MX5Malta Club

Sunshine, open roads and open tops: we talk to founder Malcolm Pisani about the fantastic MX5Malta club, MX-5.com’s Club of the Month for May.

How did your club come together?
In summer 2006, a friend and I began our plans to create a Maltese MX-5 Club - we both have BRG/Tan interior NA models. It wasn’t until July ‘07 that the Club held its first run, from Ta Qali (an ex-RAF airfield) to Ta Xbiex. On that hot afternoon we had an attendance of seven MX5s, including a German couple and Malta MX-5 Dealer, David Gasan. After the run, we went for a few cold drinks and decided that we should meet at least once a month.

How many members do you currently have?
The club will officially open in July of this year so there aren't actually any listed members yet! But from the attendances we’ve had at events, we should have 35 members at the official opening and double by the end of this year.

What's the best thing about driving an MX-5 in Malta?
The best thing about driving an MX-5 in Malta is that the car is actually designed for something like Maltese roads. First of all, you can drive top down even in winter because our climate is rarely really cold. Also, spring and summer nights in top down mode are a must for those who love driving around Malta. The engine size is also just enough for the Maltese roads; you can put the car up to 5th gear and drive slowly through several roads enjoying the scenery and sea views along the way.

What road/drive would you recommend for MX-5ers coming to Malta to get the best experience?
I would heartily recommend a route that begins from between the fortifications of Valletta, to Msida Yacht Marina, Ta' Xbiex, Gzira, Sliema front and then towards the curving Coast Road and finishing in Bugibba. It's my preferred route to take whenever I'm heading towards the North of Malta. Lovely scenery. A road made for MX-5s.

Who has the most impressive ride - and what is it?
Well, in my opinion, everyone in MX5Malta pampers his or her car in their own special way. Some like to modify the body, some the engine. In my opinion, the car that turned heads most during the runs is Peter's blue NB. The condition of this car is just as it had been when it left the factory; the shine on the spray excels everyone else's.

What has been your best event?
In these last few months, we’ve held regular Fun Runs, both in Malta and in Gozo. But most excitingly, in April this year, 15 of our members (including myself) went to Sicily for the weekend. It was really a nice event even though the Italians drive on the wrong side of the road!! :)

What’s up next?
In the following months we will officially open our club, holding competitions and planning further Fun Runs both in the Maltese Islands as well as overseas. We are also planning to join some clubs from overseas for the MX-5's 20th Anniversary which is due next year.