Accused former Jeep boss Clyde Campbell imports Ferrari from New Zealand

On its way ... the 2008 Ferrari 599 owned by former Jeep Australia boss Clyde Campbell. Picture: Supplied Source:Supplied

THE former Jeep executive at the centre of a $30 million scandal into the alleged misuse of corporate funds, Clyde Campbell, has imported a Ferrari sports car into Australia.

As the deadline passed for his former employers Fiat Chrysler Australia — the distributors of Jeep and other vehicles including Alfa Romeo — to lodge a response to his defence filed late last month, the silver Ferrari was on its way to a shipping dock in Melbourne.

This exclusive photo taken before Mr Campbell’s car left Auckland, New Zealand, shows the rare Ferrari 599 strapped down ready for its four-day boat ride across the Tasman Sea.

Shipping lane ... the Ferrari strapped down and ready for transit to Australia. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

The same type of Ferrari cost $650,000 when new in Australia in 2008, but Mr Campbell is believed to have bought the car more cheaply as a used car in New Zealand.

The lawyer for Mr Campbell declined to comment on the importation of the Ferrari.

However, News Corp Australia understands the Ferrari bought by Mr Campbell was originally imported into New Zealand by his former business partner Neville Crichton, who was the Ferrari distributor for Australia and New Zealand at the time.

Former Jeep boss Clyde Campbell. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

Mr Campbell’s former business partner Neville Crichton.Source: Supplied

Mr Campbell and Mr Crichton ended their business relationship after FCA Australia started legal proceedings against Mr Campbell in the Federal Court in Victoria in May this year.

The US car giant alleges Mr Campbell made “uncommercial” deals — including lavishing free loan cars to sport stars and celebrities such as Harry Kewell, Shane Warne, Liz Hurley and Jesinta Campbell — during his time as the head of the company from October 2010 to April 2013.

In the defence lodged in the Federal Court, Mr Campbell’s lawyer says he had the permission of his superiors, including the Asia-Pacific boss John Kett and global boss Mike Manley, who either approved or were aware of the deals entered into by Mr Campbell.

Former boss ... Asia-Pacific Jeep executive John Kett being interviewed at a motor show. Picture: Supplied. Source:Supplied

Mr Kett declined to comment on the claims in Mr Campbell’s defence and FCA Australia has not responded to requests for comment from Mr Manley, who is based overseas.

Luxury car experts say the Ferrari 599, powered by a 600 horsepower V12, is today worth less than half its Australian sales price, at about $250,000 to $300,000.

According to the Ferrari website, the 599 is capable of reaching more than 330km/h and can blast from rest to the speed limit in just 3.7 seconds.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

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