A PERTH motoring writer has been nabbed allegedly doing twice the speed limit in a rare Ferrari worth nearly $500,000.

Police have impounded the rare Ferrari California being driven by Financial Review motoring writer Rod Easdown.

The car was brought into Australia by Ateco Automotive and was scheduled for test drives with WA media outlets this week.

The car was allegedly caught speeding through the WA Wheatbelt at 231km/h.

The red Ferrari California is one of just two of its kind in Australia.

A police spokesman said the rare red sports car had been recorded travelling at more than twice the legal limit when spotted by police on Julimar Rd, near Toodyay, just before noon today.

Police have charged the 57-year-old male driver, from Wembley, with reckless driving. The car has been impounded under hoon legislation for seven days.

A police spokesman said: "The incident should serve to remind drivers that regardless of a car’s capabilities, excessive speed is a contributing factor in about 60 people dying on our roads each year."

A spokesman for Ateco, Mr Edward Rowe, refused to comment.