Some 36 classic cars took to the hills of the Algarve on April 29 in an event organised by the head of Algarve Classic Cars, Luís Brito.
The earliest car taking part was a 1929 Ford A Phaeton and other participants included a rare 1935 Triumph Gloria Southern Cross, a pristine 1968 Jaguar E-Type, a perfectly restored 1959 Skoda Octavia and a 1950 Citroën 11D.
The vehicles participating spanned some five decades of classic motoring.
The cars assembled at Quinta Shopping in the morning and then drove northwards through Loulé to Querença. After a steep climb they then turned westwards heading towards Boliqueime.
During this leg there was a speed trial where the cars had to complete a pre-determined course divided into two parts; the second part being completed five seconds quicker than the first part.
After this the cars then continued their route and after covering nearly 70kms arrived at their destination Balaia Village near Albufeira.
The results were announced after lunch and there were five prize winners, one for each decade of vehicle age.
The 1920s category was won by Vitor Mendonça in his Ford A Phaeton, the 1930s prize by David Thomas in his Triumph Gloria, the 1950s category by Mario Simões in the Citroen 11D, the 1960s category by José Madeira in a MG Midget and the 1970s/80s category by Joaquim Rodrigues in his Renault 5 Alpine.
Ernie Chilton, who has taken part in many such rallies, said: “It was a beautiful drive through some of the prettiest villages in the Loulé area. We also met new people and gathering by the enthusiasm shown by those new to rallying, this shows much promise for the future”.
Algarve Classic Cars will be organising their classic car rally from July 13 to 15, which is expected to attract up to 170 participants from both Portugal and overseas. The event will start with a display at the Vilamoura Marina and more details will be announced in due course.
