The Launch of the 3200GT at Lance Dixon
April, 1999
The Maserati Pages

Lance Dixon had a busy week in the first week of March. It was after all the week leading up to the Australian Grand Prix.. Not only did he have a new showroom to open in Richmond, but he had to cope with the release of two new models ... the Ferrari 360M and the Maserati 3200GT.

To complicate matters for members who were invited to the celebratory opening of the new showrooms, the date chosen happened to coincide with the club=s Annual Grand Prix Dinner at Matteo=s Ristorante. I must admit it was a happy coincidence which occurring as it did on the eve of the Grand Prix Festival, quickly got one in the mood for the events to follow on the weekend!

In what must have been a major move for Lance, the previous Ferrari showroom in Doncaster was moved to new premises in Bridge Road, Richmond. Sharing the space with Ferrari is Maserati for which Lance Dixon are also the sole Victorian dealer. The showroom itself is a large glass fronted building fronting Bridge Road not far from the Yarra River. Divided equally between Ferrari and Maserati, one enters through a centrally located front glass door to a large open display area with Ferrari featured on the right side and Maserati on the left. Apart from the display of new vehicles filling the spotless display space for each marque, the walls on each side at the rear of each marque display contained a large number of photographs of each marque reflecting the racing origins of both. The photographs alone are a sufficient reason to make the effort of visiting the showroom.

Following an appropriate interval with canapes, fine wines and champagne the showroom was suitably opened. Involved in the honors were Andria Zappa and Jean Todt from Ferrari SpA, Laurie Sutton, Tim Wood and Herbert Appleroth of Maranello Imports and Tony Graziani from the Maserati Sydney dealership. Those in attendance comprised old customers and new, motoring journalists from around the country and overseas and many leading identities from te world of motoring. I am told that the celebrations kicked on for some time and that Lance Dixon=s liquor cabinet is now sorely depleted.

In keeping with the traditions of such releases it can be reasonably said the Maserati 3200GT was thus appropriately launched.

Those waiting for the launch of the Ferrari 360 Modena had to wait until the following evening for the Maronello Ball at the Hyatt. In the company of Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher the 360 Modena (the replacement for the 355) was given its international release. Rather than place the car on stage away from the 200 or more Ferrari enthusiasts from around Australia (and the world) who had gathered on this night, the car was instead >parked= at the back of the ballroom enabling everyone to gain a close look. The car, which was only subsequently given an official release in Europe, was specially flown to Australia for the occasion.

Few businesses can claim such an auspicious launch. Appropriately stylish and glamorous, yet somewhat nostalgic, the new premises and the release of what will undoubtedly be two world beaters in the Maserati 3200GT and the Ferrari 360 Modena all came together in a week, when thoughts of motoring and motor cars are at their apogee. Well done Lance!