AVW camper with a surfboard on the roof used to be the height of beach cool, but in Portugal it’s starting to lose its appeal. Here in Europe's waveriding mecca, resentment is growing towards the van life’ crowd hipsters who live and travel in specially converted vehicles. These ever-bigger machines block the narrow coastal paths and hog the best parking spots. During Covid lockdowns, things reached a peak and an influx of foreigners rained down on this small country, leaving the local police no alternative but to crack down on people sleeping in their vans outside official spots.
As a result, a growing community of local surfers is choosing to distance itself from this traditional surfing stereotype by driving different classic cars to the waves. Popular beach car parks are becoming unofficial miniconcours shows, with unique and bespoke vehicles on display, but before you start imagining Pebble Beach let’s set a few things straight: in this world, getting to the waves with a board and wetsuit is still the priority. Bumps and scratches on bodywork are also part and parcel of things but nevertheless these vehicles remain a glorious expression of individuality, freedom and style. While there is a significant grassroots element, with many surfers restoring under-appreciated vehicles to original condition, the movement is defined by professionally prepared cars that share a pastel-hued aesthetic. Crack out the factor 50 sunblock: it’s time to head to the beach and find out more.
Tyson Ballard, Lisbon
1959 PORSCHE 356
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Octane.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2022 edition of Octane.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Nathalie McGloin
The only female tetraplegic racing driver in the world and co-founder of Spinal Track, charity supporting disabled drivers
Atomium
An iron molecule, 100m tall and scaled-up 165billion times, was the future in ’58
The Valjoux 7750
Rendered obsolete in the late 1970s, Edmond Capt's wonder movement is not only back, but selling 200,000 units a year
Lucy O'Reilly Schell
The first American woman to compete in a Grand Prix was also a distinguished rally driver and team owner
OCTANE CARS
OWNING+ DRIVING + MAINTAINING
OUR MAN IN JAPAN
James Elliott joins an exclusive Japanese classic tour in an exquisite Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600
LONG-TERM LEGENDS
These two SS100 Jaguars have been in the hands of well-known and dedicated enthusiasts for five decades and more. Chris Mann divulges their entertaining histories
Micky Pople
Octane meets the 95-year-old and talks about his life with the stars as one of Bristol's Filton Fliers'
LEADING FROM THE MIDDLE
The René Bonnet Djet was the world's first mid-engined production road car. Glen Waddington enjoys a momentous French Lotus rival
BACK AGAIN FOR MORE
This Le Mans-winning Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato Spider appeared in the very first issue of Octane. More than 20 years on, Robert Coucher acquaints himself and finally gets behind the wheel