A visit to the Maga Collection

(Click photos to enlarge)

Members took their classics into Malaga in November to the new Museo Automovilistico which opened in September. The club's cars were displayed in the car park of the newly renovated former tobacco factory while members went inside to enjoy a private tour with English speaking guides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fabulous collection of models on display – ranging from the early horseless carriages of the 1900s, through top-of-the-range luxury limousines, to bizarre alternative energy models being developed today – are known as the "MagaCollection" after the museum's director, Joao Magalhaes who is from Portugal. Anxious to find a permanent home for these very special cars he approached the Spanish Ministry of Culture after the Portuguese government showed no interest in the project. The City of Malaga offered to finance a suitable museum and has spent 9 million euros renovating the Tabacalera, to exhibit the 85 vehicles (and the others being restored).

 

 

 

 

 

The cars are displayed in different groupings – The Belle Epoque, The 'Twenties, Art Deco, La Dolce Vita, Dream Collection, Eccentricity, Popular Cars, English Tradition, Alternative Energies and Tuning. Posters, photographs and artefacts adorn the walls and there is a wonderful display of motoring fashions, including an array of hats which would not be out of place at modern Ascot Ladies Day, along with designer hatboxes to carry them.

The forty or so members and guests spent a fascinating hour and a half admiring the elegant, the bizarre, the eccentric, the artistic and the innovative models on display. Many with evocative names such as "The Minerva", "The Torpedo", "The Masterpiece", "The Myth" and even "The Noon Devil". Not to mention the last word in "bling" – the Swarovski crystal studded Rolls Royce named the Jet7!

After what car fanatics could only describe as a "mind-blowing" visit members and guests went for lunch at a nearby chirunguito to share their experiences and discuss their favourites!

For more pictures of the exhibits go to the Gallery. Click Here

For more about the museum, read this article by our very own Jean Joss Click here