Both of these first two were photographed this morning within 100 yards of my apartment.
My intention is to make sure I have my camera with me when I am out and about where I will see plenty of old classics, or jalopies as they are sometimes called.
Maltese nostalgia
Started by
Barry Boor
, Apr 29 2012 13:38
104 replies to this topic
#1
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 13:38
I make no apologies for starting another thread from my new home island. The other thread is a motor sport one whereas, on this thread, it is my intention to post images of some of the cars that are still being used by their owners on this small island.
Both of these first two were photographed this morning within 100 yards of my apartment.
My intention is to make sure I have my camera with me when I am out and about where I will see plenty of old classics, or jalopies as they are sometimes called.
Both of these first two were photographed this morning within 100 yards of my apartment.
My intention is to make sure I have my camera with me when I am out and about where I will see plenty of old classics, or jalopies as they are sometimes called.
Advertisement
#2
Alan Cox
-
- 8,397 posts
- Joined: March 03
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 13:55
Both those examples look to be beatifully presented (and preserved), Barry. Not garish or over-done. Look forward to seeing more. When will you be getting your own 'jalopy'?
#3
kayemod
-
- 9,588 posts
- Joined: August 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 14:10
They certainly look well preserved and untainted by rust, do cars suffer very much from that on Malta? I live on the south coast of England, and very low mileage cars from Jersey and Guernsey often appeared in used car showrooms around here. They often proved hard to shift though, as having spent years on a small island surrounded by what were often stormy seas, they often showed evidence of far more advanced corrosion that a car of similar age from the mainland would have done, just through the years spent in salt-laden air, I've been told that the Isle of Man was the same. A friend in the trade tells me that he's reluctant to deal in cars from Scotland for much the same reason even today, though vehicle corrosion protection is vastly improved in recent years, the amount of salt they spread on the roads in northern climes, means that body rot can still shorten the lives of cars from that region.
Incidentally Barry, my computer proved very reluctant to act on the TNF notification of your new thread, it insisted in showing me a 'phishing warning' in red. I wonder if that has anything to do with your move to an offshore tax haven, have you suddenly become slightly dodgy ?
Incidentally Barry, my computer proved very reluctant to act on the TNF notification of your new thread, it insisted in showing me a 'phishing warning' in red. I wonder if that has anything to do with your move to an offshore tax haven, have you suddenly become slightly dodgy ?
#4
ghinzani
-
- 2,027 posts
- Joined: October 01
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 14:11
and some lorries please Barry!
#5
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 14:20
Although there must be salt in the air - nowhere is more than half a dozen miles from the sea, there is never any need to put salt on the roads, it never gets that cold.
So no, I think the only rust one sees is where cars have been damaged in collisions (very common) and owners haven't bothered to get them repaired.
Lorries? Well, I don't know about that!
I haven't heard of any such problems with connections. I can't think that my location has anything to do with it.
So no, I think the only rust one sees is where cars have been damaged in collisions (very common) and owners haven't bothered to get them repaired.
Lorries? Well, I don't know about that!
I haven't heard of any such problems with connections. I can't think that my location has anything to do with it.
#6
RS2000
-
- 2,573 posts
- Joined: January 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 14:49
Malta has always been considered one of the "salt free" sources of increasingly rare 2 door rwd Escorts for conversion. If any have missed the UK professional car builders, don't spread it around, just mention it by PM here.....
#7
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 14:51
Would that be a Mk 1 Escort? If so, they are three a penny here.
#8
RS2000
-
- 2,573 posts
- Joined: January 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 19:30
Would that be a Mk 1 Escort? If so, they are three a penny here.
Both Mk1 and 2, so long as 2 door not 4 door, are fetching silly prices now. You could become UK shipping rep!
#9
chdphd
-
- 2,801 posts
- Joined: October 03
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 19:34
I took these a couple of years ago 
Edit: It was February last year. Time flies.
Edit: It was February last year. Time flies.
Edited by chdphd, 29 April 2012 - 23:02.
#10
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 20:14
Those wonderful old buses are gone now, sadly. Arriva have taken over the bus service so the streets look like many of those in the U.K.
I think that rubbish bin has gone, too!
I think that rubbish bin has gone, too!
#11
Pullman99
-
- 851 posts
- Joined: January 09
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 20:15
Traditional buses now becoming a rare sight as Barry has recently confirmed.
Took these last year. There are many older cars in daily use by the looks of things (at least when we were ther in April last year) The Hillman Hunter was in a car park in Mdina and the Standard Ensign Estate was in the Malta Aviation Museum.
Took these last year. There are many older cars in daily use by the looks of things (at least when we were ther in April last year) The Hillman Hunter was in a car park in Mdina and the Standard Ensign Estate was in the Malta Aviation Museum.
Edited by Pullman99, 29 April 2012 - 20:16.
