WHAT better way to end 1997 on than with the spotlight on the award winning Alfa Romeo GTV? The beautiful GTV, opens a new chapter in the history of this sporty marque.

Alfa in recent years lost much of its charm and magic but the new Romeo looks set to seduce buyers, in 1998, with its beautiful lines.

At circa £21k, the Alfa charisma is fully restored. Just hope there are enough cars and dealers to service demand.

Another sporty marque to watch in 1998, Volvo which has just announced it is to stay in the hard fought British Touring Car Championship. For 1998 Volvo S 40, Racing Italian ace Gianni Morbidelli is switching from F1 to Touring Cars, joining Rickard Rydell in the Volvo team.

The racing seasons starts at Thruxton on April 13 and should then be coming to Oulton Park, in Cheshire. Volvo's racing drivers will reveal their plans and new livery at the Autosport Racing Car Show, NEC, Birmingham, on January 8.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.