Valletta Concours
Valletta, Malta 23 April
VALLETTA, THE BEAUTIFUL and ancient capital of Malta, awoke to the sound of 70 vintage and classic cars climbing the steep and narrow streets to the grand square at Hastings Gardens, atop this picturesque Mediterranean island. Bathed in sunshine, islanders and tourists were treated to this gathering of pristine classics competing in the inaugural Valletta Concours d’Elegance.
Many of Malta’s finest cars, ranging from the exotic to well-loved family motors, were on parade with the entrants suitably attired in period outfits to match, in an atmosphere of relaxed enthusiasm.
Your man Coucher, along with contributor Massimo Delbò, had been invited to join the international panel of independent judges to select the Best in Class winners as well as the Best in Show. The Octane team was charged with judging the Preservation class (one of eight) and we were both struck by the outstanding condition of many of the cars in the concours. Given the elegant surroundings, it was entirely suitable that Oliver Agus’s rare and original 1939 Citroën Traction Avant Cabriolet was awarded Best in Show. Oliver also showed his monstrous, big-block Chevy Corvette in the Preservation class.
Delbò and myself were touched by how many of these superb cars are part of Maltese family life, with cherished examples being passed down from fathers to daughters and sons. Winner of the Preservation class was Jeffrey Attard with his superb 1974 Rover 2000 TC, left to him by his father. The Rover has covered just 50,000 miles and is totally original and pristine. Meanwhile, Manuel Magri’s 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB won the Best Restoration class. The Ferrari looked perfect – a remarkable achievement by Manuel, who restored the car himself in Malta. Joseph Casha’s Fiat 500 won the People’s Choice award, and Joseph and his family won the Best Dressed award as well.
If you fancy a car-themed break in warmer climes next spring, put Valletta in your diary and visit www.vallettaconcoursdelegance.com.