#12
kayemod
-
- 9,588 posts
- Joined: August 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 20:29
the Standard Ensign Estate was in the Malta Aviation Museum.
Why would anyone want to use M+S tyres in Malta ?
#13
David Beard
-
- 4,997 posts
- Joined: July 02
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 20:47
Traditional buses now becoming a rare sight as Barry has recently confirmed.
Took these last year. There are many older cars in daily use by the looks of things (at least when we were ther in April last year) The Hillman Hunter was in a car park in Mdina and the Standard Ensign Estate was in the Malta Aviation Museum.
The Hunter never had that grille arrangement in the UK, I'm sure. Or rectangular headlamps? Built under licence somewhere?
#14
kayemod
-
- 9,588 posts
- Joined: August 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 20:59
The Hunter never had that grille arrangement in the UK, I'm sure. Or rectangular headlamps? Built under licence somewhere?
Turkey or Iran?
#15
RS2000
-
- 2,573 posts
- Joined: January 05
Member
Posted 29 April 2012 - 21:04
Why would anyone want to use M+S tyres in Malta ?
I suppose there are some gravel roads in Malta but I think it's more likely the same reason they appear in some Caribbean countries. Unsold "winter" tyres in softer compounds can go too hard for use in northern Europe and are sold off in bulk to hot countries, where they seem to rejuvenate. I was somewhat taken aback to be told by someone in Antigua that he had bought Colway winter pattern remoulds. I was even more impressed to be in his car next time there when he threw it sideways in 80+ degrees and it quickly re-found grip!
Edited by RS2000, 29 April 2012 - 21:05.
#16
Catalina Park
-
- 6,774 posts
- Joined: July 01
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 10:13
The Hunter never had that grille arrangement in the UK, I'm sure. Or rectangular headlamps? Built under licence somewhere?
Australia?Turkey or Iran?
The later Australian Hillman Hunters (72/73?) had rectangular headlights and I think that grille too.
#17
kayemod
-
- 9,588 posts
- Joined: August 05
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 10:24
Australia?
The later Australian Hillman Hunters (72/73?) had rectangular headlights and I think that grille too.
No, I'm pretty certain it would originally have come from Iran, they made them under licence as the Paykan, where it was the favoured mode of transport for indigenous sheep farmers.
Iran to Malta isn't that far, you could almost drive across at low tide. Believe it or not, this version of the Hunter has just entered production in Sudan.
#18
Catalina Park
-
- 6,774 posts
- Joined: July 01
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 10:43
I actually think they were British made ones. A quick google shows that front end style was used in England. Malta had a preference to British made vehicles.
#19
D-Type
-
- 9,704 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 11:02
I thought that under Mintoff it was a case of "Anything other than British"
Advertisement
#20
hogits2
-
- 68 posts
- Joined: March 10
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 11:15
CKD, (re)assembled in Iran.
#21
nicanary
-
- 691 posts
- Joined: February 12
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 11:19
The badge in the grille identifies it as a facelifted Hunter from the UK. The later models had that grille and square lights to try and look more modern.
Love the Rover P3 - a real gentleman's coveyance.
Love the Rover P3 - a real gentleman's coveyance.
#22
chdphd
-
- 2,801 posts
- Joined: October 03
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 13:56
That's a real shame. They added a lot of character to the place. Not sure the bin will be missed so muchThose wonderful old buses are gone now, sadly. Arriva have taken over the bus service so the streets look like many of those in the U.K.
I think that rubbish bin has gone, too!
Edited by chdphd, 30 April 2012 - 15:42.
#23
arttidesco
-
- 6,709 posts
- Joined: April 10
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 16:24
This Datsun 120A FII lives in Qwara not far from our friend Barry
#24
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 16:29
And if you look very carefully to the left of the windscreen you can see the blue of the pretend Bugatti that is parked outside the Classic Car Museum.
#25
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 18:26
Did somebody mention rust?
Took my camera for a walk this afternoon. I walked more than three miles and all I found was the above object and this:
Took my camera for a walk this afternoon. I walked more than three miles and all I found was the above object and this:
Edited by Barry Boor, 30 April 2012 - 18:27.
#26
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 30 April 2012 - 18:39
I photographed this beauty at a charity event a month or so ago:
#27
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 01 May 2012 - 09:14
Public Holiday here today, (another one!) and the lads and lassies are out in force. Once again, all these were photographed a hundred yards from my home:
Not exactly classics but like London buses, you don't see one for ages, then 4 come along at once:
And finally, two for the price of one!
Not exactly classics but like London buses, you don't see one for ages, then 4 come along at once:
And finally, two for the price of one!
#28
peter kropotk
-
- 49 posts
- Joined: July 09
Member
Posted 07 May 2012 - 16:44
I make no apologies for starting another thread from my new home island. The other thread is a motor sport one whereas, on this thread, it is my intention to post images of some of the cars that are still being used by their owners on this small island.
