Ferrari celebration looms in Canberra

Ferrari Australia to commence 70th anniversary celebrations at Auto Italia Canberra this weekend

Over 70 Ferraris are expected to attend this weekend’s Auto Italia Canberra classic and exotic car event, kicking off local celebrations for the brand's 70th anniversary year.

Ferrari will be the featured marque for the event, which will be held on Sunday, April 2, and is billed as the southern hemisphere's largest display event for Italian cars.

On display for the first time in Australia will be the new V12-powered GTC4Lusso, the newcomer appearing alongside classics including the F40, Dino 246, 365 GTC/4 and 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Ferrari Australasia chief executive officer, Herbert Appleroth, said the event would be an ideal opportunity for fans to get close to some exotic machines.

"We are delighted to be the feature marque at Auto Italia this year," he said.

"It is fantastic to have such a large collection of Ferrari classics and modern vehicles on display to the public for such an important milestone.

“We are looking forward to celebrating and sharing our marque's iconic history with the public and we encourage our friends and fans to join us in Canberra for this celebration."

Global celebrations for the Italian motoring icon's 70th anniversary began last month, recognising the introduction of the 125 S, the first car to bear the Enzo Ferrari name.

Auto Italia will take place on the lawns of Old Parliament House, Canberra, on Sunday, April 2, from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free.

Visit www.autoitaliacanberra.com for more information.