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Fifth Annual ItalianCarFest to Honor Lamborghini at Premier Italian Car Gathering


GRAPEVINE, Texas, Aug. 7, 2007 -- ItalianCarFest Weekend '07, the largest celebration of Italian cars in the Southwest, will honor Lamborghini, host the final round of the national Best Spider Challenge and welcome a secret Lamborghini factory honored guest on September 21-23, 2007, in Grapevine, Texas. On Saturday, 160 spectacular automobiles and approximately 30 two-wheeled vehicles will be displayed along the shore of Lake Grapevine at Oak Grove Park. The fifth annual event is produced by the Italian Car Club of the Southwest, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting their passion for Italian autos while contributing to selected charities.

"We're returning to the shores of Lake Grapevine with our most exciting show yet," said ItalianCarFest chairman, Bob Dezzany. "The show attracts vintage and contemporary masterpieces from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, DeTomaso, Alfa, FIAT and others. Visitors from across North America are drawn to North Texas to enjoy these irresistible pieces of machinery and this year's show will be spectacular."

Lamborghini will be honored while 1968-1985 Fiat Spiders will be the featured models. One of the most recognizable and highly coveted vehicles in Italy's rich automotive history, Lamborghinis have captured the hearts of the crowds during the ItalianCarFest since its inception in 2003. As a special treat, a red 1967 Lamborghini Miura will be displayed, recently recognized by Automobile Magazine as one of the most beautiful automobiles ever built. The Spider display will be highlighted by the crowning of the top Fiat/Pininfarina Spider in North America during the final round of the Best Spider Challenge.

"Nothing symbolizes the beauty and performance of Italian machinery quite like a Lamborghini," noted Italian Car Club of the Southwest president, Jerry Lee Phillips. "Texans have always been enamored by the 'raging bull' supercars and the panache they bring to our lives. The new Best Spider Challenge is a testament to the growth and reverence of ItlalianCarFest. Thanks to participation from FIAT America, Fiat Enthusiasts Northwest, Fiat-Lancia Unlimited and Fiats of Southern California, Italian car lovers across the country will be awaiting the results of our contest."

ItalianCarFest Weekend '07 will kick off with a Friday evening reception at the magnificent Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. ICF participants and sponsors will be welcomed by Miss Texas and enjoy hors d'oeuvres, vino and refreshments with fellow aficionados. The main event of the weekend, the Saturday Concours, will be held on Lake Grapevine at Oak Grove Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

"A new addition to this year's show is our exclusive ICF Gita al' Ombre Pranzo," added Dezzany. "For an additional cost with advance reservations, visitors will be guided through the Saturday concours in a covered vehicle and enjoy a catered lunch aboard Lonestar Lady, our two-story luxury boat opened to sponsors and car show participants. The tour will also include a private meet and greet with our special guest from Lamborghini."

One of the highlights of the Concours will be a Winners Circle that will include a magnificent display of 2006 Best of Class winners. An elegant, custom designed art glass piece from the Blenko Glass Company will be bestowed on the winner of this class, designated Best of the Best. The Best of Class, Best of Show and Best of the Best winners will parade their cars to the awards area.

That evening, ICF entrants and sponsors will enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner. The honored guest from Lamborghini will deliver a presentation on the company's history and its design heritage. The event will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort after the Italian car show on Lake Grapevine.

On Sunday, Lamborghini Dallas and Boardwalk Maserati will host a track event at brand new Eagle's Canyon Raceway near Slidell, Texas. The track will be opened to all marques and include 30-minute driving sessions with professional instruction and critique, access to a private driver's clubhouse and lunch.

About the ItalianCarFest

Founded by the Italian Car Club of the Southwest, ItalianCarFest is becoming one of the most prestigious automotive events in North America. Attracting rare contemporary and vintage Italian collector cars, ICF annually attracts thousands of spectators. From Ferraris to DeTomasos, the ICF celebrates a rich automotive culture and passion for sports cars. Information is available at http://www.italiancarfest.com/.