Opening the dealership in the inner-city suburb of Frewville this month, the company said the city was chosen because McLaren had a large pre-existing base there.

Zagame Automotive Group marketing and public relations general manager Paul Ellis said many cars were sold to Adelaide customers from Zagame’s McLaren Melbourne.

“So we are servicing our existing market with OEM support as well as looking to grow our McLaren customer base,” Mr Ellis told GoAutoNews Premium.

“In addition, Adelaide has real car enthusiasts. The percentage of take-up of high-performance cars in Adelaide is the highest per capita of all capital cities in Australia.

“For this reason, Adelaide McLaren customers get the opportunity to do some great things in their cars with us.

“We will be having track day at The Bend in early December as warm-up for our Zagame tour group in the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.

“Our cars are still covered under manufacturer warranty for track use so we do organise regular track outings for our Adelaide customers of all our brands.”

McLaren Adelaide is headed by general manager Scott Greer, who comes to Zagame from Adelaide BMW and Ferrari.

The new showroom has sales, aftersales and service facilities and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the McLaren world. It also has approved pre-owned cars as part of the McLaren Qualified Programme.

McLaren Automotive Asia-Pacific and China managing director George Biggs said at the official opening that Australia was one of the brand’s first international markets, selling its first car, the 12C.

“Since then, we have evolved with our award-winning range of sportscars and supercars, making Australia one of our most successful markets in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr Biggs said.

“McLaren ownership in Australia represents an extraordinary experience. Our owners participate in exclusive luxury events, curated driver’s programs and bespoke offerings through McLaren Special Operations division.

“Zagame Automotive has been a valued partner in the McLaren retailer network. It gives me great pleasure to be partnered with them on the expansion of the fourth retailer network in South Australia.

“With their attention to detail and passion for the McLaren brand, I am confident the McLaren Adelaide team will provide the unrivalled level of service to our esteemed customers.”

Zagame Automotive CEO Michael Winkler said Adelaide had long been a region with strong interest in the McLaren brand.

“Working with McLaren Automotive through our Melbourne retail presence, we already have an exceptional understanding of McLaren’s range, their cars’ technical content and their emphasis on the experience – both in the car and out,” Mr Winkler said.

“We are, therefore, confident we will be able to provide a peerless professional and engaging customer service.”

McLaren Adelaide is at 269-275 Glen Osmond Road in Frewville. The marque’s range includes the McLaren GT that will be launched later this month, the 720S Spider and the limited-run 600LT Spider.

McLaren has made 55 sales to the end of July this year across its Australian network, two more than over the same period in 2018. It delivered 88 cars last year, down on the record 116 sales racked up in 2017.

By Neil Dowling