Colin Fitz was recently given a tour of the Malta Historic Vehicle Trust’s temporary base in Hal Far and discovered a treasure trove of exciting historic heavy duty vehicles lovingly preserved by a small but dedicated group of volunteers. Photos by John Peel.
While efforts to recognise and preserve many aspects of Malta’s recent history, such as architecture and artefacts related to the Second World War, have been ongoing for some time, there are other fields of Malta’s heritage that have only recently started receiving the attention they deserve. The Malta Aviation Museum, for example, only came into existence in the late’90s thanks to a group of aviation fanatics, and they have now managed to put together an impressive tribute to the equally impressive history of flight on these islands, that is not only a shrine for local enthusiasts but receives major attention from the international aviation community.
The same may be said of the people behind the Historic Vehicle Trust, who are in the process of rescuing a motley bunch of dusty, ancient trucks, fire engines, ambulances and other battered machines that, when viewed through the prism of social history, can bear witness to Malta’s exciting journey through industrial and social development.
Many may not realise that having been in the United Kingdom’s sphere of influence during the start and development of the industrial revolution means that various mechanical leftovers of the 19th and 20th centuries on these islands would have arrived here shortly after their initial use in Britain. This means that apart from appreciating them for their precise engineering and old fashioned high standards, or being looked upon with nostalgia as relics of a bygone era, the Maltese machines have intrinsic historical value, not just for us Maltese but for Brits and many other nationalities.
Many such machines in Malta may be unique in the world as while their contemporaries in other countries would have long ago been consigned to the scrapheap, Malta’s talent for improvisation and ‘making do’ would have seen such machines continuing in service until relatively recently. Furthermore, many Italian and American machines ended up here over the years, adding to the colourful mosaic that is our international mechanical heritage.
All this means that apart from the nostalgic value for vehicle enthusiasts (of which there are many in Malta), and perhaps giving the opportunity to young students to study the development of precise engineering at first hand, preserving these machines can serve as a boon to the tourism industry, attracting many enthusiasts from all over the world to witness them at first hand. One need only look at the multitude of international magazines dedicated to old vehicle preservation, some of which are stocked by local newsagents, to understand the huge touristic potential that lies to be unlocked. I’m sure readers will remember the international media furore that surrounded the retirement of Malta’s vintage buses last year.
The Malta Historic Vehicle Trust was established in February 2007 by George Said, Mario Zammit, Malcolm Mifsud and Martin Galea with the objective to acquire, restore and exhibit to the public vehicles that have a historic and social significance to Malta.
“The Trust, which is independent, was set up under the auspices of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust) with the objective of establishing a museum which will celebrate over a century of road transport in Malta,” explained member and Malta Bus lover Justin Vella, who along with Trust Chairman George Said, gave me a tour of a former factory in Hal Far which currently serves as a home for the 50 or so historic vehicles, at least until the authorities manage to provide a more suitable and permanent base.
“More suitable premises would entice private collectors to loan their vehicles for display in the museum, further adding to the size of the collection and exposing vehicles that are rarely, if ever seen by the general public,” explained George Said.
“It would also help us create a ‘live’ museum, with the majority of exhibits being functional, allowing visitors to experience the vehicles as they were when in use. Each restored vehicle would represent a vehicle that is historically connected with Malta such as government transport and logistics vehicles, airfield, dockyard and military vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles, industrial and public transport vehicles. Our aim is to celebrate the industrial, military and social development of the nation as far as road transport is concerned.”
Such a ‘working’ museum would guarantee a great day out for many, especially children, as happens in other countries. I envisage little toy truck-loving boys being taken on ‘dream rides’ on monstrous vintage six-wheel trucks for example. Meanwhile, the skills required for the restoration and maintenance work may serve to foster an interest in automotive engineering and could possibly involve young students carrying out this work to earn extra credits during their course.
The possibilities for such a museum are many, but of course, such an undertaking requires sponsorship and many pairs of extra hands, both to help restore the vehicles and to assist in rescue when some forgotten gem is discovered rotting at the side of a scrap yard.
“We’d like to thank all the haulage and heavy goods vehicle companies who have donated their time and assistance when we had to quickly rescue important vehicles from the crusher,” Justin said.
An organisation such as the Malta Historic Vehicle Trust, through its museum, has much to offer, both by way of education as well as development and preservation of an important part of Malta’s cultural heritage. It will also serve to attract a different class of tourism to Malta, including the less-busy winter months.
“We are confident that the Trust will receive support in achieving its aims which, after all, will serve not only to safeguard another part of Malta’s vast and comprehensive heritage, but will also give another dimension to Malta’s tourism industry as a whole,” concluded George Said.
For details about the foundation as well as details on providing support, sponsorship or other assistance, visit the website: www.maltahistoricvehicles.org or email: [email protected]