The island with 30,000 classic cars – and the people who own them
- 24th January 2023
- Press
- Posted by Ruth Vant
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‘You can’t have a big belly when you drive an MG TD because there isn’t much room between the steering wheel and the seat,” laughs Franz Zammit Haber, a retired financial controller.
Image: It’s difficult to pinpoint when Malta’s love affair with British cars began, but the adoration hasn’t dimmed – Jaroslav Moravcik© Jaroslav Moravcik
I’m spending a few days on Malta indulging my insatiable appetite for classic cars and Franz, a member of the island’s Old Motors Club, is treating me to a spin in his gleaming red pride and joy, which rolled off the MG production line in 1950.
The warm Maltese air tickles my face as we head towards Mdina, among Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city containing medieval and baroque architecture.
Franz, 78, bought the car in 2015 for €18,000 (currently £15,900) and regards it as versatile and a smooth drive. “OK, first and reverse gears can be tricky because there’s no synchromesh in the gearbox, but I’m very happy with it.
