Saturday, 27 July 2024
It was 4.30 p.m. and we were right on time at the main gate to Quinta Magnólia. It was a summer afternoon, hot and humid, perfectly capturing Madeira's tropical vibe As we were getting ready to enter the venue, the first classic car of the afternoon was making its way up Rua Dr. Pita. The Mercedes-Benz L406 D bus, serving Madeira Tourism that weekend, was transporting as many passengers as its capacity allowed, free of charge, bringing several visibly delighted tourists to the Quinta Magnólia Gardens from the previously announced stops.
As we went through the gate, the clapping in time with Elvis Presley's 'Blue Suede Shoes' reached our ears. We quickened our pace so as not to miss what was happening – whatever it was, it seemed quite lively – until we reached the start of the garden area, where an unmissable performance was taking place. The reception at Classics at Magnólia was truly stylish. Over a dozen dancers captured both the rock and roll moves of the 1950s and the iconic style of the era: letterman jackets, polka-dot dresses, headscarves, red lipstick, and other touches of irreverent post-war elegance... We'd been given a boarding pass for a journey back in time and we were going to make the most of it.
After the performance ended, the crowd dispersed, and before us appeared the scene we had envisioned. Several dozen cars were gracefully parked on the green lawn. As we'd expected, these were no ordinary cars. They were genuine relics from the 1950s, impeccably preserved, with a shine that could rival any brand-new car fresh off the factory floor.
Honouring the years of automobile production between 1950 and 1955, the fifth edition of Classics at Magnólia featured 33 cars and 12 motorbikes, the vast majority owned by Madeira residents. The event, held annually, aims to honour enthusiasts dedicated to preserving these vehicles while also serving as a tourist entertainment event. Due to its scale, it has become an official fixture in the tourist entertainment calendar.
Our first stop was right at the entrance to the exhibition, in front of the featured vehicle of this edition: a Mercedes-Benz 300D Adenauer Limousine from the collection of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The history of this car was as remarkable as its appearance. Manufactured in Germany in 1952, it was first registered in December of that year. A year later, it was bought by George Welsh, and in 1971, it was purchased by the Portuguese State for the Civil Government of the Autonomous District of Funchal. After 25 April 1974, it became the official car of the Minister of the Republic, and was later transferred to the Presidency of the Regional Government. A true historical treasure!
We continued our visit, fully immersed in the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1950s. Some of the most famous anthems of the decade continued to echo through the garden, but the automotive feast had only just begun… Austin, Jaguar, Land Rover, VW, Rolls-Royce, Mercury, Mercedes, and MG were just a few of the brands that our eyes could distinguish, even from a distance, without any confusion. As we approached each vehicle, we could see their gleaming bodies, reflecting the care and dedication of their owners. Through the open windows, courtesy of some more relaxed owners, we could see and feel every detail of the car interiors, from the wooden dashboard finishes to the unmistakable scent of leather upholstery.
It was during one of these moments of curiosity, as we timidly but inquisitively approached a convertible on display, that we were invited to sit behind the wheel. The vehicle in question was a red 1954 MG TF 1500. The beige convertible top, folded back, complemented the interior, which was also in matching hues. Sitting in the driver's seat was the highlight of that afternoon... the English-style sports steering wheel, the vintage radio, the beige leather upholstery... even without turning on the ignition, we felt ourselves speeding through the webs of time.
On a lower level, on another stretch of green lawn, we could see an area dedicated to two-wheeled vehicles. Around a dozen colourful motorbikes, also manufactured between 1950 and 1955, attracted a crowd of onlookers who were trying to capture their images with their phone cameras.
It was nearly 7 p.m., but the day was still warm. The excitement and heat were urging us to get a refreshment, but at the same time, a concert was starting on the garden bandstand. Vehicles aside, the truth is that the entertainment at Classics at Magnólia is almost an event in itself. The venue that had hosted 'Tertúlia dos Clássicos' in the morning, in partnership with TSF radio, and a circus arts performance, was now hosting a concert by regional artists, with a repertoire that was perfectly suited to the occasion, featuring music that ranged from rock to jazz. The much-desired Coke would have to wait, as we were determined not to miss a single song.
After the concert, we took a few more strolls around the garden, with occasional stops to chat with the owners of some of the vehicles on display. Our suspicion about the upkeep involved in maintaining one of these cars was confirmed. Presenting a vehicle that's 70 years old in such immaculate and functional condition requires a significant amount of time, dedication, and skill. We found out that, in many cases, the owners themselves repair their vehicles, drawing on knowledge gained from decades of working under the hood or beneath the engine. The visible passion these collectors have for their cars is enough to fuel long conversations that go beyond mechanics, blending with their lives and those of their families, sometimes reaching back a generation or two. Before we knew it, it was time to leave, but the conversations left unfinished would surely find a way to be picked up again.
Quinta Magnólia would reopen the following day, Sunday, with hundreds of visitors eager to explore the rich collection of classic vehicles from the region and enjoy a day full of entertainment. As for us, we're already looking forward to a journey into the future, to the 2025 Classics at Magnólia, which will showcase classic cars from Madeiran collectors from the second half of the 1950s.