Both of these first two were photographed this morning within 100 yards of my apartment.
My intention is to make sure I have my camera with me when I am out and about where I will see plenty of old classics, or jalopies as they are sometimes called.
Hey, Malta! You have some crazy drag racers there at your Hal Far Raceway, and some radical hot rods. I recently saw a clip of FIA's Jean Todt doing a courtesy drop-in at the strip. .
#29
arttidesco
-
- 6,709 posts
- Joined: April 10
Member
Posted 09 May 2012 - 00:07
A good example of a TD facelift 1300 Mk III Cortina which I saw when this threads originator kindly took me on a tour of Qwara.
Edited by arttidesco, 09 May 2012 - 07:43.
#30
Nick Savage
-
- 157 posts
- Joined: May 09
Member
Posted 19 May 2012 - 12:47
Barry,
This is a cheeky request - but if you can help I'd be really grateful. The rhd 1965 Alfa GTA I have owned and raced for the last 12 years (and which will be racing at Silverstone this weekend) was in Malta virtually all its life until 1988 when it was sold to England.
The owner in Malta was a Mr Leonard Calleja living at 'Topaz', Garden Street, The Gardens, St Julien. I have had no response to letters and I do not know if he still lives there (or indeed is still with us). The registration was T 7751, and allegedly the car was sprinted or drag-raced with a t/c Lotus engine installed.
With your contacts among the older-car fraternity, can you ask around to see if anyone knows of Mr Calleja, or of the car itself. I would be most grateful, and even more so if anyone has any photos.
Nick
This is a cheeky request - but if you can help I'd be really grateful. The rhd 1965 Alfa GTA I have owned and raced for the last 12 years (and which will be racing at Silverstone this weekend) was in Malta virtually all its life until 1988 when it was sold to England.
The owner in Malta was a Mr Leonard Calleja living at 'Topaz', Garden Street, The Gardens, St Julien. I have had no response to letters and I do not know if he still lives there (or indeed is still with us). The registration was T 7751, and allegedly the car was sprinted or drag-raced with a t/c Lotus engine installed.
With your contacts among the older-car fraternity, can you ask around to see if anyone knows of Mr Calleja, or of the car itself. I would be most grateful, and even more so if anyone has any photos.
Nick
#31
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 19 May 2012 - 12:53
I will certainly check for you, Nick. Watch this space.
#32
D-Type
-
- 9,704 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 19 May 2012 - 15:58
I've just noticed the registration plate. Presumably it's a 1946 RoverI make no apologies for starting another thread from my new home island. The other thread is a motor sport one whereas, on this thread, it is my intention to post images of some of the cars that are still being used by their owners on this small island.
Both of these first two were photographed this morning within 100 yards of my apartment.
~
#33
Johnbull
-
- 64 posts
- Joined: January 11
Member
Posted 20 May 2012 - 18:55
The Hunter never had that grille arrangement in the UK, I'm sure. Or rectangular headlamps? Built under licence somewhere?
Right first time. Hillman Hunters were in fact built at Car Assembly Ltd. in Marsa, Malta, as were Minis, Triumph Heralds, Spitfires and 1300s, Marinas and Allegros.
One of the directors at Car Assembly, my friend Kenneth Mizzi, actually had a convertible Triumph GT6 made, for his own use. Now that must be a real one off. I believe it's still around.
Barry, if you really want to see some nice old cars, go to a meeting of the OMC (Old Motors Club).
The Standard Vanguard at the Aviation Museum belongs to another friend Paul Cutajar who spent many years rallying and marshalling in the days when I was a regular competitor. He too has a couple of interesting old cars.
#34
Gary C
-
- 5,571 posts
- Joined: January 01
Member
Posted 20 May 2012 - 19:09
that Mustang looks very nice!!
#35
Johnbull
-
- 64 posts
- Joined: January 11
Member
Posted 20 May 2012 - 19:10
Barry,
This is a cheeky request - but if you can help I'd be really grateful. The rhd 1965 Alfa GTA I have owned and raced for the last 12 years (and which will be racing at Silverstone this weekend) was in Malta virtually all its life until 1988 when it was sold to England.
The owner in Malta was a Mr Leonard Calleja living at 'Topaz', Garden Street, The Gardens, St Julien. I have had no response to letters and I do not know if he still lives there (or indeed is still with us). The registration was T 7751, and allegedly the car was sprinted or drag-raced with a t/c Lotus engine installed.
With your contacts among the older-car fraternity, can you ask around to see if anyone knows of Mr Calleja, or of the car itself. I would be most grateful, and even more so if anyone has any photos.
Nick
At the risk of being repetitive - I've just told all this to Barry - I knew the GTA well, and I also know it's owner "Lany" Calleja.
