Around 30 vintage vehicles from 1955 are part of the ‘Harley Foster Ride’, which takes place this morning between the central square on Avenida Arriaga and the centre of Câmara de Lobos. The initiative, organised by the Classic Car Club, aims to pay tribute to Bernard Harvey Foster, who brought the first automobile to Madeira in 1904.
Thus, this event aims to recreate the historic journey led by the British man, “who travelled along the island’s primitive trails, and who, to the great amazement and joy of the locals, drove his car along the current Estrada Monumental, from Funchal to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos”.
Thus, 27 classic cars owned by residents are taking the same route today, albeit with some changes to the route due to a sports event taking place on Avenida do Mar.
Miguel Gouveia, president of the Classic Car Club, told Jornal Madeira that the group of participants will travel to Câmara de Lobos via Estrada Monumental, the vehicles will be on display at Praça da Autonomia and, after lunch, the excursion will return to Funchal, passing through the Harvey Foster Roundabout and parking the vehicles in front of the Legislative Assembly, where they will be on display.
Now in its 11th edition, this event also features a bus, this year provided by Tecnovia, because the one that usually takes part is broken. It is a vehicle from the 70s, and not from the period required for participation in the event, but it is a solution to ensure the desired participation.
It is worth noting that there will be around 2,500 classic cars registered in Madeira, according to Miguel Gouveia.