In 2019, before the world was locked down, I had the opportunity to travel to Malta with my family. Those of you not familiar with Malta, it is a small little island in the Mediterranean, just south of Italy. It is about 27 kilometers in length and 14.5 kilometers wide with a population of over 433,000.
Now being an island in the Mediterranean, it is more known for its historic sites and beaches than its car culture. In fact the road network is rather congested with all forms of public and tourist transport. So I really didn’t get my hopes up of finding any automotive related adventures on my visit there.
Well hidden
Imagine therefore my surprise when I found a pamphlet in the hotel lobby advertising a “motor museum”. Furthermore, it was less than a kilometer from where we were. As any true petrolhead would, I just had to go check it out. So there we were walking down a typical touristy street. Aptly named “Tourists Street” lined with hotels, cafés and bars looking for what seems to be a hidden museum. And trust me, it was really hidden. The museum is below street level. The only indication of the special collection that lies beneath was a big blue classic Bugatti parked on the sidewalk.
Eclectic and unique
The “museum”, called the Malta Classic Car Collection, is the private collection of a serious petrolhead, Mr. Carol Galea. It houses more than 60 cars and other vehicles on display in a 3,000 square meter area. I use the term “museum” lightly, as it was more of a 3,000 square meter man cave. Filled to the brim with everything that Mr. Galea loved and collected over numerous years.
What makes this collection so unique is not only the vehicles on display (which I will get to later), but the way they are displayed. The collection is filled with memorabilia, technology, signs, and even clothing from a bygone era. Everything from televisions, cameras, magazines, even replicated shop fronts are all neatly arranged amongst the immaculately restored (on site no less) vehicles. There is even a boat in the collection. This collection is clearly a labor of love, put together by a serious collector and petrolhead.
vehicles on display in Malta are equally interesting and eclectic
The vehicles on display are equally interesting and eclectic. Although it is very Eurocentric with vehicles from France, Italy, Germany and Spain there is a strong British influence. With the oddball Japanese or American vehicle thrown in for good measure.
The vehicles range from a humble Citroën 2CV to the absolutely gorgeous Mercedes Benz 190SL Roadster. There is also a clear passion for the smaller cars, Fiat 500, Isetta Bubblecar as well as scooters which are dotted around everywhere. Other than our own Franschhoek Motor Museum, I have never experienced such a broad range of vehicles in one collection. And none ever displayed in such a truly unique way.
If you ever find yourself on the island of Malta and you grow tired of the beautiful beaches and historical sites, do yourself a favor. and take a walk down Tourists Street and find this hidden gem called the Malta Classic Car Collection. You will not be disappointed.
In memory of Mr Carol Galea who passed away on the 7th of June 2021.
