Classic car owners from across Portugal gathered recently at the Hotel Quinta do Lago to take part in this year’s Loulé rally.
The convoy of cars, some over 80 years old, toured the entire Loulé area, stopping at various landmarks for a break. Pictured right is Terry Piercy, standing proudly next to his 1952 Riley RME. “This is a brilliant event,” he told The Resident reporter George Fletcher, before setting off in his prize possession. “It is very civilised and relaxed; lunch lasts for two hours and everybody takes the journey nice and slowly. And, as you can see, everybody also makes a huge effort and works really hard on their cars, so they are perfect for the Loulé tour.” Indeed, each car was polished to a mirror-like shine for the event. Terry and his driving companion, Warren Paterson, said they were only there for the fun of the day, but admitted that some people do get a little competitive. “By the end of the second day of driving, some start to put their foot down a bit,” Terry revealed, adding, “not me though, I’m not here to win.”
The first stop of the tour, organised by Luís Brito, the Algarve representative for the CPAA (Portuguese Classic Car Club), was a visit to the new Algarve stadium. Then, it was on to Alte for a long lunch. The cars also visited the Quarteira seafront and Vilamoura marina. After two days of being admired by pedestrians and drivers in modern cars alike, the classic car drivers declared the rally a resounding success. “Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and is already looking forward to next year,” exclaimed one happy participant.
