Old vehicles were a family tradition in the environment Mark Xuereb was brought up in. He was very close to his grand­father Carmelo, who for many years drove a vintage red bus on the old Birkirkara route. His budding interest in classic cars was cemented further by the fact that his grandfather also had a 1965 Cortina Mark II.

“I used to spend a lot of time with him, as I headed straight to my grandparent´s house after school,” Xuereb said.

“Old cars were my first love. I used to help him look after the Cortina, which he kept in a pristine condition, especially after he retired from work. One cardinal rule for him was that a classic car must never ever be exposed to rainy weather, not even to a slight drizzle.”

Having learned to drive on the Cortina, it stood to reason that the first car Xuereb bought would be a classic. His choice fell on a 1964 Fiat 600 which he saw at a car dealer in Msida.

“The beige vehicle was in a good condition and I got it for cheap, as it had an overheating problem, which was very common in this model. I used it daily for three years, but eventually it became too expensive to run and keep, and it had to go.”

Another classic car took its place – a 1973 Datsun 1200 coupe which he bought from a colleague at work.

Xuereb says that the red vehicle was very roadworthy, with an original engine, which he tampered with in order to make it go faster.

“In those carefree days, it was very cool to be seen going around in either a Ford Escort Mark I, a Fiat 128 3P, or a Datsun coupe, all three bearing a very attractive and sporty look.”

He harnessed the Datsun on a daily basis for five years. Marriage, family commitments and other priorities raised their heads, and the days of the Datsun were numbered.

“I felt that I had to sell it in order to get an appropriate family car, something that I came to regret almost immediately. Despite buying a brand new vehicle, it started to give me trouble almost as soon as I took it out of the showroom,” Xuereb said.

Getting another classic car was never far from his mind with the support of his wife. However, the couple lived in a flat, and both knew that, to own a classic car of some standing, one had to have a garage. They thought of buying a garage, but then decided to buy a new house with a garage so the acquisition of an old vehicle had to be put on the back burner.

Some years later, with house and garage a reality, Xuereb heard from a work colleague that her father’s old car was for sale. It was a 1966 Rover Mark P6.

“In the 1960s this marque was synonymous with classy cars in which company executives were ferried around. It belonged to the well-known entrepreneur Anthony Miceli Farrugia, one of the pioneers of Malta’s industrial development. When he passed away in 2002, it was garaged, and did not see the light of day until I bought it four years later.”

Despite the long layoff, and extensive working life spanning 36 years, Xuereb says that the Rover was still in good running order. The engine was perfect, likewise the biscuit-coloured upholstery. There were only some tiny scratches on the body owing to daily use, as well as small traces of rust.

The sixth and last of the P-designed models, this type of Rover was produced in England between 1963 and 1977. It was voted the European Car of the Year in 1964, the very first winner of this title. It also won awards for safety. The first P6 models had an engine with a single carburetor; some time later Rover developed a derivative by fitting twin SU carburetors and a redesigned top end, marketing it as the 2000 TC.

“My model belongs to the original limited production,” Xuereb said.

Despite its near showroom condition, he always had a nut and bolt restoration project for the Rover in his mind. When eventually his budget permitted it, he went for it, and every single screw, including the roof ones, was removed.

In the eight-month rehabilitation, carried out mainly by a panel beater friend, the only major change was the exhaust pipe. Neither the engine nor the upholstery was touched – although Xuereb had bought replacement upholstery just in case. In the respray, the original zircon blue colour was applied again.

With such a shining classic in his hands, Xuereb joined the Old Motors Club, taking part in runs and rallies – but, heeding his grandfather’s advice, only in good weather! His wife and son Miguel, who were his constant car companions, were of a different opinion. “To restore harmony, and safeguard the restored Rover, I started looking round for a ‘bad weather’ classic car.”

His close friend Noel Buhagiar – a Citroen collector – soon came up with a proposal, a 1973 Citroen GS Pallas. Initially Xuereb was not interested, however his wife and son were very enthusiastic about it. Finally, he bought it. “Only minor repairs were needed, like a new time belt, and replacement of some valves, as the previous owner had taken part in the 2009 Valletta Grand Prix with much gusto!’’

The 2CV boxed, air-cooled engine had seals and valves refitted, but the sand-coloured spray and the upholstery remained untouched.

Xuereb asserts that there are not more than eight Citroen Pallas GS on the island. This small family car came out between 1970 and 1980.

Voted European Car of the Year in 1971, it was considered the most technologically advanced vehicle in its class for comfort, safety and aerodynamics.

Its hydro-pneumatic suspension was designed to absorb bumps and ripples that would otherwise cause discomfort in a conventionally sprung car with just a slight body movement – and he says that these features make it the ideal car to drive on Malta’s pothole-ridden roads!

Xuereb dwells at length on the differences between his two classic cars. He describes the Rover – his favourite – as a smart vehicle having a comfortable ride with excellent road holding. The Citroen – the apple of his wife and son’s eyes – adjusts itself to weight as well as to any turbulent or negative road aspect, be it sleeping policemen or sudden swerving.

While he could find spare parts for the Rover “even from the corner grocer”, Citroen parts had to be procured through membership of three brand clubs in Spain, France and Belgium.

Xuereb concludes by pointing out at the significant increase in appreciation of old timers, which were formerly thrown away or discarded, but are now lovingly rescued from the scrap heap.

They do not come cheap, he claims, and require patience, time, space, and heartfelt dedication. It is all about nostalgia, he adds, as he dreams of meeting again a Datsun 1200 coupe that gave him so much pleasure in his youth, to join his tandem of classic cars.

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