A UNIQUE new sports car will be on show at an annual motor rally in the North-East this weekend.

The only Morgan Aeromax car in existence will be at the Morgan Car Meet, at Beamish Museum, County Durham, tomorrow.

With a top speed of 160mph, it is worth £100,000 and owned by Swiss banker Prince Eric Sturdza.

The body of the Aeromax was designed by 21-year-old student Matthew Humphries, of Coventry University, who submitted sketches to Charles Morgan at the Morgan factory.

The body was hand-crafted in aluminium and the design mixes the classic car look with space age style.

This is a rare chance for enthusiasts in the region to see it before it is shipped to Switzerland next week.

North of England Morgan dealer John Macdonald said: "It is futuristic, but it is also retro and mixes old and new.

"The skill that is involved is fabulous, and it really is a showcase of Morgan's talent.

"This is like nothing else you would see on the road.

"It is a special treat to have it brought it up here for people to see."

The Aeromax will be one of 150 Morgans on display at the open-air museum.

Beamish Museum spokesman Jacki Winstanley said: "We are delighted to be able to show off the Morgan Aeromax, but it will not be on display in one of our period areas.

"This is not the sort of thing people in a 1913 North-East town would use.

"There may have been some hand-built Morgans around, but they would have been very few and far between."

Cars will be on show from 10am to 5pm. Normal museum entry charges apply.

Published: 14/05/2005