The perimiter road of the capital was transformed into a racetrack yesterday as 71 classic and vintage cars raced against the clock in the Valletta Grand Prix.

Beautifully polished and gleaming, classic Jaguars, Rolls Royces, MGs and Alfa Romeos, among others, sped full throttle around Valletta, trying to gain precious seconds over their rivals.

The public took advantage of the warm weather and waited behind the crash barriers set up around the four-kilometre-long circuit, trying to catch a glimpse of the vintage cars in action.

Open for cars dating between pre-war and the 1970s and organised for the second year running, the race started and finished in Nelson Avenue, circling the outer perimeter of Valletta.

Although the majority were British classics, there were a good number of rare Italian and American cars too.

On Saturday, the cars took part in sprint races, starting from the bottom of Crucifix Hill, Floriana and finishing at the top of Great Siege Road in front of the Phoenicia Hotel.

A 1950s C-Type Jaguar crashed into an electricity pole in Great Siege Road, close to the Excelsior Hotel on Saturday. Although the driver and owner escaped unhurt, the car, worth about €150,000 was extensively damaged.

In another incident, a Rolls Royce spun as it negotiated the bend near the Phoenicia but managed to continue without mishap.