Preservation And Restoration
The Malta Historic Vehicle Trust was established in February 2007 by means of statute by Mario Zammit, George Said, 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 in mind. 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.Live Museum
The Trust intends to create a live museum, with the majority of its exhibits being functional. This will allow visitors to experience the vehicles as they were when in use. Much has already been lost and the Trust hopes to secure the future of such vehicles for posterity. This will also enable the Trust to offer the following activities:
| 1. | Representations of vehicles, through live exhibits, which populated Malta’s roads since the early twentieth century. The aim of the Trust is to create a unique museum that will celebrate the industrial, military and social development of the nation as far as road transport is concerned. Each restored vehicle would represent a vehicle that is historically connected with Malta. Typical examples of vehicles would be: |
|
|
||
| 2. | “Dream Rides” on board certain vintage vehicles for visitors. | |
| 3. | Use of the exhibits for historical re-enactments and other public displays. | |
| 4. | The promotion of certain skills such as vehicle restoration and mechanical engineering. The restoration and maintenance work required will demand a wide variety of skills, some of which are fast becoming redundant due to the developments in automotive technology. It is hoped that the Trust’s workshops will engender an interest in these skills as well as promote interest in the field of automotive engineering. |
|
| 5. | The creation of proper archives, which will document the history of the exhibits themselves as well as Malta’s transport history. | |
| 6. | To generate fund raising for the Museum through the promotion of its exhibits for use in films and other features being shot in Malta. |
A number of key vehicles have already been acquired or earmarked for restoration Similar ones can be seen in the attached photographs. These require intensive restoration work. Some sponsorship, financial and otherwise, has also been secured from the public and from the haulage and construction industries, all of which are extremely keen to assist with this project. A number of restored vehicles have also been promised to the Trust, once it has set itself up in its premises. The Trust has also secured a number of spare parts and tools that will be vital for the restoration of the Museum’s exhibits. A website, www.maltahistoricvehicles.com is also currently under construction and will be launched by the middle of May 2008.
Premises
The stage has now been reached were it is imperative for the Trust to acquire suitable premises to house its collection and workshops if it is to achieve its objectives. The readily restored vehicles promised to the Trust would enable the museum to start operating almost immediately.
It is also hoped that 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.
The Board of Trustees has identified a number of possible sites that the Government could consider leasing to the Trust as a possible site for the Museum:
Ta’Qali |
(Former Southern Concrete site opposite Malta Aviation Museum). | |
Pembroke |
(Former MT Sheds either near AFM Base or near former Helicopter Pad towards the White Rocks area). | |
Qrendi |
(Former Second World War RAF Airfield Hangars on former Airfield base which could be restored as a historic site). | |
Hal Far |
(Former RN Hangars either near CPD Headquarters or near Motherwell Bridge Factory). |
These sites are listed in order of preference. However, the Trust is naturally open to any suggestions that the Government may care to put forward.
Mission Statement
It is felt by the Trustees that an organization such as the Malta Historic Vehicle Trust, through its museum will have much to offer to Malta, both by way of education as well as by way of development and preservation of an important part of Malta’s cultural heritage. The establishment of this museum seems to be the obvious next step, especially when one considers the evident resurgence of interest in Malta’s industrial heritage. It will also serve to attract a different class of tourism to Malta. The Trust is confident that it will receive the full support of the Government of Malta 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.