The Gozo Siddeley left the Arkadia Shopping Complex yesterday under its own power, for the Gozo ferry and its return to Malta.

The first car on Gozo in 1907, this remarkable 6hp. 1904 Siddeley, one of six similar cars in the world, made a nostalgic return to the island where it had lain forgotten and abandoned in a windmill for 64 years until discovered by David Arrigo and Brian Mizzi in 1968.

In a ceremony orchestrated by Moira Delia under the auspices of Dr. Anton Refalo and the Ministry for Gozo, the Siddeley was shown to the people of Gozo for the first time over the recent Independence anniversary weekend.

Originally known as il-karrozza tan-nar and now being called by some as il-Regina ta-Ghawdex remained on public display at Arkadia, Gozo, before its return to Malta yesterday.

The forthcoming Mdina Grand Prix weekend will be the next public display when the Siddeley will thrill the crowds, when it will run parallel, after 110 years, with its stable-mate the Inguanez Cadillac Malta’s No.2 second registered car.

Both cars, the Crown Jewels of Malta’s motoring history, which were rescued and owned by David Arrigo are shortly to be protected by a foundation set up for their preservation on Malta and Gozo.

It took Mr. Arrigo over 40 years to repatriate the Siddeley which was removed from the Maltese islands in 1971 by a British collector.

The next time the Siddeley returns to Gozo will be under its own power retracing, where possible and in the spirit of the original route taken in 1907. A documentary will be made of the occasion.

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