14.12.2003 SIGNIFICANT ITALIAN CARS PAST AND PRESENT ON DISPLAY IN LONDON AT THE MPH03 MOTOR SHOW

The MPH03 Motor Show at Earl's Court in London closes today after offering visitors a mouth watering display of significant Italian cars both past and present.

A strong Italian line up includes some classic favourites, the tiny Fiat 500, the legendary Ferrari 275 GTB, a black Lamborghini Countach, the race winning Maserati Tipo 63 'Birdcage' and a racing Alfa Romeo TZ1 awaiting restoration.

Coming up to date Ferrari's are represented by a 360 Modena, 575 M Maranello and the 6.0-litre V12 Enzo supercar, while Michael Schumacher's F1 winning Ferrari sits on the Shell stand. Also in the supercar category in the Mercedes-Benz powered 7.3-litre Pagani Zonda C12S.

Finally London-based Autodelta have unveiled their latest potent creation, the 3.7-litre Autodelta Alfa Romeo 147GTA, which, as well as a bigger engine and careful restyling, offers 18-in wheels along with revised transmission and suspension to cope with its amazing 328bhp.

TVR, Lotus, Noble, Porsche, MG, BMW, Audi, Mitsubishi and Chrysler are among the marques also represented in Earls Court, while racing cars include the BAR-Honda F1 racer and the Bentley which won the Le Mans 24 Hours this summer.