Congratulations on winning the VBL Spirit of Valletta Award sponsored by the VBL Group. This year’s winner of the Award is an amazingly restored, stunning looking 1937 MG model TA. This very car could have once roamed on Kings Way and throughout the streets of Valletta, in the days when car traffic was allowed and cars were not blocking the streets.
The Group has been sponsoring the “VBL – Spirit of Valletta Award” for a number of years, an award which was created to capture the pure essence of Valletta reflecting the heritage and culture of the buzzing City through elegantly restored classic automobiles of times gone by.
The VBL Spirit of Valletta award was presented at St George’s square, as part of the Valletta Concours d’Elegance and its aims to promote various forms of art, albeit through the restoration of beautiful classic cars, traditional art exhibitions or the pop up artists scattered around the event capturing the spirit of the day on canvas.
Dr Andrei Imboll CEO of the VBL Group spoke to Mr. Massimiliano Darmanin Magro, the proud owner of the VBL Spirit of Valletta Award winning car following the delightful award ceremony.
Q. How does it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition?
A. “I feel incredibly proud, happy, and overwhelmed by this prestigious recognition. It’s not just an award; it’s a validation of the passion and effort that went into restoring a piece of automotive history that resonates deeply with the spirit of Valletta. This recognition reflects not only my work but also a deep connection to the city’s cultural heritage. It’s an honor to see my work celebrated in such a significant way, and it motivates me to continue preserving and promoting the rich history that Valletta embodies.”
Q. What does the Spirit of Valletta mean to you personally, and how do you think your fabulous car embodies this spirit of Valletta of times gone by?
A. “The Spirit of Valletta, to me, represents the enduring beauty and timeless elegance of our historical city. When I walk through the streets of Valletta, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of history that is woven into every building and corner. My MG TA, with its classic lines and historical significance, mirrors this beauty. The car embodies the grace and style of a bygone era, much like Valletta itself. Just as the city’s architecture tells stories of the past, my MG TA echoes those stories through its presence, reminding us of a time when craftsmanship and elegance were paramount.”
Q. Valletta is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. How does your project contribute to preserving or enhancing the cultural heritage of the city?
A. “My project, by bringing a vehicle like the MG TA back to life, serves as a rolling tribute to Valletta’s cultural and historical heritage. Every time this car drives through the streets of Valletta, it brings with it memories of a time when such vehicles were a common sight, evoking nostalgia and appreciation for the past. This connection to history is important in a city like Valletta, where every element, from the architecture to the cobblestones, tells a story. By preserving and showcasing this vehicle, I am helping to keep those stories alive, ensuring that the spirit of the past continues to resonate with future generations.”
Q. Can you tell us how this beautiful British MG has returned to Valletta? What was her story?
A. “My British MG TA has returned to Valletta as a centerpiece of the Valletta Concours d’Elegance, held on June 2nd, 2024. The journey of this car back to Valletta is as fascinating as its history. I acquired the car in December 2020 as a pre-Christmas gift for myself from an old British collector who had devoted 45 years to amassing a collection of MG vehicles. This car, like many others in his collection, had been meticulously cared for and preserved, waiting for the right moment to once again be in the spotlight. Bringing the car back to Valletta felt like completing a circle, as it allowed the vehicle to grace the streets of a city that might have once been familiar to it, reuniting it with the cultural and historical context it was built for.”
Q. Can you share some of the challenges you faced while working on your car and how you overcame them?
A. “Restoring a vintage car like the MG TA presents its own set of challenges, though the vehicle itself is relatively straightforward compared to modern cars, which are often laden with complex technology. The real difficulties lie in sourcing the right parts. As time goes on, these parts become rarer and more expensive, not to mention the high freight and shipping charges that add to the cost. Despite these challenges, my passion for restoration drives me to overcome these obstacles. Each challenge is met with determination and creativity, finding solutions that ensure the car is restored to its former glory while maintaining its authenticity.”
Q. What future plans or projects do you have in mind can these also continue to promote and celebrate the spirit of Valletta?
A. “My immediate plans involve continuing to preserve my MG TA, ensuring it remains in peak condition for future events and personal enjoyment. I intend to drive it as the previous owners did, relishing the unique experience of piloting a pre-war automobile through the streets. Beyond this, I am exploring other restoration projects that similarly align with the spirit of Valletta, possibly involving other classic vehicles or even broader heritage preservation efforts. Each project will be aimed at celebrating and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Valletta, ensuring that this spirit is not only preserved but also shared with others who appreciate the history and beauty of the city.”
Q. Your “daytime” job is also related to the preservation of the Maltese heritage and you do a lot in your day-to-day work to restore and preserve historic heritage. How do you see the future of Valletta evolving, and what part do you hope to play in that future?
A. “My daytime job, much like my hobby, is centered around the preservation of history and historical artifacts. I am deeply committed to ensuring that the rich heritage of Malta, and Valletta in particular, is not only preserved but also appreciated by future generations. As Valletta continues to evolve, I see it as a city that will increasingly blend its historical charm with modern vibrancy. My role in this future is to act as a steward of history, using my knowledge and passion to educate others and inspire a deeper appreciation for our collective past. I hope to mentor and guide the next generation of preservationists, ensuring that Valletta’s rich history is never forgotten.”
Q. Finally, what message would you like to send to the residents and visitors of Valletta?
A. “Valletta is a treasure trove of history and architecture, a city where every street and building has a story to tell. To the residents and also commercial activities, I encourage you to cherish and protect this heritage, as it is a part of who we are. To the visitors, I invite you to explore and immerse yourselves in the history that surrounds you. Valletta is not just a city; it is a living museum, a place where the past and present coexist beautifully. Let’s all work together to ensure that this unique cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come.”
Valletta Concours d’Elegance
The Valletta Concours d’Elegance is an esteemed automotive event held annually in the historic city of Valletta, Malta. Established to celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage of classic automobiles, the event is a highlight in the Maltese cultural calendar, attracting car enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists from around the world.
Set against the backdrop of Valletta’s stunning baroque architecture, the Concours d’Elegance showcases an exquisite collection of vintage and classic cars, each meticulously restored and maintained to reflect the elegance of times gone by. The event is more than just a display of automotive beauty; it is a celebration of the rich history and cultural heritage of Valletta, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Concours d’Elegance is hosted in St. George’s Square, providing a picturesque setting that enhances the visual spectacle of the event. The choice of venue not only highlights the vehicles but also underscores Valletta’s historical significance, making the event a unique fusion of automotive excellence and cultural preservation.
Participants in the Valletta Concours d’Elegance are carefully selected, with entries ranging from rare pre-war models to mid-20th century classics. Each car is judged on criteria such as authenticity, restoration quality, and historical significance. Awards are given in several categories, with the most prestigious being the “Best of Show” and the “VBL Spirit of Valletta Award,” the latter sponsored by the VBL Group and dedicated to the vehicle that best embodies the spirit of Valletta.
Beyond the competition, the event includes art exhibitions, live performances, and cultural displays that reflect Valletta’s vibrant artistic scene. Artists often capture the essence of the day on canvas, adding a layer of creative expression to the automotive focus.
The Valletta Concours d’Elegance not only celebrates the past but also serves as a platform for promoting the preservation of automotive history and the cultural heritage of Valletta. It is an event that brings together history, art, and the timeless allure of classic cars, making it a must-attend for enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
