The Mediterranean island of Malta was granted independence from Britain on 21 September 1964. We happened to be on the island in 2025 for the celebration. Celebrations were held throughout the island but we happened to be in Mdina-Rabat, the former capital of the island prior to the Knights of St John of Rhodes arrived in 1530. The Knights established their capital on a peninsula in the Grand Harbour called Birgu. After the Great Siege of 1565, the Knights moved across the harbour and began construction of their massive fortified city of Valletta.
The moat and old gate of the old town Mdina.
Valletta is an amazing city, but Mdina remains a beautiful and charming old town of narrow streets and limestone buildings.
Malta has a solid classic motoring scene. Of course, English predominate.
1948 Triumph
Austin
An American among the Brits - 1937 Dodge.
It's a big car for Malta's narrow streets
1952 MG TC
Another MG. They are sporty machine
1966 Austin and 1957 Morris Minor
1962 MG A
1959 Ford Prefect
1965 MG landcrab
What's this? A German Mercedes-Benz
Military Vehicle exhibition
In the centre square of Mdina was a fine display of military vehicles.
Austin car and BSA motorcycle.
BSA motorcycle and US GMC truck.
Willys Jeep and a British Land Rover Mk 1
View in the square
Standard Flying 9
We had a good chat with the owner (in uniform to the right). He was a former British serviceman who'd retired to Malta. There is a large expat community in Malta.
BSA motorcycle
Volunteers and weapons collection
German KdF Kubelwagen
1942 Dodge WC-56 Command Car
Some of the many Maltese military museums we visited:
Lascaris War Rooms: https://militarymuseum.blogspot.com/2026/01/lascaris-war-rooms-valletta-malta.html
Grand Master Palace Armory: https://militarymuseum.blogspot.com/2026/01/grand-masters-palace-armoury-valetta.html
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum: https://militarymuseum.blogspot.com/2026/01/fort-st-elmo-and-national-war-museum.html
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