1 comment.1904 Siddeley – Malta’s first ever registered car unveiled in Gozo
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The Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo, today welcomed to Gozo, Malta’s first ever registered car, a restored 1904 Siddeley, originally having the first local No 1 number plate, the first car ever to be driven on Gozo.
The long awaited repatriation of Malta’s first registered automobile took place after the vehicle’s forty-four year absence from the island.
The car’s early 1904-1907 history is still being researched and will prove to be fascinating and important to historians of Melitensia and motoring once confirmed.
What is known is that in 1907 the Siddeley found itself in Gozo where it terrified the Gozitans, who named it “il karrozza tan-nar,” the car of fire. It was the first vehicle, other than that of the horse-drawn variety to be seen on the neighbouring island.
The car was eventually stored in a windmill and forgotten about for almost sixty years until it was rediscovered again by David Arrigo and Brian Mizzi in 1968. Its discovery, at the time was, and is still considered to be the most important ‘Barn Find’ on the Maltese Islands to date.
Although in a dilapidated state, it was complete, making it an exciting and much sort after restoration project.
The Minister thanked David Arrigo, saying that after 110 years Gozitans were now given the opportunity to see the car back to its original state. Adding “I am delighted with this event and am thankful that Mr Arrigo chose to unveil this car here in Gozo, just a few metres away from where he had discovered it.”
The Minister mentioned how this 1904 Siddeley will have a special place in the heart of Gozo, as it truly is part of the history of Gozo. “The 1904 Siddeley reached our island at a time when transport was only possible by means of horse-driven carriages. This means that this was the very first car seen on Gozo soil.”
Car enthusiasts, locals and tourists, were present for the unveiling in St Francis Square, Victoria, many of them having a tale to tell about the car from their childhood.
Also present were David Arrigo, the car owner and Franco Azzopardi CEO of Express Trailers. Moira Delia conducted this activity. Fr Joe Xerri O.F.M. Conv blessed the car.
The car will now be on display for 2 days at the Arkadia Commercial Centre in Victoria.
The 1904 Siddeley was brought back to Malta from the UK by Express Trailers due to the company’s experience in handling the transportation of fragile rare and vintage collector cars.
The car’s early 1904-1907 history is still being researched and will prove to be fascinating and important to historians of Melitensia and motoring once confirmed. In 1907 the Siddeley was purchased by three sisters and taken to Gozo. It was the first vehicle, other than that of the horse-drawn variety to be seen. The sisters’ brother, a priest, thought the car drew too much attention to his female siblings, so placed it in a windmill and the car was forgotten about for almost sixty years.
An appeal is being made to the general public to come forward with any information on motoring in Malta during the years 1901-1912, especially period photographs of cars in Malta during those pioneering years.
The owner said that a substantial reward is offered for any photographs taken of the Siddeley. Should anyone think they might have some interesting information in this regard they should contact David Arrigo on 9942 0578 or e-mail arrigodavid@gmail.com
Photographs: MGOZ/Geotge Scerri
How lovely to see this car back in Gozo. I have known it for well over 25 years as it belonged to a good friend, Nigel Bradshaw, who lives in Lancashire. We had many happy rallies using the car and I am pleased that it now belongs to an enthusiast and not a museum.