A backyard Spyder for supercar lovers

The car will feature among millions of dollars worth of vehicles at the Adelaide Motor Show from April 5-9.

Maker Nick Tomkinson first began designing the Batmobile-style sportscar in his backyard shed in 2001. He now has one of the cars in the US and has completed a second Redback, which is touring the show circuit.

The car will be a feature at this weekend's Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, where the car was made.

It will give Mr Tomkinson the rare chance to test drive his Chevrolet V8-powered, carbon fibre creation - capable of going from 0 to 100km/h in a little over three seconds.

Mr Tomkinson said yesterday he built the $250,000 car because he wanted to own a supercar but couldn't afford one.

"I wasn't out there to please people. I just wanted a car that I liked the look of and the project just grew," he said.

The Redback Spyder is now attracting "big interest" from segments of the automotive industry and Mr Tomkinson is hopeful he can soon have the car road registered in Australia.

He also hopes to soon put the vehicle into level production.

American talkshow host Jay Leno, a self-confessed car nut, has seen pictures of the Redback and has reportedly enquired about buying one.

Other Adelaide Motor Show, highlights include Holden's FJ-inspired show car, Efijy, and sportscars from Ferrari and Lamborghini, as well as a touch of aristocratic elegance from Bentley and Jaguar. All Australian makers also will have their latest vehicles on show.

CARSguide is once again the official partner of this year's show, at the Royal Adelaide Showground, Wayville, and The Advertiser and Sunday Mail will support the event by giving away a trip for two to one of the world's biggest motoring events - the Paris Motor Show in September.

The promotion starts on the show's opening day next Wednesday and finishes the following Sunday. An entry form will be in in The Advertiser each day.

To be eligible readers must purchase a copy of The Advertiser , find the code word and log onto CARSguide.com.au/trip-to-paris and enter their details.