Traditionally, VBL Group, awards the “VBL Spirit of Valletta Award” during the annual Valletta Concours, which was held on Sunday, the 1st June at St Georges’ square in Valletta.
This year, the now traditional annual award presented by the VBL Group has been awarded to Mr Ludwig Farrugia and his wonderful 1946 Austin Eight, which was also competing for the price of the Concours in the Post-War Class. This beautifully restored and maintained vehicle from 1946, is a car which may have been driven in the good old days through the charming streets of Valletta and could have been part of the daily life of Maltese people. The selected beautiful example clearly represents the lasting values and cultural heritage for which the VBL Group is committed to promoting and conserving.
This year, the Awardwas presented by a jury, which has yet again aimed to prize a historic vehicle that best represents the lasting values, cultural heritage and also reflects the local flavour and style of Valletta. In the name of the jury, Mr. Olaf McKay, Mayor of Valletta said:
“This remarkable event reflects the elegance, the atmosphere, and the passion on display and reflect the same values we all hold dear in Valletta—style and architecture, history with innovation, and above all, respect for craftsmanship and character. That’s why it gives me great pride to present the Spirit of Valletta Award, supported by VBL. This honour is not just for any car, but for the one that best captures the essence of Valletta: timeless and bold. And this year’s winner does exactly that. The owner’s careful and loving restoration mirrors exactly what VBL has been doing for years – bringing forgotten treasures back to life, building not just structures, but stories, the experience. You’ve not only given us beauty to admire, but a reminder of what it means to preserve, to honour, and to dream.” Mr McKay has also thanked to all participants, organisers, and especially to those who poured heart and soul into delivering the remarcable exposition objects.”
Other members of the jury were Mr. Tony Zahra, Chairman of MHRA, and Mr. Julian Tzvetkov, representing the VBL Group. The jury members are strong advocates for the enhancement of Valletta’s traditional values and resurgence of the City, while preserving its charm and character. The jury had difficult time to select the winner among a very strong Maltese and international league of competitors, featuring amazingly restored historic vehicles at the Valletta Concours.
The Concours has now repeatedly been quoted as a top-ranked event globally, and considered as one of the four most prestigious Mediterranean vintage and classic car beauty contests. This praises very high the tireless work of Mr. John Saliba, the passionate organiser and person who has envisioned and realised this event many years ago. The Concours is sponsored by a number of prestigious local companies and agencies, and has a number of prize categories, covering various historic periods, as well as cultural and other aspects.
About VBL Group:
The VBL Group – the well-established property owner and Valletta-focused investor continued their committed supporter of the revival of the cultural and historic heritage of the Capital City through sponsorship and participation in the Valletta Concours. The Group has been a lead sponsor of the event for a number of years and since established the “VBL Spirit of Valletta Award”, which aims to add a specific angle to Malta’s premier event for vintage and classic cars. www.vbl.com.mt
About the Valletta Concours:
The annual Valletta Concours, set within the walls of Malta’s baroque capital city, presents a selection of the finest historic and collector cars from the island and abroad. The artistic engineering of both the city and the vehicles coming together to create a unique event. The moto of the event is “Automotive elegance hosted within a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. www.vallettaconcours.com