John,
Lest anybody forget, Malta was one of the countries to
which were shipped knocked down kits for assembly (as
noted by the 5 designation on the prefix of commission
numbers).
Based on that tidbit, it would seem to confirm that
Malta was indeed a large consumer of things with the
Triumph Logo.
Joe
jonmac wrote:
>
> Triumphs were certainly shipped to Malta in large quantities.
> However, if you can get hold of some shipping stats for that period,
> it might be an idea to divide the annual totals by two - though
> definitely not in equal proportions. Malta took cars for tourists and
> unofficially ordered on behalf of 'another country' exactly due south
> on the north bank of the African continent which took the rest.
> Rumour has it that they were grace and favour cars for the party
> faithful and this was most definitely "we don't want to know anything
> about it" country as far as STI were concerned. Ahem
> In my later years wearing a Parts Hat and in the non-genuine side of
> the business, there was excellent trade with Malta. In fact why Malta
> didn't sink under the weight of what went in there in the form of
> parts that will-fit-a-triumph is something of a mystery. I seem to
> remember one 40' container had nothing but cool thermostats and fan
> belts in it! All in all it wasn't too dis-similar to the brake
> cylinder repair kits which daily flood out of Dubai for Iran for the
> Paykan (AKA Hillman Hunter) These parts have, with a few others,
> become a useful alternative currency.
>
> John Mac
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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