Lany did in fact buy it new from Autodelta - Alfa Romeo's racing department in Milan. He owned it for quite a few years and indeed raced it quite a bit here. On one particular occasion when he was actually racing against me and my Mini at the disused airfield at Ta Qali, the GTA dropped a valve. Lany packed the engine away to Autodelta and when it came back it had grown from 1600 to 1750, plus had a few more tweeks.
He eventually sold it locally, though I can't remember who too, but it eventually ended up at Lino Brincat who is an Alfa Specialist here. He hill climbed it successfully before finally selling it off in UK. Lino is now 62 and has only recently given up racing his beautiful Alfa Romeo engined ex F3 Dallara single seater.
I have a picture in one of my facebook albums of that famous race between the Alfa and my Mini. The good old days.
#36
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 07:00
Sunday morning, 8 a.m. by the Harmony Kiosk and the car fanatics are starting to arrive:
And how about the bonnet adornment on that Opel Olympia Caravan? Yes, Caravan - that's what it says on the back.
And how about the bonnet adornment on that Opel Olympia Caravan? Yes, Caravan - that's what it says on the back.
#37
Catalina Park
-
- 6,774 posts
- Joined: July 01
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 07:32
Driving down the highway looking at a girls arse.And how about the bonnet adornment on that Opel Olympia Caravan? Yes, Caravan - that's what it says on the back.
Better than driving a Mack truck.
#38
D-Type
-
- 9,704 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 09:36
It's German usage, the same as the VW "Car-a-van" . Simply an estate car that could function as a car or as a van in accordance with the owner's wishes (remember this was before they invented the hatchback). Our grocer in Nairobi used an Opel like that one for his deliveries.And how about the bonnet adornment on that Opel Olympia Caravan? Yes, Caravan - that's what it says on the back.
The bonnet adornment is an aftermarket fitment!
#39
Ray Bell
-
- 80,228 posts
- Joined: December 99
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 12:02
That looks remarkably like the lady used by one of the American makes...
Is it the Nash?
I believe I have posted a picture of this girl on this forum somewhere.
Is it the Nash?
I believe I have posted a picture of this girl on this forum somewhere.
Advertisement
#40
macoran
-
- 3,989 posts
- Joined: August 05
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 12:11
Yes Nash it isThat looks remarkably like the lady used by one of the American makes...
Is it the Nash?
http://www.nashcarcl...nament-MNU.html
#41
Johnbull
-
- 64 posts
- Joined: January 11
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 14:46
Love the pic of the A35 Countryman. Dad had one of those from new. I took my test in it in 1964. I wonder if it's the same one?
BARRY. Are you going to the "Old Motors Club" festival at Hal Far on Thursday?
BARRY. Are you going to the "Old Motors Club" festival at Hal Far on Thursday?
#42
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 14:49
Yes, I do plan to attend.
I have a couple more pictures, taken later this morning. I'll post them later.
I have a couple more pictures, taken later this morning. I'll post them later.
#43
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 15:28
Maybe the second one is not a classic or particularly nostalgic but I'm posting it anyway:
Edited by Barry Boor, 03 June 2012 - 15:28.
#45
Hse289
-
- 665 posts
- Joined: May 03
Member
Posted 03 June 2012 - 20:02
Nice pictures Barry, love the MGA , oh and the Cobra rep
#46
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 08 June 2012 - 09:17
We had a bit of a do down at the Drag Strip yesterday (public holiday here).
There wasn't a great deal going on but there were some nice cars there:
Then there was this:
And a scene that could so easily have been commonplace here, but fortunately wasn't:
There are more but I'm Booring enough as it is.....
There wasn't a great deal going on but there were some nice cars there:
Then there was this:
And a scene that could so easily have been commonplace here, but fortunately wasn't:
There are more but I'm Booring enough as it is.....
#47
arttidesco
-
- 6,709 posts
- Joined: April 10
Member
Posted 08 June 2012 - 11:18
Then there was this:
There are more but I'm Booring enough as it is.....
Listed as a Tornado Sports GT40 with a 5 litre lump at HPI.
Keep them coming Barry
#48
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 15 June 2012 - 12:49
A few more from Thursday of last week:
and by way of a change:
and by way of a change:
#49
Ray Bell
-
- 80,228 posts
- Joined: December 99
Member
Posted 15 June 2012 - 20:37
No Peugeots so far...
Or are you avoiding them, Barry? How about a nice 504 coupe?
Or are you avoiding them, Barry? How about a nice 504 coupe?
#50
Barry Boor
-
- 11,549 posts
- Joined: October 00
Member
Posted 15 June 2012 - 20:39
Old French cars are extremely rare out here. Indeed, without actually counting, I'd say there aren't that many modern ones either, at least in comparison with Japanese ones.
