Old cars

Budget week has been a red-letter one for all 'old car' enthusiasts. It started on a top note with the opening of a new club premises in Lija by the "Old Motors Club". The very next day members of the club were given a very pleasant surprise when in the budget speech they heard the finance minister announcing measures and concessions which will make restoration, preservation and use of old cars cheaper and within reach of a larger number of old car enthusiasts. For members of the "Old Motors Club", this was the cherry on the cake.

Owners of classic, vintage and veteran cars and, for that matter, other vehicles, have long enjoyed special 'treatment' abroad. Now the authorities here have taken the first major step towards catching up with these countries and it is now generally accepted that such vehicles are an asset to the country, form part of Malta's motoring heritage and provide another popular tourist attraction.

Censu Galea, the minister of transport who, I feel sure, was responsible for this most welcome piece of legislation, will certainly find his place in any history book dealing with old car motoring in Malta. Hats off to you, Mr Galea, thank you and prosit. Keep up the good work.