The site in Eastwood, in Adelaide’s inner south-east, which was previously a furniture outlet, is now the showroom for Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Abarth for South Australia.

Solitaire sales manager for the three brands, Gordon Meek, said the company had secured a strong following in South Australia, including from the large Italian community, since starting with the franchises in 2017.

“There’s something extra-special about owning something stylish and Italian – it’s the reason we are so attracted to Italian leather, shoes and cars,” he said in a report in The Advertiser newspaper.

“I’ve been associated with the brands really my whole life, through owning them and being in the (Fiat and Alfa Romeo) clubs, and so on, and I’ve spent nine years building a network.

“Being in the right place helps and I think they’re in the right home now to do them justice.”

Solitaire has about 230 staff members and operates six showrooms and a service and parts centre in Adelaide. Other franchises include Aston Martin, Maserati, Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo.

A Solitaire spokesperson said the company sold about 3000 vehicles last financial year, with revenue of more than $213 million.

By Neil Dowling