Grand prix drivers like David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen and Jensen Button use it to get through the crowds at busy racetracks around the world.

But the strange half-bike, half-car turned up somewhere normally far more sedate at the weekend - Brighton Racecourse.

The brand new BMW C1 was the centre of attention at the Argus Summer Motorshow.

An estimated 8,000 people turned up to look at the 300 cars on display, ranging in price from £4,995 for a Citroen Saxo to £160,000 for a Bentley.

Southern FM DJ Nicky Keig-Shevlin was one of the first to try the C1.

She said: "It's really odd looking. I'm not sure if it's a car or a bike, but I think it's quite attractive."

It has a roof and bars alongside, for a cage effect, and costs about £4,000.

Unusual Chris Garrett, of Chandler's BMW showroom in Portslade, said: "Everyone wants to have a look at the C1. It's very unusual, but there should be more vehicles like it on the road soon.

"The idea is to offer the safety of a car with the freedom of a bike."

The C1 wasn't the only innovation on display.

One Mitsubishi four-wheel-drive vehicle was fitted with a television and video in front of the back seat, costing £1,500.

Salesman Tony Peters said: "It would be good for a family to use. If the kids are messing about in the back or are too noisy they can watch a video instead.

"It's possible to fit a PlayStation too, so they can stay occupied."

Trampoline artists, clowns and a strongman entertained the crowds.

Show organiser Marcus Naylor said: "We thought we would try coming to the racecourse because it is beautiful venue.

"People can walk end to end up here, unlike the Marina. Normally it's just horses here. This is serious horsepower."

To please the normal racecourse punters, amateur horse racing took place on Sunday.

Mr Naylor said: "It's wonderful to see man and machine together like this. Long may it continue."