Brazen arson attack caught on CCTV

Shocking security vision has shown a man wanted over an arson attack which destroyed a mechanic's workshop and threatened neighbouring businesses in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

CCTV from a neighbouring business shows the offender entering the Para Hills West property in a stolen car that he sets fire to, before torching another two vehicles.

The man then tries to break into other businesses before fleeing.

The owner of the workshop that supplied the video to police had his car torched, but is thankful he still has his workshop.

"So relieved, so relieved, this is my life so I would've been devastated," Paul Crowther said.

A Pajero which was torched belonged to disability pensioner Ricky Stacker.

"Gutted – this was a car that I spent a lot of time and money on and now it's destroyed," he said.

He says the mechanic cancelled his insurance when he closed the business just two weeks before the attack, so he can't recoup any costs.

"I'm left with nothing, so that was all my savings to get the car going and now I've got nothing," he said.

The offender drove through locked gates and a roller door to torch the vacant mechanic workshop on Main North Road last week.

Those impacted by the blaze pleading for anyone who recognises the offender to come forward.

"Don't be hesitant because you never know, it could happen to you one day and it's not a good feeling," Mr Crowther said.