FERRARI AND JOHANSSON TOGETHER AT 05 CLASSIC

The legendary Italian marque Ferrari and one of its former Formula 1 and sports cars drivers Stefan Johansson are to be re-united at this year's Classic Adelaide. South Australia's Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced the coup for the November 16-20 event at its official launch last week.

Minister Lomax-Smith said that the international and national standing of Classic Adelaide would be further enhanced by having Johansson as guest of honour with Ferrari agreeing to be the featured marque at the 2005 event.

Ms Lomax Smith said that South Australia 'was an automotive and motor sport State and we are very proud of events like the Classic Adelaide'.

"Not only is Classic Adelaide an extremely enjoyable event it is also exceptionally good for the State with last year's event contributing $2.4m to the economy and gaining media coverage valued at $2.1m", the Tourism Minister added. 

In a video presentation from the USA, Johansson, who raced for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide, said he was looking forward to being part of Classic Adelaide.

"When the Grand Prix came to Adelaide in 1985 none of us knew what to expect, but it couldn't have been any better. [Adelaide] put on the best event in the world and I can still remember the enthusiasm from the huge crowds."

Australian Ferrari chief Kevin Wall, General Manager for Australia and New Zealand's new Ferrari distributor, European Automotive Imports, said "This is the first event in which our company is involved following our appointment as the Ferrari distributor in October and an event that incorporates every facet of the Ferrari legend is the perfect start for our involvement with this remarkable company."

Wall added that classic Ferrari road cars will be on display alongside the current range of the Italian marque at the event.

"There can be no doubt that this year's Classic Adelaide is set to be the biggest and best celebration of Ferrari that Australia has ever seen," he said.

Classic Adelaide Chairman David Edwards said that this year's event, the ninth to be held, promised to be 'the best yet' with a record entry of more than 320 from around Australia and international entries from UK, USA, Malaysia, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and China.