If you've always wanted your very own Ferrari despite a bank balance that's short of a few zeroes, Shell might just have the next best thing.

Start your own 'Scuderia' -Italian for 'Stable' - with seven limited edition 1:38 scale model Ferrari GT cars that are yours to own - as long as you fill up with Shell.

These micro machines won't trouble you with the need for COEs, ARF, ERP, road tax, insurance and other things that distract you from admiring your new 'prancing horse' in all its 12cm x 5cm (approximate) glory.

Your midget motorcar will even come roaring to life when you pull it backwards on a flat surface and let rip - courtesy of three LR41 batteries (a.k.a. the flat and round type used in calculators) and built-in speakers.

Shell even claims that each model's roar is specific to the actual car, so the 575 GTC sounds ever so slightly different from your 599 GTB.

HAVEN'T I SEEN THOSE BEFORE?

This isn't the first time Shell has been selling scale-model Ferraris.

The first run in late 2006 saw 280,000 cars fly off the shelves in 3 months. But back then, the cars were not armed with the trademark Ferrari roar that this season's cars offer.

HOW TO GET YOUR FERRARI

Spend $50 on Shell Formula Petrol 98/95/92, Shell Diesel or purchase 4 litres of Shell Helix Super to pick up your Ferrari for $5.95.

Alternatively you can spend $50 on Shell V-power or purchase 4-litres of Shell Helix Ultra to get your choice Ferrari for $2 less, at $3.95.

The Ferrari model cars are available from now till 29 April at all Shell stations.

THE MODEL LINE-UP:

Ferrari FXX

The most advanced Ferrari GT car ever created at Maranello, it's the flagship in this model car collection. Ferrari restricts test-drives of this limited-edition GT car to only their most passionate clients. Only 30 of this special prototype were ever produced.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Ferrari's stunning, all-aluminium Gran Turismo flagship model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. The sporty 12-cylinder two-seater was voted 'Car of the Year' by several leading car magazines. It can reach a top speed of over 330km/hr.

Ferrari F430 Challenge

An intensive series of tests at Ferrari's private track, Fiorano, honed the many talents of the F430 Challenge. As always, the transfer from Formula One is significant - particularly in the braking system and Formula One gearbox.

Ferrari 250 GTO

This superb early 1960s berlinetta proved to be an excellent racing car, coming in first in its class at 24 Heures du Mans in 1962, securing its legendary status amongst racing enthusiasts. The 250 GTO has 3.0-litre, V12 engine that generates 290bhp at 7400rpm.

Ferrari F40

One of the fastest, most powerful legal street-cars in the world, the F40 was produced from 1987 to 1992. The 3.0-litre, V8 engine produces 478bhp at 7000rpm, and is capable of a top speed of 324 km/hr.

Ferrari Challenge Stradale

Ferrari used its experiences in the International Ferrari Challenge series to develop what is often described as this 'racing car for road use'. Powered by a centrally-mounted V8 engine reaching 425 bhp at 8500rpm, it can reach a top speed of 300km/hr.

Ferrari 575 GTC

The 575 GTC is designed exclusively for Ferrari's gentleman drivers and is raced across several different series. The all-new 12-cylinder engine can push out 810bhp.

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