MGCP Picnic in Lisbon at Tapada da Ajuda: Where the Charm of Classics Meets the City’s Light
On 27 June, the MG Club of Portugal held its 190th Gathering, this time in a unique setting in the heart of Lisbon: Tapada da Ajuda, home to the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA).
The aim of this gathering was simple: to organise an event that would be easily accessible to all members, including owners of the oldest MGs, allowing them to participate without the need for long or demanding journeys. The result was an excellent day of friendship, fellowship and shared passion for MG motor cars.
The morning began at the Paços da Tapada, where participants arrived and displayed their cars. The wide variety of models on display once again highlighted the rich heritage of the MG marque, from elegant Veteran models to Classic and Contemporary MGs, creating a wonderful showcase spanning several generations of the brand.
Driving Challenge
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the day followed: the traditional Driving Challenge, held on the demanding Rampa da Asneira. Divided into different categories, the competition tested the drivers' skill as they aimed to achieve the fastest combined time over three runs. In an atmosphere of friendly competition and great camaraderie, all participants demonstrated that MGs continue to provide an exceptional driving experience, regardless of their age.
Results:
Veteran Category
- 1st Place: Luís Valle Martins (Member No. 951)
- 2nd Place: Salvador Soares (Member No. 812)
- 3rd Place: Carlos Trigo (Member No. 955)
Classic Category
- 1st Place: Preces Dinis (Member No. 2)
- 2nd Place: José Gaspar (Member No. 277)
- 3rd Place: Telmo Oliveira (Member No. 413)
Contemporary Category
- 1st Place: Silva Carvalho (Member No. 390)
- 2nd Place: José Monteiro Pereira (Member No. 867)
- 3rd Place: Pedro Monteiro Pereira (Member No. 956)
Visit to the ISA Vineyard and Winery
Following the driving challenge, it was time to discover one of Lisbon's lesser-known treasures. Participants visited the Vineyard and Winery of the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, where they learned about the work carried out at this century-old institution and took part in a guided tasting of wines produced at Tapada da Ajuda, including a white wine, a red wine and a traditional Portuguese grape spirit.
The ISA Vineyard and Winery is an important centre for education, research and wine production. It enables students to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment while producing high-quality wines in one of the most unique agricultural settings within the city of Lisbon.
The visit and wine tasting were led by Professors Miguel Costa and Ricardo Jorge Silva, to whom the MG Club of Portugal extends its sincere thanks for their availability and for generously sharing their expertise.
Picnic Lunch
Lunch was served picnic-style in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, providing the perfect opportunity for members to reconnect, exchange experiences and share stories centered around their common passion for MGs.
It was also during lunch that the first edition of the MG Prestige Award took place. This new distinction, awarded by vote of the members present, recognizes the MG that made the greatest impression on its fellow enthusiasts. Without predefined technical criteria, each participant was free to vote according to their own appreciation, taking into account aspects such as originality, condition, history or simply the emotion the car inspired. The Club hopes this initiative will become a tradition at future gatherings.
Winner of the 1st MG Prestige Award: Salvador Soares (Member No. 812) with his MG J2.
Visit to the Paços da Tapada
The afternoon concluded with a guided visit to the Paços da Tapada, allowing participants to discover a site of remarkable historical, architectural and landscape significance, providing the perfect conclusion to a day filled with culture, driving, gastronomy and friendship.
The tour was led by our member José Gaspar, a former student and professor at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, to whom the Club extends its sincere appreciation for his availability and for sharing his extensive knowledge. The itinerary included several of Tapada da Ajuda's most emblematic sites, including:
Caldeira Cabral Amphitheatre:
Francisco Caldeira Cabral (1908–1992) was the founder of Landscape Architecture in Portugal. After studying in Berlin, he returned to Portugal in 1939 and established the country's first Landscape Architecture course at ISA in 1942—before universities such as Harvard and Reading had fully established the discipline in Europe.
In 1943, he designed this open-air amphitheatre as a space for teaching and cultural events, and it was inaugurated during the First Portuguese Congress of Agricultural Sciences.
Inspired by the great Greco-Roman amphitheatres, its natural stone terraces serve as seating, while its circular layout creates exceptional natural acoustics. The project reflects Caldeira Cabral's guiding principle: "A work should be created within its landscape and allowed to evolve with time."
Lisbon Astronomical Observatory:
Commissioned by King Pedro V, who personally contributed 30 contos de réis towards its construction, the Observatory was built between 1861 and 1878 on land donated by the King within Tapada da Ajuda, at Alto da Eira Velha.
Designed by French architect Jean-François Colson, it was modelled on the famous Pulkovo Observatory in Saint Petersburg. Its first director, Frederico Augusto Oom, spent four years training at Pulkovo in preparation for his role.
For much of the twentieth century, the Observatory was responsible for determining Portugal's official time. The Legal Time Clock, still preserved on the site, stands as a reminder of this important function. Until 2022, five atomic clocks housed in the Observatory calculated Portugal's official time.
Queen's Garden:
One of Lisbon's best-preserved historic gardens, the Queen's Garden features extensive lawns, ornamental lakes, shaded areas and a historic fountain.
The garden is dedicated to Saint Queen Elizabeth, whose life is depicted on the beautiful ceramic tile benches produced by Cerâmica Lusitânia, dated 23 May 1940.
The atmosphere throughout the day once again confirmed that the greatest asset of the MG Club of Portugal is its people and the spirit of friendship shared by everyone who loves the MG marque.
The MG Club of Portugal would like to express its sincere thanks to Espaços da Tapada, particularly Susana Martins, for the warm welcome and outstanding hospitality shown throughout the event. Our thanks also go to all members and their families who participated and contributed to the success of this gathering, with special recognition to Member No. 769, Hélder Unas, for his valuable support in organizing the 190th MGCP Gathering.
MGCP – Emotion Without Limits!
