Historic motorcycles on show

The Historic Motorcycle Club - Malta annual exhibition of historic motorcycles ends today. Some 60 motorcycles ranging from a 1903 Minerva to a 1975 Triumph Daytona are being exhibited at Muscats Showroom in Gzira.

Club PRO Stephen Zerafa said that such an exhibition is not merely a lifeless collection of old metal, but is more of a snapshot of nearly a century of technological progress and social development.

He added that dedicated enthusiasts restore and keep these mechanical treasures in fine condition, despite the many difficulties they encounter. These problems vary from the re-registering of restored machines, insurance and of course Malta's less-than-perfect roads.

Famous marques from Britain, Italy, the US and other countries are used regularly and a number of them have even been on club runs abroad. Most of these machines are still household names like Triumph, BSA, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Matchless, Ariel and Jawa.

The Historic Motorcycle Club - Malta was inaugurated in 1989 and now has some 60 members. It is a founder member of the Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki (FMVA) and is affiliated to the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) of Great Britain. The club organises a number of motorcycling and social events throughout the year.

An added attraction this year will be Muscats Motors' official launc of the Ducati range of motorcycles, which comprises sports bikes, tourers and roadsters.

The club's annual exhibition is designed to appeal to the motorcycle enthusiast and the whole family alike. Opening times are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and entrance is free.