Paris, city of fashion, car shows, and many other things we need not deal with in this forum. Suffice to say,
the Paris car show is an important event because all the European car manufacturers are featured and present lot of new models. It is held in the port of Versailles exhibition centre that is very large, despite being in the city center of Paris, and is very easily reached by the crowd of visitors via the subway.
In addition to small changes and new versions of the Panda and the Punto, in Bertone’s stand there was a nice prototype of a new Punto Cabrio, while Fiat present an interesting futuristic transporter for cars.
Lancia together with interesting modifications to the Y, presents the new Delta HPE that will be in production in 2008: it is a completely new car which recalls in its design, the old HPE of the past.
It will be available with different engines, a high comfort level and quality of finish, in order to compete with German and French manufacturers. The 100 years old Lancia must regain its position and reputation of the past.
Alfa Romeo presented a prototype that will be produced in a very limited number (500 or 1000) next year: it is the 8C Coupe. It is a very elegant and massive coupe with an impressive Maserati 4.7 litres, 8 cylinders engine with 450 bhp and transaxle gearbox and a body designed by the Centro Stile of Alfa Romeo. The price will probably be in the range of 150k dollars.
No new models in Ferrari’s stand with few nice 599s, while Pininfarina presents the P4/5, the car built for James Glickenhaus, based on an Enzo’s chassis and with a body that recalls the famous P4 of years 60s. Rumors have it that Glickenhaus paid 4 millions dollars for this car.
Pininfarina wants to continue to produce also one off cars as in its early history, because it is an interesting exercise for its designers and also a profitable activity.
Maserati is waiting for the new 4 doors that will be presented in Detroit next January: there are only new versions for the GranSport with minor changes in the body just to make it more sporty.
There is also an hall in the exhibition dedicated to the French car museums such as the Musee National de l’Automobile collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse and the Musee Automobile de la Sarthe in Le Mans: the first museum, with many other cars, displayed a very rare Alfa Romeo 8C berlinetta Pininfarina 2.9 litres of 1936 and the second a nice Ferrari 166MM.
This motor show is really an exceptional biennial event, not to missed by any car enthusiast. Paris offers everything one may look for: monuments, art, food, wine.
Alfa's new coupe based on the 8C Competizione.
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We are eager to see this arrive in the U.S. but as usual, don't hold your breath.
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The 1950 Le Mans winning Ferrari 166 MM, as driven by Luigi Chinetti.
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The Glickenhaus P4/5 made a big hit at Paris.
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And there is little wonder why.
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Everyone's dream car, circa 1970.
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This is VERY nice, but we are not sure of its reason for being.
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Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe.
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Sister car, the Gallardo Spider.
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Lancia Delta, to celebrate 100 years of the marque.
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Much family resemblance here.
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Maserati's display was bolder than the cars themselves.
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MC-11 race car, which has had a great deal of success, at least in Italy.
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