20 unexpected classic cars in Madeira

Island eye candy

At this year’s Classic Car Revival on the Portuguese island of Madeira, on May 21-22, some 400 classic cars gathered along the picturesque coastline of its capital city, Funchal.

But if you thought MGBs and Mercedes were ambitious enough to keep on this small island, think again.

Here are our 20 top unusual finds at this brilliantly eclectic event.

1. 1965 Buick Skylark

An American rarity was among the cars used by the autonomous region of Madeira’s government.

This 1965 Buick Skylark was first used by the governor and remained in official use until 2010, when it was restored.

2. 1931 Berliet 8CV ‘Vil’

This 1931 8CV ‘Vil’ from once-prolific manufacturer Berliet is a rare find anywhere.

The example we saw at Madeira’s Classic Car Revival 2023 looked to be in superb condition, although it did appear to have larger than standard tires fitted – we suspect this was either for traction or a case of using what was available.

3. UMM jeep

For the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1991, the Diocese of Funchal commissioned a special vehicle, adapted from a Portuguese UMM jeep, because it was too difficult to transport the usual vehicle from Rome to Madeira for the occasion.

We think this definitely looks the part.

4. 1981 Fiat Regata 100

When did you last see one of these?

This 1981 Fiat Regata 100 looked to be in superb condition and was fitted with the top-performing double-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, making around 100HP.

5. 1947 Sunbeam-Talbot 2-litre four-seat Sports Tourer

One of the more unusual British classics at this event was this 1947 Sunbeam-Talbot.

Its traditional shade of post-war black simply highlighted its comfy-looking, brown-leather interior.

6. 1959 Cadillac Series 62

It is not hard to see why this caught our attention – and that of many others, too. Well, it was one of the show’s largest classic cars.

The vast fins of this flagship Cadillac Series 62 were in stark contrast to the little Fiats elsewhere, but it seemed to fit right in on Madeira’s palm-tree-strewn streets.

7. Toyota MR2

The Mk3 Toyota MR2 is a bit of a cult modern classic, so it’s especially surprising to see this is a c200HP turbocharged model.

Built only for the Japanese and US markets, it must have had special appeal to one Madeiran. 

8. 1967 Sovam Coupe Sport 1100A

This dinky French fancy is a 1967 Coupe Sport 1100A, built by little-known manufacturer Sovam.

Only 150 of these Renault 4-derived sports cars were produced, but Sovam has continued in the varied commercial-vehicles business.

9. Lincoln Continental

A slice of ’70s Americana graced Madeira’s Classic Car Revival 2023 in the form of this Lincoln Continental, in remarkably original condition.

Its highly enthusiastic owners were dressed for the part, complete with cowboy hats.

10. Datsun 1600SSS ‘Bluebird’

One of the most remarkable Japanese cars at this event had to be this Datsun 1600SSS ‘Bluebird’.

Its restrained chromework, brown paint and black vinyl interior all seemed to be in fantastic condition.

11. 1975 Fiat 128L Sport Coupe

Looking a bit like a miniature Lancia, this 1975 Fiat 128L Sport Coupe was one of the more rakish shapes brought by members of Club Fiat Madeira.

The model was available with either a 1116cc or a 1290cc engine – the GT badging suggests this might have the larger of the two.

12. 1955 Fiat 1100

A top-of-the-line 1955 1100 Turismo Veloce, with a twin-choke Weber carb delivering just shy of 50HP, this little Fiat sedan had real presence in Madeira.

And so it should, given that a similar model won its class in the Mille Miglia in 1954 and ’55.

13. 1946 Peugeot 202 Sport Cabriolet

Found in a long line of classic Peugeots was this 1946 drop-top.

Its evocative patina and ‘sport’ decals drew lots of admiring looks.

14. 1967 Opel Ambassador

A five-meter long sedan might not be the most obvious choice for the twisting mountain roads of this island in the Atlantic Ocean.

That said, this 1967 Ambassador looked perfectly at ease in the Opel Classic Madeira Clube’s showcase.

15. Volvo 240GL

The boxy, upright appearance of a Volvo 240GL was hardly what we expected to see in Madeira.

However, this fine example was finished impeccably in glossy black paintwork, teamed with sharp alloy wheels and yellow driving lamps.

16. Borgward Isabella

Finished in a bright blue with a contrasting white roof and adorned with plenty of chrome, this Borgward Isabella two-door sedan fits right in on Funchal’s tropical promenade.

Perhaps this isn’t a car we expected to see here, but we’re very pleased we did.

17. 1910 Le Zébre Type A Runabout

This little 1910 Le Zébre Type A Runabout is yet more evidence of an enthusiasm for French motoring on this island.

Using a single-cylinder engine on a simple steel chassis, this example features the more luxurious two-person touring coachwork.

18. 1924 Dodge Series 116

Representing the few American cars at Madeira’s Classic Car Revival in the pre-war category was this 1924 Dodge Series 116, in four-seat Tourer configuration.

Complete with disc wheels and sill-mounted toolkit, it looked the business.

19. Mini convertible

No matter where you go in the world, there’s a lot of love for the classic Mini – and so it is here.

Clube Mini da Madeira’s large collection of cars included everything from an early Cooper ‘S’ to this convertible with an ERA bodykit suggestive of extra poke underneath.

If it is the real deal, that would mean 95HP and 115mph.

20. 1972 Toyota Corolla SL KE25

One of a long line of classic Toyotas at 2023’s Classic Car Revival was this 1972 Corolla SL KE25, with a 1166cc four-cylinder engine.

Restored to excellent condition, its bright-yellow paintwork, sporty spotlights and period alloy wheels really added charm – and looked the part on the sunny island of Madeira.