reputations.”
With ten thousand square metres of floor space, the new Swan Street, Richmond show room has the space to display up to thirty Ferrari and Maserati supercars, while the workshop has nine bays. These simple figures do not reveal the depth and breadth of features and facilities in the new Zagame Ferrari and Maserati dealership.
The showroom, for example is comprehensively decorated with pictures and displays that tell the illustrious motorsport and motoring history of Ferrari and Maserati from the earliest days to the latest automotive achievements by both brands. Meanwhile, in the workshop, the bays are equipped with all the latest equipment to ensure fast, accurate servicing and maintenance.
Another first for Ferrari Zagame is that it is the home of the first Australian branch of The Ferrari Dealer Select Merchant area, offering a unique range of Ferrari merchandise, memorabilia and accessories for Ferrari owners and fans alike.
“Our company has worked with Bobby and his team for more than six years and what has consistently impressed us is the remarkable dedication to customer service.” says Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari at the Australian and New Zealand Ferrari importer, EAI. “They actively look for new ways to exceed customer expectations and this is clearly evident in their new business in Melbourne.”
Ferraris are some of the most valuable cars in the world – a recent sale saw a Ferrari California sell for $5.4 million – and their owners often travel the world and this can lead to storage issues. For this reason the new Zagame Ferrari and Maserati dealership includes a unique secure storage area for customer use.
“Ferrari and Maserati owners are also welcome to use the business and social meeting areas of the dealership and to regard Zagame Ferrari and Maserati as their business centre.” explains Bobby Zagame. “We have installed casual meeting lounge areas and a more formal training and presentation room specifically for our customers – fully equipped with the latest technology together with our staff, who are always on hand to meet any specific requests.”
“Maserati is the fastest growing prestige brand in Australia.” Explains Edward Butler, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand“Zagame Maserati has played a significant role in this growth and there is no doubt that this magnificent new dealership and the benchmark levels of customer service offered by Bobby Zagame and his team will only enhance our national position.”
The official opening on Wednesday, 22 October 2008 saw some six hundred and twenty invited guests in attendance. The lavish ceremony included a visual presentation from the Ferrari Chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and the unveiling of the spectacular new Ferrari California.
A very special presentation was held the following night for Ferrari Club members, of which about one hundred and thirty members attended.
The spectacle of both nights was overwhelming and appreciated by both invited guests and club members.
This years Christmas Lunch was held at Bistro Thierry in Malvern. We had a packed house, yet the service and food was absolutely top quality.
Congratulations to Tony Hancy for winning club person of the year for his fantastic and generous contributions over many years, and to Andrew Percy, Patrick Latin and Tony Reeves for their outstanding concours results
Many thanks to Veena and the rest of the organising committee for organising an excellent day.
Have you always wondered if the aerodynamic design of your car was any good? Does Ferrari do a better job of it than Holden, Ford or a Bugatti Type 35? Well, today we found out for sure if the money we’ve spent on our cars is money down the drain or not.
and now…the good news. The answer appears to be yes. The Ferraris showed good aerodynamic properties and as the later ones were tested, the aerodynamics got better. Without doubt, eliminating the flat rear glass areas of the 308s, and 355/430 spiders, like they did when the 360 was released, gave a much better result.
The 599 and 430 rear venturis were shown to work very well, as was the entire shape of the F40, apart from the mirrors (and that was with all the cars)
Dean put on a very nice BBQ during the course of the day and he managed to burn very few sausages. Soft drink was provided too……eventually.
Thanks to Dean for making the day possible, and also to the members who made their cars available for testing, which made the day interesting and enjoyable for the rest of us.
It was with nervous anticipation that the time arrived to set off for my first Ferrari Rally.
The only reason that I was even there was because of my good friend Tony Demarco, otherwise I may never have gone to this Rally. But he convinced me and that it would be a great experience.
After much pestering from Tony I thought that if nothing else it would be a great way to get some driving time in my car.
I really had no idea what to expect or even if I would enjoy the group factor of a Rally.
I joined up to travel in convoy from Melbourne with some fellow Victorian Ferrari club members very early on Friday 24th October – too early for me but I did not want to be left behind – 6am are you for real?
This first day of driving the stretch along the Monaro Highway was especially gratifying, some brilliant roads that allowed us all to give our cars a great run. After several stops and a full day of driving we stayed in Canberra for the evening.
It was here that I had the opportunity to get to know my fellow Victorian convoy comrades.
What terrific people, just like me, they love their cars and wanted to share this passion with others, already off to a positive start, despite the 6am start.
The next morning we set off for Sydney. Sadly after the previous days’ high’ we had a very bland morning of driving. Thankfully on parking our cars in the Intercontinental Hotel car park we were presented with an unbelievable number of Ferraris of all vintages for our private display.
