Malta Classic returns this year with even more priceless rare cars and heightened crowd participation in four days packed with events.
A flurry of activity will take over the roads around Mdina and Mellieha in early October, as the Malta Classic, takes place again, with over 70 pre-1976 cars taking part in hill climbs, static shows and motorsport events. Taking place between 5 and 8 October and welcoming thousands of classic car enthusiasts, Malta Classic 2017 includes the Mellieha hill climb, the Mdina Concours d'Elegance and the Mdina Grand Prix.
The old may reign supreme, but much is new with Mdina Grand Prix this year - the keenly awaited return of the grandstand tops the list, as it will offer superb views of the circuit including the start, end and the straight. Also guaranteed to raise pulses are the much-requested live streaming and race timings inside the grandstand and VIP sections. Mdina Grand Prix also welcomes a new category of cars on show this year - guest modern Classics, which will feature a delightful selection of 1980s super cars and rally car legends. And given that rarity is highly prized in classic car events the world over, Mdina Grand Prix seeks to outdo itself and this year will feature extremely rare Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin models, apart from other cars from the past century.
The Malta Classic weekend is open to the public free of charge, with three ticketed areas offering enhanced event access to car enthusiasts. Paddock ticket holders will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the competing cars, while grandstand ticket holders will have views overlooking the start and end of the race. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available to purchase, affording holders with the best circuit views. Tickets may be purchased at maltaclassic.com
On Thursday, 5 October the Malta Classic officially opens with the Mellieha hill climb by Thomas Smith. This event is a pure adrenaline rush of cars racing to climb a magnificent limestone hill overlooking Mellieha and its beautiful blue sea.
On Friday, 6 October the Mdina Concours d'Elegance by Mdina Glass celebrates the power and beauty of classic cars in the heart of Mdina. Select car collectors are invited to unveil true automotive gems to the delight of visitors. Spectators are encouraged to participate in the spirit of this event by attending in period dress.
On Saturday, 7 October the Mdina Grand Prix by Chopard begins. Cars are put to the test on a track of tight bends, sweeping curves and inclines that wind their way through a valley of vineyards and terraced hills outside Mdina. Saturday comes to a close with timed drives to determine the starting order of Sunday's grid.
On Sunday, 8 October the real racing begins. Groups of eight to 10 cars take to the circuit in a thrilling race to the finish line, as the unforgiving nature of the Malta Classic circuit brings out the very best performance by both drivers and their classic racing automobiles. The 10 fastest drivers from Saturday's time trials will compete to win the coveted Malta Classic Trophy and a limited edition Mille Miglia Chronograph by Chopard.
With more than 70 pre-1976 cars, arriving from Italy, the UK, France, Switzerland and the US, racing or taking part in the Mdina Grand Prix, the 2017 edition promises to be the best one yet.
Tickets with varying levels of access can be bought online and it is recommended to purchase early to avoid disappointment.
Information for spectators
● Triq l-Infetti, Rabat is allocated for public parking. Free transport to and from the circuit and paddock will be in the form of old Maltese buses
● A free Classic car park is reserved for owners arriving in their pre-1980s classic cars. This is located on the Mtarfa Bypass and serviced by free shuttles
● A limited quantity of official Malta Classic merchandise, including a collector's set of posters, is available to purchase
● Vintage food trucks and cocktail bars offer a variety of refreshment options for spectators
● A VIP section offers the best circuit views. A very limited number of VIP tickets remain and can be purchased at maltaclassic.com
● VIP and grandstand ticket holders will be able to watch live streaming of the event with live update race timings
Further details of the Malta Classic programme, including times of races, musical performances and an event map, are available at maltaclassic.com
History of the event
In October 2007 French entrepreneur and classic car enthusiast Thierry Giovannini organised Malta's first ever Classic Car Grand Prix on the ring road of Valletta, bringing some of Europe's finest classic cars to Malta to tour the island and race wheel to wheel on the Valletta circuit. In April 2009, enthusiasts, brought together by this event, set up the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation to carry on what Giovannini had started. In 2011 the event was transferred to its current home in Mdina. Last year's event featured more than 60 pre-1976 cars, with a number of participants arriving from international locales as far away as the United States. The winner of the 2017 Grand Prix was Michael Pace driving a 1975 Honda Civic.