The Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki has welcomed the favourable concessions just announced by Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett in Parliament.

The federation comprises three clubs, namely the Historic Motorcycle Club - Malta, the Old Motors Club, and the Military Vehicles Collectors Club.

Previously, owners of vehicles certified as genuine classics manufactured up to January 1, 1971 only paid half the applicable road licence. These vehicles also attracted lower first registration fees when imported. This date has now been moved to January 1, 1976.

However, the most important development was that vehicles previously registered in Malta but whose documentation had been misplaced or lost, can now be re-registered without having to repay first registration.

FMVA PRO Stephen Zerafa stressed that this has been the single most important development in the local classic vehicles scene ever. Hitherto, owners who had rescued vehicles from scrapyards, fields, quarries, barns, etc, were reluctant to restore them for fear of not being able to register them. Some enthusiasts have waited for many years trying to persuade the authorities to regularise their position.

"Over the course of many decades, number plates would have been lost and files misplaced - not necessarily the fault of the person rescuing a rusty find," he explained.

"It is important that such treasures can now be restored and displayed frequently, which not only generates more economic activity but also helps enrich the overall local scenario for tourism, film facilities, etc."

The three clubs forming the federation have a total membership of about 400 who between them own hundreds of cars, motorcycles and military vehicles. The oldest motorcycle in Malta is a 1903 Minerva, while the oldest car is a 1904 Cadillac, both in very good working condition. The clubs organise a number of events such as rallies, shows and social activities.