An enthusiast enjoys a close-up look.

Classic four-wheeled beauties and snarling engined racers will grace the roads of the old capital city as the Mdina Grand Prix gets under way today.

More than 50 car owners from Malta, the UK and Italy registered to take part in the four-day event and will showcase their Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Fiats and MGs, among others.

Now running into the fourth edition, the racing circuit was transferred to Mdina in 2011 from the Valletta ring road.

The former capital provides a 2.2 kilometre-long circuit starting from the old train station with the cars crossing the valley to Mtarfa, where the one-time British military barracks and military hospital stand, before returning to the walls of Mdina.

The circuit, the promoters point out, offers challenging corners, a hill climb and narrow winding roads together with straight stretches for overtaking.

The first event is today between 9am and 4pm. A hill climb at Mtaħleb will be followed by a barbecue.

The glamorous Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance will take place tomorrow between 11am and 4pm when the classic vehicles will be on display at Cathedral Square.

Practice and qualifying rounds take place on Saturday between 9am and 4pm, with the races on Sunday from 9am to 4pm.

For more information visit www.vallettagrandprix.com.