Tag: Museu do Caramulo

The Founders’ Race by Cartrack, the tour aimed at pre-war cars and motorcycles (until 1939), is back on the road, on a new date between the 27th and 29th of September.

The fourth edition of the tour that celebrates the golden era of motorsport will take participants on an itinerary of around 250 kilometres, along the best Portuguese roads and landscapes, starting on Friday (27th) in Figueira da Foz, with a parade and competition organized in conjunction with the Figueira da Foz Antique Car Club. The Leiria Sobre Rodas event will also be one of the attractions, in which the cars will stop on Saturday, the 28th, followed by a demonstration of expertise at the exit. On Sunday, the Founders’ Race will head towards Lisbon, the chosen arrival destination for this unique event, stopping in several cities.

With guaranteed participants of various nationalities, and a higher number of entries than in previous years, both in cars and motorcycles, the Founders Race by Cartrack is organized by the Caramulo Museum, in partnership with the CPAA and CAACB clubs, and with the support of Cartrack, Shell, Turismo do Centro and BPI – Fundação la Caixa and the municipalities of Figueira da Foz, Leiria, Alcobaça, Torres Vedras, Mafra, Cascais and Lisbon.

Pre-war cars and motorcycles can be registered through the official Founders Race by Cartrack page.

The Museu do Caramulo has just unveiled its impeccably restored 1954 Vespa 125, a classic gem donated by António Herédia that transports us to an era of post-war optimism and adventure. This iconic scooter embodies the carefree spirit of freedom and exploration, a nod to the desire for an escape from the routine that emerged after the devastation of World War II.

Enrico Piaggio, the visionary Italian industrialist, sought to rebuild his country’s shattered economy by creating a simple, affordable vehicle that could navigate Italy’s challenging, bombed-out streets. Inspired by the thousands of small engines used to start aircraft during the war, Piaggio designed what would become the world’s first scooter, the Vespa, which quickly grew into a symbol of hope and renewal.

The 1954 Vespa 125, now gleaming in all its glory, boasts a single-cylinder, 123.7cc two-stroke engine, capable of reaching a top speed of 75 km/h. It perfectly embodies the essence of an era when scooters became the epitome of mobility and freedom. This rare model was only in production for two years, from 1953 to 1954, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The restored Vespa 125 made its public debut at the O Museu na Rua event on May 4, rekindling the spirit of the Vespizzatevi (“Vespar”) movement of the early 1950s. This joyful and nostalgic slogan conjures images of carefree summer journeys on two wheels, reminiscent of the peaceful and colourful explorations only a Vespa can offer. The scooter is now part of the permanent exhibit at the Museu do Caramulo, where it will continue to inspire future generations with its storied history and timeless charm.

Photo Credits: Sérgio Oliveira

The Museum of Caramulo and Heel Tread, the Portuguese sock brand inspired by the motorsport theme, have collaborated to introduce the “Restauro a Meias” (Restoration in Socks) program to preserve and document the restoration process of iconic vintage automobiles. Their inaugural project focuses on restoring a distinguished 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce.

This comprehensive restoration endeavour encompasses various aspects, including complete bodywork stripping and tuning, meticulous sheet metal work, application of a fresh coat of paint, refurbishment of chrome components, restoration of gauges and interiors, fine-tuning of suspension and brakes, and rejuvenation of the engine to its former glory.

The meticulous restoration work will occur at the Caramulo Experience Center, an immersive space dedicated to automotive passion, inaugurated by the Museum of Caramulo in 2022.

Upon the successful completion of the restoration, a special commemorative pair of socks inspired by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce and the restoration project itself will be unveiled, serving as a tangible testament to the collaboration between craftsmanship, heritage, and automotive culture.

Photo Credits: Museu do Caramulo

On the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of February, the vibrant ambiance of classic automobile enthusiasts descended upon the Cordoaria Nacional in Lisboa for yet another exhilarating edition of the Salão Motorclássico, masterfully organized by the Caramulo Museum. 

Amidst the grandeur of the venue, a mesmerizing array of classic cars graced the display area, each with its own story to tell. Some stood proud, awaiting new owners, while others simply basked in the admiration of passersby. Among them, iconic speed demons from different eras stole the spotlight; the legendary Audi Quattro and Lancia Delta Integrale, eternally etched in the annals of rally history, stood tall. The timeless elegance of the Mercedes SL, spanning generations with models like the Pagode and Gullwing, captivated the hearts of onlookers. Meanwhile, the rugged charm of the Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 and Land Rover Series offered a nostalgic journey into off-road exploration. 

The Salão Motorclássico drew a diverse crowd over its three-day extravaganza, welcoming enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Whether solitary wanderers or accompanied by friends and family, attendees found themselves immersed in a program brimming with delights. From insightful conferences to captivating films, exhilarating tours, and convivial gatherings, there was something to satiate every automotive passion. 

As the curtain falls on yet another spectacular event, memories linger and anticipation builds for the next chapter in classic car aficionados’ calendar. Below, we invite you to savor a glimpse of the timeless elegance and roaring engines that graced this year’s spectacle.