A Mini, a Camper and a Triumph

The old open plan workshop, nestles inconspicuously midway along a narrow pedestrian path just off the main Hamrun highway, a throwback to a Bottega from the Middle Ages.

Ancient woodwork benches and wood cutting contraptions which have withstood the test of time vie for space with a vast array of elaborate and intricate Maltese antique cabinets and clocks, standing in various stages of completion.

The strong smell of lacquer, French polish, and expensive gold leaf paint wafts invitingly, emanating from stacks of solid, seasoned timber.

As I meander through another era, the reverie is interrupted by a large wooden board hanging on a wall, depicting various gleaming classic cars.

Welcome to the world of Gaetan Said, who by day restores and reproduces fine Maltese furniture, and by night restores and maintains his small, impeccable fleet of classic vehicles.

"I came to love old cars from a distance," he recalls. "My parents did not own a car, but my godfather was Gaetan Magri, the founder of the ABC Garage in Hamrun.

His car hire and repair establishment was always replete with Chevrolets, Jaguars, MGs, Spitfires, and many other classics. Visiting him frequently from nearby Marsa was always a highlight for me as a small boy."

Gaetan started to collect Matchbox models of old cars and assembled his own wooden miniatures.

He acquired scrap wood from his uncle Joe, who had a carpenter's shop. Gaetan excelled at woodwork, and at the Marsa secondary school where he continued his education, such was his prowess that teachers often asked him to supervise other students. Soon after completing his studies, he started work with his uncle Joe, joining his brother Twanny there.

After saving up, Gaetan bought his first car in 1977. "It was an old, second-hand Triumph 1300, tea-coloured with a black vinyl top.

I bought it late in the evening, when it was dark, and in the bright light of the next day, I was horrified at what I had done, and wanted to sell it off immediately," he admits.

Learning his lesson, he bade his time, and two years later bought a 1964 maroon Mini Minor 850.

"My father had bought it ten years earlier from the actor Twanny Scalpello, and it was then in a pristine state. I still have it."

With the classic car bug now biting mercilessly, a 1974 Hillman Hunter and two 1966 Fiat 500 followed in quick succession. Gaetan carried out most of the necessary mechanical and body work.

Self-taught Gaetan admits that his cousin John Magri, his godfather's son, had been a constant source of support and inspiration.

One of Gaetan's best friends, Alfred, had a Triumph Spitfire. "It had always caught my eye," he smiles as he embarks on the story of another acquisition.

"One day I asked him to take it for a drive, and after experiencing the thrill of being behind the wheel of a sports car, I wanted one.

I finally came across a 1966 metallic blue model. It looked good, and I bought it.

Delighted with the deal, I invited my wife Marion to join me for the first run."

The couple went on a long trip along the coast up to Mellieħa, and were returning home through Burmarrad, driving at a slow speed.

"My wife suggested I step on the gas, but I declined, preferring to continue cruising along.

All of a sudden, the front wheel came off, went along the road and hit the pavement, flew upwards, exploded in mid-air, and came crashing down on the back of the car, missing our heads by inches. It was a real close shave."

The car was immediately garaged and dismantled, and a thorough nuts and bolts restoration job and respray was embarked on. The process took a year to complete.

There was no more trouble with the Spitfire, which since its rebirth, has already shown its mettle by venturing four times to Sicily on rigorous Old Motors Club trips.

In 1999, Gaetan came across a 1954 Volkswagen Camper, which had been idle for 15 years.

He thought the classic vehicle would be ideal for combining his love of old cars with his fondness for his family.

"The white coloured Camper with forest green trimmings needed quite an overhaul," he explains. This included upgrading the engine from 1075cc to 1300cc.

The spacious vehicle has four beds, a kitchen, toilet and shower, and an extension for another unit. Initially the Said family harnessed the Camper for excursions in Malta.

But after a while, adventurous Gaetan decided to seek pastures new abroad.

This meant that the vehicle needed another facelift, a new gearbox and power brakes, among other things.

The labour, carried out mainly by Gaetan and his cousin Joe Calleja, was worthwhile, for now the Saids venture to Sicily and Italy with their Camper in tow regularly.

Two years ago, Gaetan was surfing the Internet when he came across a 1932 Wolseley for sale.

The unplanned impact was both significant and momentous, as he now reveals another facet of his multi-skilled personality: for one, he had long been drafting plans for the construction of a similar car in wood.

"The whole car, especially its front end, fascinated me, as it was so near to what I had been sketching".

He immediately called the owner in the UK, and soon a deal was struck.

Within 30 days, the black vintage vehicle was in his garage, having made the long journey from England.

"It is a real gem, and in a very good condition", says Gaetan, as he dwells on the 1018 cc engine, the sunroof, the hydraulic brakes, the overhead camshaft, the pedal start and the starting handle.

A long-standing member of the Old Motors Club, Gaetan often participates in OMC activities, although he admits that with his busy lifestyle, not as often as he would like to.

He proudly recalls being in the pioneering group who ventured with their magnificent machines on the first trip to Sicily, way back in 1995.

He believes that instead of holding many events embracing all types of vintage, veteran and classic cars, the OMC should go into the organisation of specialised shows for specific eras or marques.

His family has also become keenly interested in old cars, and following him closely in events. "Some time ago, I was toying with the idea of replacing the old Camper with something more modern, but my children Annalise and Owen protested, insisting that the old Volkswagen had to stay."

A workaholic par excellence, I observe that for two hours, Gaetan has never let go of the task at hand - applying layers of gold leaf which first have to be cut down into tiny strips on a flat wooden board before being gently eased with a tiny palette onto the contours of a restored console table, and then delicately pressed in place with cotton wool.

But then what do you expect from a master craftsman, with a long tradition in carpentry, wood carving and sculpture, restoration of antique furniture, and an experienced gilder who not only practises the skill but also teaches it privately as well as at the Malta School of Arts? This same professionalism and skillful standards are also applied constantly with pride and passion by Gaetan when it comes to the restoration of his classic cars. With such enthusiasts around, the future of the old cars scene in Malta is truly secured.

Mr Busuttil is PRO of the Old Motors Club.

http://www.oldmotorsclub.com, info@oldmotorsclub.com