Malta: that beautiful enclave in the Mediterranean is a favourite for tourists all over Europe.
Unbeknown to many, it was also host to an assembly operation that saw the construction of Triumphs and Morrises amongst others. Christopher Camilleri takes up the story...
Carmaking was late coming to Malta: The Mizzi Organization set up their automotive division known as Car Assembly Ltd in 1960, and located a new, purpose-built plant in Marsa. The first car to be assembled in this new plant was the Triumph Herald, which proved to be a big seller in Malta (as it was in other territories that possessed a Herald CKD operation). As time passed, the demand for new cars in Malta increased and, therefore, the production was ramped up in order to meet burgeoning demand.
Not only that, but consumers wanted better choice, and so it was through this increased demand for cars that widened range of cars was gradually rolled-out.
Thus, a variety of different models was soon being produced in the Car assembly Ltd. In fact, after a year that the Car Assembly Ltd was opened, a further two new models were rolling off the Marsa production line; the Dodge and the Hillman Hunter/Minx (Arrows range). The Car Assembly Ltd remained operational until 1981, when during this time, the cars produced were the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, Mini and Morris Marina. As well as these mainstays, Car Assembly also played host to the production of, a local version of the ubiquitous Commer Van, Rover P6 2000 and Austin-Morris 1100/1300.
Another interesting fact is that Car Assembly Ltd also exported models to other countries such as Tunisia and Jamaica. For example, the Maltese Morris Marina was exported to Jamaica, and the Triumph Herald was exported to Israel and Greece. Car Assembly Ltd was a great success in Malta where the company held a whopping 55 per cent of the Maltese car market. As Christopher Camilleri quite rightly surmises, "It is such a pity that it has closed due to political reasons."
This Morris Marina, as owned by Christopher Camilleri was produced in Malta by Car Assembly Ltd in their plant at Marsa. This particular Marina is a real rarity, as it is powered by a 1.5-litre B-Series diesel engine, and is described by Camilleri: "It has never been resprayed and it is in unrestored condition. Right now, I am using the car as an every day driver which gives me plenty of joy and happiness. "
With thanks to Christopher Camilleri for contributing this article