The Passeio dos Ingleses is one of the largest events of its kind organized in Europe and, next Saturday, Lisbon and Porto will host the start of the 21st edition.
Organised by the Automóvel Club de Portugal, it will feature the participation of 204 classic cars representing British automotive history, industry and culture. At the wheel of a Bentley, Commander James Capps, from the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, defence attaché in Portugal and Cape Verde, is one of the names that have been confirmed.
A parade of historical, sentimental and material value, impossible to translate into the coldness of a number. Reserved for classic English-made cars, for more than two decades the Passeio dos Ingleses has revived the spirit that has captivated millions of enthusiasts around the world, with brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, Austin-Healey, Austin Morris, Caterham, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, MG, Morgan, Riley, Rolls Royce or Triumph.
Two hundred and four classic cars will, this Saturday, spread charm throughout the cities of Lisbon and Porto, but also on the roads of the regions that make up the event route. Competitors departing from the capital will head to the West Region and those concentrating in Porto will depart for Minho.
The car lot is not only vast but also very diverse. The oldest is an MG TC, manufactured in 1946, which will be piloted by Pedro Villas Boas and Agostinho Macedo. A lot of curiosity will be aroused by a 1954 Bristol 403, equipped with a BMW engine, owned by José Santos Fernandes. Bristol was perhaps the most enigmatic and exclusive brand in the post-war automotive sector. Using his experience in aircraft construction, he produced some of the finest sports cars of the time. Among the happy owners of the brand’s models are names such as Bono, Liam Gallagher and Sir Richard Branson.
Parque Eduardo VII is where competitors gather in Lisbon, between 9 am and 9:30 am. The start is scheduled for 10 am, heading to Casa de Reguengos (Mafra municipality), but with participants being divided, halfway along the route, into Sports Group and Tourist Group, following their itineraries. The Tourist Group will stop to visit the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden oriental garden, while the Sports Group will speed up at the Bombarral Karting Track, in a Regularity test.
In Porto, the Museu Nacional de Soares do Reis is the stage for the gathering, starting at 9 am, while departure is scheduled for 10 am. The final destination is the Pousada de Santa Maria do Bouro (municipality of Amares), but with a prior stop at the Monastery of Santo André de Rendufe.
The Passeio dos Ingleses has the support of the Embassy of the United Kingdom, as well as the municipalities of Lisbon, Porto and Mafra, and is sponsored by Bentley, Barbour and Twinings.
Lisbon Program:
09:00 Meeting at Eduardo VII Park
10:00 Tour Start
11:30 Visit to Bacalhôa Buddha Eden (Tourist Group)
11:30 Bombarral Karting Track (Sports Group)
13:30 Arrival at Casa de Reguengos for lunch
14:00 Lunch
Porto Program:
09:00 Meeting at the Soares dos Reis National Museum
10:00 Tour Start
11:30 Visit to the Rendufe Monastery
13:00 Lunch at the Santa Maria do Bouro Inn
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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