Capitol Hill’s auto row has been transformed into a food and drink entertainment district but one holdout from the vroom vroom past has just been recognized as a leader in luxury automobile retailing.

12th and Union’s Ferrari of Seattle dealership has been named “Ferrari Top Dealer- World Champion 2013.” According to the announcement, the award is “based on a combination of factors including sales volumes, market penetration, client satisfaction and local marketing initiatives.”

Last March, CHS reported that the Ferrari and Maserati dealer was planning to stay and invest in an upgrade at the Capitol Hill location it has called home since 1999 even as other dealerships up and down Pike/Pine moved off the Hill. In October, we learned the dealership’s owners had purchased the former Callahan’s Auto Shop near 14th and Madison for $2.25 million. Ferrari general manager Tino Perrina told CHS he was still exploring options for the space, which could include a new showroom or a service area. He also said a major redevelopment project — like the ones underway throughout Pike/Pine including across the street from the 12th Ave Ferrari showroom – was probably not in the cards. No building permits are currently on file for the E Madison location.

In 2009, CHS talked to Perrina about the likelihood of the dealership remaining on the Hill. Though he admitted to challenges the dealership was facing because of the economic downturn, Perrina said the family business had no plans to cash in the valuable property and move the dealership. “It’s business as usual,” says Perrina. “We’re doing well and have no plans to move.”

Today, the dealership and garage at 12th and Union continues to supply a parade of fancy cars rolling through the neighborhood even as new developments like the Viva Capitol Hill building across the street fill in.

As part of the award, the Capitol Hill dealership will receive a congratulatory visit from one of Ferrari’s “famed Formula 1 racing cars in early 2014,” which will be on display for public viewing.