THE COUNTDOWN to the Route 66 Motor Show has officially begun.

On August 13 and 14, dealerships across Swindon will take over the town centre to mark the arrival of the new 66 registration plate at the event organised by the Adver and inSwindon.

Visitors will enjoy sneak previews of the latest ranges and prospective buyers will even get a chance to book test drives and take the newest models for a spin.

“We are very excited about working with our friends at inSwindon and our motor dealers to bring this event together," said Gary Lawrence, regional editor for Newsquest Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. "We really hope people will come along and make it a fun event and that it adds a bit of verve to the town centre. We have some fantastic motor businesses in Swindon and we are delighted to be able to help showcase them.”

From Mini and BMV to Vauxhall, Renault or Fiat, all major brands will be represented - and there will be something to catch show-goers' fancy and suit all budgets.

Dealers already lined up to take part in the weekend festival are: Fish Brothers Renault, Dick Lovett BMW and Mini, Now Vauxhall, TH White Fiat/Alfa Romeo and Jeep, Johnsons Volvo/Mazda and Allen Ford.

They will each showcase two new models and fresh features and options by their respective pitches on Canal Walk, along The Parade and Regent Street or at Wharf Green.

“We are delighted to be taking part in the first ever Route 66 Motor Show,” said Craig Williamson, of Now Vauxhall. “On show will be the multi award-winning Vauxhall range and our retail team will be on hand to demonstrate the latest safety and technology features including Vauxhall OnStar. The system keeps you directly in touch with a trained, specialist advisor, who can help no matter the problem, or where you find yourself. Similarly, in case of an accident, help is automatically called for, while vehicle diagnostics are monitored consistently, alerting you to car servicing schedules and more.”

Some, like Fish Brothers Renault, will even throw in a few freebies.

The dealership will offer buyers £200 worth of accessory vouchers if they seal the deal on a car at the two-day event.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be invited to pick up a Route 66 card, get it stamped by every participating dealer and enter a draw to win £500 of Love2Shop vouchers.

While cars will take centre stage, there will be no shortage of fun and games for little ones at the family show. From face painting to crafts, there will be plenty to keep children busy and entertained throughout the day.

The event will run from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, August 13 and 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday 14.