A cautious run along Lagoa Azul, the former Rally de Portugal stage, becomes a glorious coastal cruise beside beaches Guincho and Crismina.
A final assembly at the Casino Estoril frames our vintage champions against the neat lawns and extravagant water features of this ’30s landmark, and draws the greatest number of bystanders yet.
From the most charming Art Deco details of the 1937 Wolseley 14/40’s plush interior to the extraordinary motorsport history of Portugal’s homegrown 1933 Felcom ‘Question Mark’ racer, the headline news is that so many of these motoring relics have made it.
The Casino Estoril’s lawns and fountains provide a fitting backdrop to the pre-war gathering towards the end of the 2024 Founders’ Run
As if cursed by this premature thought, when we hop in the Bugatti for the final mile to our official finish further along the coast, I forget to retard the ignition lever and – pop, pssh – the cylinders gasp for air.
We limp to the bay, tired, reflective and a little bit relieved, but equally disappointed it’s over, and tasting a hint of the achievement earned by those who completed the original run, 122 years ago.
Images: Joel Araújo
Thanks to: Museu do Caramulo; Corrida dos Fundadores
Javier Martínez: 1916 Diatto 20hp
This Diatto 20hp placed second in the 1916 Vuelta a Cataluña in Spain
The Diatto is the oldest participant in this year’s run, but this vast seven-seater 20hp Phaeton bodied by Spanish coachbuilder Francisco Capella offers an impressive turn of speed.
“Stopping is the main concern – the transmission brake is almost non-existent,” laughs Javier Martínez, who is joined by wife and fellow enthusiast Sonia.
“It leaks a bit of oil, too, but it goes well enough and doesn’t overheat.”
This very car placed second in the inaugural Vuelta a Cataluña, a 650km race in three stages across Spain, held from 1916 to 1920.
Luís Guilherme da Costa and Alexandre Rainha: 1932 Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet
The gutsy Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim wasn’t fazed by the route’s hilliest sections
“It comes into its own on a longer trip such as this,” says Luís Guilherme of his rare 370S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet.
“I’ve long been a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, but almost always with 1950s, ’60s and ’70s cars.”
From a collection that includes a Pagoda SL, the 370S is a 92-year-old exception.
Despite a faulty connection to the dynamo that required regular tinkering across the weekend, Luís reports that he and his co-driver Alexandre Rainha are able simply to sit back and enjoy the ride.
“Only add fuel and drive,” he beams. “Generally, the car behaves very well, with its good brakes, lots of torque and smooth, three-speed gearbox with overdrive.”
As you’d expect, from a 3689cc straight-six that’s good for 75mph.
“The Figueira da Foz-Lisbon rally experience has been a great surprise,” he adds. “The atmosphere has been fantastic and I’m now thinking about more opportunities to drive this wonderful car.”
Raúl Aranda: 1938 Lancia Aprilia Viotti
The freshly restored Lancia Aprilia Viotti stood out from the crowd
“When I found it, the Lancia was just in pieces and I wasn’t even sure what it was,” says Raúl Aranda, owner of this unique Aprilia Berlina Sport Aerodinamica.
“I spent a lot of time trying to discover its history, but it was the Viotti badge that provided the first clue because it fitted perfectly in the holes in the wing.”
From there, Raúl was able to restore the extraordinarily modern – and genuinely aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.34Cd – body to its former glory, as first seen at the 1937 Paris Salon.
“The restoration was only finished this year [2024], and it’s something very special even to see the car in the metal, never mind to drive it,” smiles Raúl. “Lancias were just so far ahead of their time.”
Among the upright pre-war selection on the Founders’ Run, the Aprilia’s flowing lines, penned by Count Mario Revelli di Beaumont and tested in the wind tunnel at the University of Turin, provide a remarkable contrast.
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Aaron McKay
Aaron is Classic & Sports Car’s Deputy Editor