Calling all collectors!

Last June 5 was a red letter day for the Philippine motoring media, specifically those involved in print. In a very exclusive lunch/launch, Formula Sports, Inc. (FSI), the sole distributor of Ferrari and Maserati automobiles in the Philippines, formally announced the availability of the Ferrari 360 Modena on a per order basis.

Regular visitors of the now headache-inducing Ortigas area traffic loop are probably already aware of the Italian carmaker’s presence. The FSI showroom located at 88 ADB Avenue corner Opal Street has been proudly brandishing its display unit for a some time now. The 360 Modena, a 3.6-liter V8, is as close to an "entry level" as any Ferrari can get. Yet, it’s awe-inspiring anatomy has no doubt been making heads turn. This "entry level’s" price? Roughly P22 million (depending on options).

Still, FSI is confident that the 360 Modena will attract its target audience. And why the heck not? The 360 Modena comes with a choice of either manual or F1-style 6-speed gearbox. It is the first Ferrari production automobile to be constructed entirely in aluminum (chassis, bodyshell and suspension wishbones) making it perhaps the best mid-engined Ferrari in terms of handling and overall performance. It also exceeds all the passive safety requirements imposed by world regulations.

The good news doesn’t stop there, though. Also to be made available to the buying public on a per order basis are the 360 Spider, the 575M Maranello and the 456M GTA. Maserati’s 4200 GT Coupe and 4200 GT Spyder will likewise be made available on a per order basis. And to back up the entry of such high-profile automobiles, FSI also set to open its factory-certified service facility in Makati. Carlos Nakpil, managing director of FSI, is confident that the company’s offerings will be enough to do more than just whet the appetites of sports car connoisseurs. "There is a small but dedicated group of Ferrari and Maserati owners in the Philippines. We feel that we can build on this by providing factory-certified Ferrari-Maserati service for these enthusiasts, and making the latest models directly available to them," he said.

In the meantime, Ferrari and Maserati enthusiasts and owners can look forward to establishing a rapport with the people behind FSI, as the company has made it clear that they intend to reach out to their target market. "We plan to spend our first year of operation getting to know all the Ferrari and Maserati owners in the Philippines. We hope to become thoroughly familiar with their Ferraris and Maseratis so that we may always provide the high level of service that these truly special vehicles deserve," revealed Nakpil.

As for us mere mortals, we can at least look forward to seeing a growing number of Ferraris and Maseratis on our roads. Cheap thrills are a dime a dozen, but watching any one of these amazing and very expensive cars speed off, leaving us biting the dust, would be more than enough to keep us dreaming, working hard and reaching for the stars — or at least a Prancing Horse.