Museu do Caramulo and RTP2 will premiere the documentary “João de Lacerda: The Visionary Collector” on 3rd July at 6:30 pm at Cinema São Jorge in Lisbon, as part of the centenary celebrations marking the birth of the co-founder of Museu do Caramulo and creator of its famous collection of cars and motorcycles.
Produced by Museu do Caramulo and Screen over the course of two years, with the support of RTP2, the Ministry of Culture and Lisboa Cultura, and with a running time of 46 minutes, “João de Lacerda: The Visionary Collector” follows the 2021 documentary “Abel de Lacerda: The Utopian Collector”, dedicated to his brother and fellow co-founder of Museu do Caramulo.
The documentary, which will also be broadcast on RTP2 during the month of July, portrays the life and legacy of João de Lacerda (1923–2003), who carried forward, with admirable purpose, the work begun by his father, Dr Jerónimo de Lacerda, and his brother, Abel de Lacerda, in their hometown of Caramulo. It is impossible to fully appreciate the car collection of Museu do Caramulo without knowing the story of its founder, João de Lacerda. As an enthusiast, his passion for speed was matched only by his reverence for the history of the automobile and its pioneers.
From an early stage, the young physician specialising in pneumology became highly skilled at balancing his professional responsibilities with his motor racing pursuits. He competed on weekends in hill climbs, rallies, and circuits, often in cars that were arguably far too modest for his considerable driving abilities. He regularly took part in legendary events such as the Mille Miglia and the Monte Carlo Rally, frequently as the sole Portuguese participant, and achieved results that revealed his innate talent.
When family obligations demanded greater caution, he redirected his enthusiasm towards historic automobiles. In 1955, he impulsively purchased an abandoned Ford T, which he meticulously restored. It became the first of what would grow into a significant collection — the perfect complement to the legacy his brother Abel had entrusted him to complete.
This visionary moment marked the beginning of car and mobility collecting as a cultural phenomenon in Portugal. But for those who might view the vehicles in the collection merely as static antiques for display, João de Lacerda left one more important lesson. Every vehicle on show is fully functional, just as it was when new. This was a fundamental requirement of the founder and remains a non-negotiable principle of the Caramulo spirit.
Each time a classic car takes to the road, bringing joy to those inside and to those who see it pass, João de Lacerda’s legacy lives on. The documentary “João de Lacerda: The Visionary Collector” features more than ten testimonials from individuals who knew João de Lacerda and studied his work, including António José Veloso (doctor at the sanatorium), Artur Santos Silva (jurist and manager), José Barros Rodrigues (historian), and Adelino Dinis (journalist), as well as a wealth of archive material and period footage.
Admission to the premiere screening is free of charge. Those wishing to attend need only register in advance via the Museu do Caramulo website to secure their seat at Cinema São Jorge.
