Three iconic German classic cars of the 1960s, neatly laid out in a St Julian’s garage, are ample proof of the effects paternal influence has had on Konrad Grech. “My father Oscar dwelt at length and with delight on anything Deutsch – be it people, politics, sports, culture and classic cars. It came as no surprise when for his 32nd birthday in 1970, he bought himself a Volkswagen Type 3 fastback,” Grech said.

The second hand, sky blue, 1,600cc, low mileage, fastback vehicle was in an excellent condition. Besides being harnessed as an everyday vehicle, the VW took the Grech family on memorable, month-long holidays.

“I clearly remember going with my parents and sister on 13 adventures around Europe. Sometimes we would attach a caravan, but the vehicle had ample space in the form of two luggage boots, as the rear engine was discretely placed under the back trunk.”

At one time, Grech’s father thought of trading in the VW Type 3 with a more modern, spacious, and powerful VW 411, also known as the Type 4, but his wife Marvie vehemently opposed the plan, as she was deeply in love with the fastback model.

However, when in the 1980s fuel costs became exorbitant, the vehicle had to leave. Grech protested strongly with his father, but being only 15, there was very little he could do about it.

Coming from a family where classic cars were appreciated, it was only a matter of time before he would lay his hands on an old motor. “The thought surfaced in 1999, when I was on honeymoon in the US, touring in a convertible. We had such an unforgettable time in this type of car that I decided that once back in Malta, I would buy a classic car – obviously a German one – and cut its roof.”

True to his word, on his return, Grech came across a 1969, beige, 1,300cc Volkswagen Beetle for sale. The vehicle had one owner, and still in a ship-shape condition, which made him wipe out his previous plans of beheading its roof to turn it into a convertible, and left it as it was.

Despite having his thirst for a classic car quenched, memories of that first family car frequently flooded Grech’s mind. It became imperative that he should get a VW Type 3, to the extent that he started placing wanted adverts for such a car in local newspapers. He had only one reply – from a person who owned not a Type 3 but a Type 4. He sought advice from his father, who encouraged his son to go for it.

The 411 retained the inherent VW characteristics – the air- cooled, rear placement, rear wheel drive, boxer engine – while introducing some design and engineering innovations for the company like a completely flat passenger area, and suspension using control arms and MacPherson struts. It was manufactured between 1968 and 1972, giving way to the 412 version, which had twin rounded headlights instead of a single oval one, as well as redesigned nose panels.

The 1968, blue, 1,800cc car that Grech bought from Kalkara was also in a very good condition, especially the engine, as its owner was in the process of restoring it. The task of completing the project has now fallen on Grech who, although not very technically minded, will carry out what he can, and farm out the other outstanding tasks.

However, the dream of getting that memorable VW Type 3 family car continued to haunt him. As fate would have it, the original model had found its way back to the same street in Fgura where Grech’s father still lives.

It had been bought by Joe Bugeja, a neighbour and family friend, as well as an avid classic car collector. On many occasions, Bugeja used to narrate how he had searched all over the island in order to trace his father’s old car, and had left no stone upturned until he found it and bought it back.

Applying the same argument, and trying out every diplomatic ploy in the book, Grech had lengthy discussions and negotiations with Bugeja to sell him the former family car. At first, there was insurmountable impasse, but eventually Bugeja relented, and agreed to part with it. It goes without saying that the Type 3 is now the apple of Grech’s eye, both for nostalgia, but also for the prime condition of its body and engine.

All that was changed during the long period of time it belonged to another owner was the colour, from the original sky blue to zircon blue. When the VW 411 Fastback returned to the Grech family, Grech asked his father to have a first go at driving it again on the road – something that brought a flood of memories to Oscar.

Besides the three German old motors, there is also an Italian icon in Grech’s garage. It is a 1950 Fiat Topolino, with a light green body and dark green mudguards. “Its acquisition a few years ago is family related, too,” Grech said.

“My uncle Alfred, who is also a classic car enthusiast, is very friendly with Patrick Buttigieg, who has a small, old motors collection. Patrick considered the Topolino the Cinderella of his menagerie, and its place was a secluded dark area under a flight of stairs. My uncle urged Patrick to give more exposure to the little car, and eventually persuaded him to sell, and me to buy, this classic, which has a 568cc four cylinder, side-valved, water- cooled engine mounted before the front axle. It was also in top condition, and it needed very little to go back on the road.”

Being an accountant, Grech is as thorough and detailed with his four old vehicles as he is with the numbers, facts and figures on a balance sheet. He says they are a peace haven for him, a relaxing refuge from the daily stress of his demanding job. For the past few years, he has successfully combined his professional skills with his classic car passion by filling in the position of treasurer of the Old Motors Club.

His only regret is that he has so little time to spend enjoying his old motors. His wife Moira is also keen on classic cars but with two young girls, Martina, 13, and Nicolette, nine, to bring up, there is not much time for them to enjoy the shared enthusiasm.

However, Grech is over the moon that so many people in Malta and Gozo are taking greater genuine interest in old motors. His only wish is to see some relevant measures introduced by the authorities to encourage the significant number of old car owners who keep their four wheelers gathering dust in the garage, instead of taking them on the road – something he is very critical of.

www.oldmotorsclub.com