After the success of previous editions, the “Museum on the Road” initiative returns to the Museu do Caramulo on 3 May. One of the stars of the event will be the 1886 Benz Dreirad, which took Berta Benz in August 1888, accompanied by her two sons aged 14 and 15, on her first major car journey, travelling around 100 km between Mannheim and Pforzheim, demonstrating not only her own bravery and cunning, but also the validity of this new concept of mobility.
In addition to the Benz Dreirad, the line-up of vehicles already confirmed for this truly unique journey through time includes historic examples on both two and four wheels. These will offer the public a rare opportunity to see, hear, smell, and even ride as a passenger in machines steeped in history, all part of the Museu do Caramulo’s collection.
Among the vehicles that participants may encounter are the 1923 Minerva 20HP “Torpedo”, discovered by João de Lacerda at Adelino de Assunção’s scrapyard and purchased on 12 March 1956 for five thousand Escudos; the 1926 BSA Model B “Round Tank”, a commercial success for the British marque following its launch in the 1920s; the 1930 Bugatti Type 35B, a true highlight of the museum’s collection and one of the most original Bugattis in existence, still regularly used at prestigious events both in Portugal and abroad; the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, whose gullwing doors continue to captivate enthusiasts; the 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS, one of the most elegant surviving examples; the 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing; and the 1993 Jaguar XJ220, a speed record-holder of its time and still regarded as one of the most thrilling “big cats” ever produced by the British marque. As tradition dictates, there will also be a surprise vehicle, to be revealed only at the event.
One of the novelties of this year’s edition will be the official unveiling of three recent arrivals to the collection: the Dodge WC-63 (1943), the Volkswagen Typ 166 Schwimmwagen (1943), and the Harley-Davidson WLA (1942). These vehicles now form part of the Museu do Caramulo’s new section dedicated to the Second World War — the unprecedented global conflict that ended precisely 80 years ago and left a decisive mark on contemporary history.
“O Museu na Rua” is supported by Shell and will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the museum, continuing throughout the day. To enjoy this unique and memorable experience, visitors simply need to purchase a voucher — available via the museum’s online shop or on the day itself — the symbolic cost of which goes entirely towards the maintenance and preservation of the Museu do Caramulo’s collection.