There have been four 'Spider' models since the 1950s. The Giuletta was the lead-off model and the '60s saw the arrival of the Duetto, which Dustin Hoffman drove with the hood down along the Californian Pacific highway in The Graduate. There followed a new design for the '90s and now the latest offering is derived from the Alfa Romeo Brera.

The Pininfarina Design studio in Turin made the conversion from Coupe to 'Spider' and the looks and performance will make it a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Already it has picked up awards. At the international launch in the Geneva Motor Show an international jury voted it Cabrio of the Year.

Here, it is priced at Euro52,000 and comes with a 2.2-litre JTS V16 185 bhp engine which pumps out an impressive performance.

Steering and suspensions from the Alfa 159 and Brera are used to give good control. The anti-lock braking system is one of the most advanced in the market today, with a specially designed electronic stability control which allows the driver full control in normal high performance driving but cuts in when stability is at risk to help the driver control the car. Also, there is computer technology, to compensate for low-grip situations, traction control and a "hill holder" programme to cut out stalling and rolling on incline start-offs.

The roof is electrically operated, with 17" alloy wheels, leather seats, dual zone climate control, steeringmounted audio controls, rear parking sensors and cruise control.