A welcome dinner on the first evening gave me only a taste of what was to ahead.
If I had been looking for a restful holiday this was not it, instead I found myself in the ‘Ferrari world’ and actually warming to the idea of the Rally.
A first time experience awaited at 6am on Sunday morning when I was asked to wash my car – but I did that last week, I thought to myself – and have it ready for the Concourse. I was truly in awe of the extraordinary efforts of my friends to prepare their cars for the Concourse competition. I have no understanding of what this involves or how it is scored so decided to just admire all of the cars instead.
Sydney turned on a fantastic day and to be beside the harbour – really was magic.
The competition was ‘much understated’ but fierce.
It was a trip of firsts. On the Sunday evening we were escorted across the harbour on an impressive catamaran to Luna Park. A ‘just for fun’ night it was. Amazing the different dress up outfits of the Rally participants, really created a party atmosphere.
Then my favourite day was Monday’s drive day to the Hunter Valley. Never before have I experienced such joy in driving my car and sharing the road with so many Ferraris. As far as the eye could see ahead and behind were predominantly red Ferraris of all vintages. That image will stay in my mind for a long time.
The Rally schedule was tough, just like an endurance sports race. No sooner had I arrived back from the 400 odd kms drive day, I had to quickly get ready and feel fresh to go and see a production of La Boheme at the Opera House, which was brilliant and enjoyed by all who were present.
Last day of the Rally was trackside. I had decided that I wanted just to go and see what it was all about rather than participate. I would definitely participate at the next Rally.
Some training for this would be advised as 200kms is not my normal speed, however much I dream
Yet another end to a long day rush to prepare for the formal dinner on Sydney Harbour.
The harbour cruise dinner and presentation was truly memorable. Sadly the humble salmon steak will forever have a different meaning. (This will only have meaning to attendees)
Fabulous end to the action packed Rally.
Overall, I would have to say that it was a great experience to drive my beloved Ferrari with other like minded people and to meet new friends from all over Australia.
Thanks to you all, especially the organisers who did a fabulous job.
By Dr. Jon Kozeniauskas
This was a weekend of two parts. Part ‘a’ was made up of a drive on Saturday with an overnight stay then part ‘b’ off to Ruffy for lunch on Sunday meeting up with 40 other FCA members.
On Saturday morning, after being greeted by perfect driving weather, a few of us met up in Ringwood for the start of our adventure. We drove from there to Warburton, where we stopped for a quick coffee and cake, then up the Reefton Spur (that’s one exciting road!) to Buxton then Yarck where we stopped for lunch. The food was a very special find being in the middle of nowhere and all with excellent service to match.
After lunch we took off en route to Mansfield where we had a petrol stop then off to Whitfield. That was another road to remember! Corner after corner of smooth roads with the occasional slow down to a crawl to give time to admire the views. The Wine Festival was on in Whitfield, so we visited a winery to soak up some rays and enjoy the atmosphere. Obviously we didn’t drink because we were driving, but it was a great experience just the same.
After the winery we drove back to Mansfield. I was a little surprised to have this follow me in to the petrol station (see photo below), and was relieved to see he was just there just for the fuel. It’s an EVO X and if there was ever a high speed chase, I’d be putting money on the Police!
Our overnight stay was at Highton Manor in Mansfield. The photos don’t do the place justice. It’s an old mansion that’s been converted to a B&B. The owners spoilt us rotten. They put on a spread for us on our arrival, for dinner and breakfast like you wouldn’t believe. Fully air conditioned self contained suites made for a comfortable night’s sleep after an exciting 500km drive. Trent organised all of the above, and on behalf of everyone who did this part of the weekend, I’d like to thank him for putting in the time and effort.
Sunday morning we departed at about 11.30 for our drive to Ruffy to meet up with the rest of the members for our annual Ruffy lunch. This was organised by Winston and as usual was well organised and the food was very nice and plentiful. We had our tables set up in the lovely gardens outside the restaurant surrounded by plenty of trees for shade. The turn out was very good, as you can see in the photos with quite a variety of cars turning up, which is always a good thing.
Overall, this weekend was one of the best. Thanks again to Winston and Trent for organising it. I can’t wait to repeat the experience next year.
Peter Pless
RESULTS:-
* Best v6 – Andrew Percy Yellow Dino VFD246 (Entry 19)
* Best v8 – Patrick Latin Red 328 PL013 (Entry 3)
* Best v12 – Tony Reeves Silver 550 Maranello TVA702 (Entry 6)
* Best overall - Andrew Percy Yellow Dino (Entry 19)
Thanks to all who displayed their Ferrari and gave to Very Special Kids.
