Speedy Scuderia in high demand

The fight to be first to own the fastest road going Ferrari has created a $50 million backlog in Australia.

More than 80 eager Ferrari fans have committed to the 430 Scuderia, a car even quicker than the Enzo, even though some will have to wait three years or more to get their car.

The Scuderia has been a sellout since the lighter, faster, tauter F430 was announced last year, even though the price is going to be about $580,000.

“We've not yet set a price and we won't until deliveries start. We will get the first cars in July,” Australian Ferrari spokesman Edward Rowe says.

Though vague about the waiting list, Rowe says there probably will be 100 orders when next month's Melbourne Motor Show closes.

“At the moment we have just over 80,” he says.

What does it cost to get on the list?

“It's normally a 15 per cent deposit,” Rowe says.

But Ferrari does not know how many cars it will get, or when.

“We won't know the allocation until March, but at the moment we're looking at; at least a three-year wait,” Rowe says.

The appeal of the Scuderia is as exciting as its laptime around Ferrari's Fiorano test track in Italy.

“So much of the car is changed. Different engine, different gearbox, different suspension,” Rowe says.

“There is a lot more carbon fibre in it, and a plastic called RTM. Even some of the glass has been replaced by plastic.”

And why do people want them?

“It's the ultimate Ferrari. It's as simple as that. This is the fastest road going Ferrari. It is extraordinarily quick, but also — thanks to its electronics — extremely driveable.”

The Scuderia may be an early sell out, but there are waiting lists for every Ferrari in Australia. And the company's sister brand, Maserati, is also a pay-with-delay proposition. Nearly 150 orders are placed for the coming GranTurismo coupe.

“We are siting on waiting lists of more than two years for most models,” Rowe says. “Lifting sales means we have been able to get more cars from Italy.”