There may be thousands of cars on Maltese roads today, but some models that are still fresh in our memory have all but disappeared. MOTORING delves into its records to pick out some of the most memorable models that are on the verge of disappearing forever.

Morris Marina

Morris Marina: Rewind a little further to the beginnings of British Leyland and you’ll find the story of the Morris Marina. With no new cars under development, a rival for the Ford Cortina and Escort was required in a hurry. Hence, the dusting off of some Minor, MGB and Triumph bits to create the Marina. Loved by some and loathed by others, its unexceptional qualities meant nostalgia is the only thing keeping the few remaining on the road.

Citroen BX

Citroen BX: Back when Citroens were really avant-garde, the BX was a practical and spacious hatchback that could perform brilliant tricks; its self-levelling hydro-pneumatic suspension meant that it rode superbly on Malta’s undulating roads, and could also raise and lower its ride height to suit the conditions. But that clever suspension needed proper maintenance which explains their scarcity; even the latest BX examples are now over 20 years old and won’t work unless they’re shown some love.

Talbot Sunbeam

Talbot Sunbeam: Almost a forgotten marque, Talbot briefly reappeared in Europe in the late 1970s after being bought by Peugeot-Citroen from Chrysler. The Sunbeam was one of its first products. Based on a cut-down Avenger chassis and developed in a hurry, it is probably best remembered for the high performance Lotus Sunbeam version that also spawned a rally sibling.

Austin Maestro

Austin Maestro: The Maestro is a textbook example of a good idea poorly executed. It was one of the first products of the rationalised range of cars following the duplication of the British Leyland era, and had a practical, spacious design inside and out. Unfortunately, it was also loaded with new tech including body-coloured bumpers, electronic carburettors and an electronic dashboard with voice synthesiser – all of which were problematic on early cars.

Datsun Cherry

Datsun Cherry: The fourth generation Cherry appeared in 1982 and stuck to the Japanese formula for success at the time; styling so boring and forgettable it could leave you comatose, but reliability that would shame a Rolex. An interesting footnote in the Cherry story is the Cherry Europe/Alfa Arna spin-off, that saw an Alfa Romeo engine, electronics and front suspension married to a Datsun rear suspension and body – possibly the worst idea imaginable.

Lada Riva

Lada Riva: The history books will show that the Riva was one of the most joked-about cars in Maltese motoring history, but it should also note that it was a sturdy and unpretentious product from the Eastern Bloc that sorted out some of the issues of the Italian original (as well as adding a few new ones). Sold right into the 1990s, you can still buy a new one, always if you’re prepared to go to Egypt for it.