Once a year, Malta’s baroque capital transforms into a living gallery of heritage, elegance, and artistry. Organised by Valletta Concours, the Concours d’Elegance, now firmly established on the international motoring calendar, returns in style to St George’s Square on Sunday, 1st June 2025, reaffirming its reputation as one of the most refined and culturally significant classic car events in the Mediterranean.

The brainchild of brothers John and Joel Saliba, the vintage and classic car Concours d’Elegance, was founded in 2017, born from a deep passion for automotive history and a profound appreciation for Valletta’s architectural splendour.

Mr John Saliba explained, “We didn’t just want a car show. We wanted an experience that blended Malta’s cultural soul with the timeless artistry of vintage automobiles.”

It’s a vision that continues to resonate both locally and internationally. This year’s edition will welcome participants from the UK, Italy, Germany, and even India, alongside Maltese collectors. Over 60 vehicles – ranging from meticulously restored pre-war classics to post-war icons – will grace the historic square. But this event is not about numbers. The focus, as always, is on quality, authenticity, and storytelling.

A Celebration of Authenticity

The Concours d’Elegance is no ordinary vintage car exhibition. It’s a carefully curated showcase that places authenticity above gloss, and history above mere polish.

“We’re not dazzled by chrome or novelty,” Mr Saliba said. “Our judges are looking for originality – the faithful preservation or restoration of a vehicle’s original design, materials, and purpose.”

Vehicles are selected based on stringent criteria. From the stitching on leather upholstery to the authenticity of engine components, every detail counts. Entrants are expected to present their cars as they would have appeared when they first rolled off the production line – albeit with the graceful patina that only time can bestow.

This philosophy is echoed in the judging process, led by Chief Judge – Jeremy Jackson- Sytner, a respected authority in the international classic car world. A panel of 24 international judges evaluates the vehicles across various classes, assessing not only authenticity and originality but also the emotional bond between car and owner. “Passion counts,” says Mr Saliba. “When an owner tells the story of their car with love and detail – even dressing in period attire – it enriches the entire experience and adds to his/her points.”

International Acclaim and Local Heritage

This year’s edition carries particular significance: the President of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) – the global authority for historic vehicles – will attend the Concours. This visit is a clear endorsement of the event’s rising global stature.

In 2023, the organisers, Valletta Concours, were short listed amongst the top five for World Concours d’Elegance at the Historic Motoring Awards held in London, a milestone that underscores growing international prestige.

Yet, the event remains proudly rooted in Maltese heritage. A highlight of last year’s edition was the display of two Malta-assembled vehicles – rare reminders of the island’s lesser-known motoring history. During the 1960s and 70s, Malta hosted assembly lines for brands like Alfa Romeo, Triumph, and Rover, producing vehicles for both local use and export. These surviving models, complete with original badges, now serve as prized artefacts of Malta’s automotive past.

Adding further dimension, this year will feature 15 vintage and classic motorcycles and a special showcase by the MG Car Club Malta that will present 20 iconic MGs from amongst its members. A new category for road racing cars debuts this year, attracting a younger generation of enthusiasts and broadening the event’s appeal.

Style, Space and Artistic Expression

Staging an event of this calibre in a UNESCO World Heritage site like Valletta is no small feat. But for Mr Saliba and his team, the venue is essential to the Concours’ identity.

“St George’s Square isn’t just a backdrop – it’s part of the experience,” he explains. Cars are displayed with generous spacing, allowing each one to be viewed and photographed in full splendour, framed by the grandeur of the Grand Master’s Palace and surrounding baroque façades.

The entire experience is curated with elegance and harmony in mind. This year’s edition will include live art demonstrations by young Maltese artists painting Valletta’s iconic streetscapes and vintage vehicles in real time.

Retro fashion lovers are also invited to join in. Members of the public who do not own a classic car but share a passion for vintage style can participate in the Best Retro Fashion competition, registering on the day for a chance to be judged on their period attire – adding a stylish flair to the day’s atmosphere.

Even the music, signage, and layout are thoughtfully designed to maintain a tone of refinement and cultural immersion. It’s no wonder the Concours is often described as a living, breathing cultural exhibit, not just a car show.

Passion Over Profit

Despite its international recognition, the Concours d’Elegance remains a labour of love.

“This is a passion project,” Saliba says. “We invest over €20,000 each year to bring in world-class judges, maintain presentation standards, and offer something truly memorable. It’s not about making money – it’s about honouring a love for cars, for design, and for Valletta.”

The Concours also doubles as a platform for cultural diplomacy, attracting discerning visitors who often pair their experience with wine tastings, museum visits, and architectural and historical tours – thereby enhancing Malta’s offering in the high-end cultural tourism space.

Valletta: Where the Past Lives On

For visitors, the Concours d’Elegance is an immersive experience. Classic Rolls-Royces and Jaguars gleam beneath the Mediterranean sun. Judges in suits and hats confer in hushed tones. Artists daub canvases, models pose with vintage flair, and the scent of leather mingles with the sights and sounds of this Baroque capital.

It is, in every sense, where art meets art.

And that is the true magic of the Concours d’Elegance – not simply its reverence for machines of the past, but its power to animate a city, engage a community, and create a moment in time where history, design, and emotion converge.

Join us on Sunday, 1st June 2025, at St George’s Square for a day where heritage rolls elegantly into the present.

Very Valletta and 20Twenty are proud to be among the main sponsors of this prestigious event.