1942 Humber Armored Car Restored for 50th Anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution

A 1942 Humber armored car that played a central role in Portugal's Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, which overthrew a 48-year dictatorship, has been painstakingly restored by experts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic event. The vintage vehicle, pieced together from over 1,000 parts, will be showcased during the official celebrations in Lisbon.

The Humber armored car was part of the columns that drove into the Portuguese capital to carry out the coup, led by Captain Jose Salgueiro Maia. Jose Afonso de Oliveira, a retired psychologist who was on board the vehicle during the revolution, expressed his emotional connection to seeing it again after the restoration. "It was very emotional because it took me back to that time," he said.

The restoration project, carried out by a group of enthusiasts including engineer Antonio Carvalho, has been a complex 'jigsaw puzzle' over the past two years. They were aided by an Englishman who provided manuals and rare parts to help bring the Humber back to its former glory. The vehicle will be one of around 15 participating in a historic reconstruction of the columns that drove into Lisbon during the revolution.

The armored vehicles used in the colonial wars, such as the Humber and a replica of the Portuguese-made Chaimite known as 'Bula' that carried deposed Prime Minister Marcelo Caetano, have become symbols of the nearly bloodless uprising, along with the red carnations handed to the soldiers and placed in the muzzles of their guns.

Why this matters: The restoration of the 1942 Humber armored car and its inclusion in the 50th anniversary commemorations of the Carnation Revolution highlight the enduring significance of this pivotal moment in Portugal's history. The nearly bloodless uprising, which ended nearly five decades of dictatorship, marked a critical turning point in the country's transition to democracy.

The Carnation Revolution, which involved around 5,000 troops, was marked by tense moments, including a brief standoff with a military unit loyal to the regime. However, the soldiers ultimately laid down their arms, and the government members surrendered. The restored armored vehicles serve as powerful reminders of the courage and determination of those who participated in the revolution, paving the way for a new era of freedom and democracy in Portugal.

Key Takeaways

• 1942 Humber armored car restored to commemorate 50th anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution.
• The armored car played a central role in the 1974 coup that overthrew a 48-year dictatorship.
• Restoration project took 2 years, involving enthusiasts and an Englishman providing manuals and rare parts.
• Armored vehicles used in the revolution have become symbols of the nearly bloodless uprising.
• The restoration highlights the enduring significance of the Carnation Revolution in Portugal's transition to democracy.