IT is time to get into gear for Swindon's very first Route 66 Motor Show on Saturday.

At 9.30am on the dot, a dozen dealers will roll into the town centre with their latest models to mark the arrival of the new 66 registration plate at the two-day festival organised by the Adver and inSwindon.

Visitors will enjoy sneak previews of new ranges and prospective buyers will even get a chance to book test drives.

From Mini and Ford to Renault and Fiat, all major brands will be represented.

"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," said Gary Lawrence, regional editor for Newsquest Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.

"We have some fantastic motor businesses in Swindon and we are delighted to be able to help showcase them.”

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

All the brands will showcase at least 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 participating in the Route 66 Motor Show," said Richard Boyd, Dick Lovett Mini Swindon sales manager.

"We will have our latest models on display including the all-new Mini Clubman which is perfect for young families, the recently launched Mini Convertible, which is perfect for summer, as well as the slightly larger five-door Hatch which offers the originality of the three-door with added practicality."

The Allen Ford team will also be out in force, with a flurry of offers for buyers.

"We hope we can get Route 66 on the map as an annual event for the town," said Kym Dall'Occo, regional sales manager.

"We will have some special new models, additional offers on the table and people will be able to book test drives for August. We look forward to seeing everyone there."

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.

The event runs from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and between 10am and 3.30pm on Sunday.