STREETKA, the Ghia-built star of the Turin Motor Show in 2000, has evolved from concept car to production reality.

Unveiled this month at the Paris Motor Show, Streetka will go on sale in spring next year.

A modern interpretation of the traditional two-seater roadster, inspired by classics like the MG Midget and Frog-Eye Sprite, Streetka offers fun, open-air driving in a stylish yet affordable two-seater package. Its head-turning looks remain faithful to the original Turin show car, and exemplifies Ford's plans to develop unique spin-off niche models from mainstream lines.

Designed by an in-house team lead by Ford design chief Chris Bird, Streetka has been engineered from the ground up in a new relationship with the renowned Italian design house and coachbuilder, Industrie Pininfarina.

Working closely with Ford, Pininfarina has taken Streetka from show car plinth to production reality in around 24 months.

Although clearly based on the Ka hatchback, Streetka effectively sits on a bespoke engineered structure, is powered by a new 95PS 1.6-litre Duratec engine and has had its suspension and steering tuned for sporty, dynamic driver appeal.

Paul Thomas, managing director for Ford said: "The Streetka is the jewel in the Ka crown. There's nothing out there that matches its looks or appeal it's a sure-fire winner."

Streetka's features include:

Exaggerated wheel arches

Six-spoke 16in alloys

Specially developed 196/45 profile tyres

Ford 6000 TDS/EON radio and CD player

Dual front airbags

Engineered for low-end torque, 0-62mph in 12.1seconds (top speed 108mph)

Suspension and steering tuned for sporty and dynamic handling

Wider front and rear tracks for improved stability

Engine and suspension mounts optimised for high levels of refinement

Streetka has already found the perfect partner Kylie. It has featured on her 2002 Fever tour and has made a few teaser outings before its official Paris Motor Show debut.