Lisbon's Legendary Taxi: The Oldsmobile's Tale

In the heart of Lisbon, amidst the bustling streets and historic trams, there once roamed a true legend of the automotive world: a 1928 Oldsmobile Cabriolet, affectionately known as "the taxi of Macedo." This magnificent vehicle, with its original engine still purring after an astonishing two million kilometres, became more than just a mode of transport; it was a symbol of dedication, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Lisbon itself. Its story is one that captivates, a testament to a bygone era and the remarkable bond between a man and his machine.

The Unbreakable Bond: Augusto Macedo and His Oldsmobile

The man behind the wheel of this iconic taxi was Augusto Macedo, a professional taxi driver who formed an inseparable connection with his Oldsmobile. Macedo's devotion to his vehicle was so profound that he famously refused a lucrative offer from General Motors in the 1960s. The automotive giant wanted to acquire his taxi to add it to their corporate collection, offering him a brand-new car in exchange. Macedo, however, was having none of it. For him, his Oldsmobile was irreplaceable, a faithful companion that had served him for decades. This refusal underscored the unique and deeply personal relationship he shared with his vintage automobile.

A Million Miles and Counting: The Durability of a Legend

The sheer mileage accumulated by Macedo's Oldsmobile is nothing short of astonishing. As revealed by the Antral magazine, this remarkable taxi achieved over two million kilometres without a single accident. This incredible feat is a testament to both the exceptional engineering of the 1928 Oldsmobile Cabriolet and the meticulous care provided by Macedo. The magazine proudly quoted the driver himself: "This car has already travelled the country from North to South," a statement filled with pride for his enduring vehicle.

Further details from Wikipedia paint an even more impressive picture of the car's longevity. The engine and the vast majority of its components remained original. The only significant replacements were the tyres, which were sourced from an even older car, a 1923 Chandler. This level of originality, especially in a vehicle subjected to the daily rigours of taxi service, is a rare and commendable achievement.

A Recognised Icon: Tributes and Memories

The enduring legacy of Augusto Macedo and his Oldsmobile taxi has not gone unnoticed. In May of this year, the Lisbon City Council (CML) paid a special tribute to the taxi driver with a Facebook post. The post featured an old photograph of Macedo and his beloved car, along with fascinating trivia. One such detail was the taxi's licence plate, AB-61-88. The renowned writer Vergílio Ferreira, amused by the plate's age, playfully deciphered it as "Antes da Babilónia" (Before Babylon), highlighting how ancient the vehicle seemed.

This official recognition sparked an outpouring of comments and shared memories from the public, adding rich layers to the Oldsmobile's already captivating history. Carlos Marim reminisced about riding in the taxi as a child. "I remember riding in that taxi when I was a kid," he wrote. "It was in it that we picked up my grandfather from Cais de Alcântara when he arrived from New York by sea, laden with suitcases that were hung on the back of the taxi all the way to our house on Rua Maria Andrade, in Anjos."

Another user, Pedro Fernandes, recalled the taxi's service at Cais de Alcântara, particularly when soldiers returning from the colonies used its services. "That taxi also served the Cais de Alcântara when soldiers returned from the colonies," he remembered. "It was much applauded."

Sandra Nereu, along with her brother Bruno Nereu and mother Fernanda Nereu Jara, shared a cherished photograph taken by their father, António Jorge Jara. The picture captured the two siblings smiling next to the car during a tour of Lisbon. Fernanda Nereu Jara explained the photo's significance: "That photograph was the cover of the magazine 'O Professor'," she shared. "I was with my camera and the kids, and I saw the car parked in Chiado, near the Faculty of Architecture [now only Fine Arts]. Due to their expressions and the beauty of the car, a photograph came out that I consider a marvel."

More Than Just a Taxi: A Star of the Silver Screen

The Oldsmobile taxi wasn't just a fixture on Lisbon's streets; it also achieved cinematic stardom. It was the featured vehicle in a film where its driver, Augusto Macedo, at the remarkable age of 93, won the award for best amateur actor at the 1996 Pescara Festival. This recognition further cemented the taxi's status as a cultural icon.

The Mechanics of a Masterpiece: The Oldsmobile XT 303

The car in question is an Oldsmobile Cabriolet, model XT 303, manufactured in 1928 by General Motors. This particular series was quite exclusive, with only three vehicles imported to Europe. Sadly, the other two have long since succumbed to the passage of time, leaving Macedo's Oldsmobile as the sole survivor of its kind in the continent.

As previously mentioned, the engine and the vast majority of its parts remained original. The only exception was the tyres, which were replaced with those from an even older car, a 1923 Chandler. This open-top vehicle boasts a 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2745 cm3, producing a modest 11 horsepower. While not a powerhouse by today's standards, its reliability and endurance were unparalleled.

A Life Dedicated: Macedo's Journey

The venerable AB-61-86, as the taxi was known, outlived its owner. Augusto Macedo passed away in January 1997, precisely on the day the film he starred in, directed by German filmmaker Wolf Gaudlitz, premiered in three Lisbon cinemas. In that same year, as his driving licence was due for renewal, Augusto Macedo held the distinction of being the world's oldest active taxi driver.

Gaudlitz's film, titled "Táxi Lisboa," was not a conventional narrative. Instead, it wove together anecdotes and encounters with friends from all corners of the globe with whom Macedo and his Oldsmobile had interacted throughout their many years on the road. The film beautifully captured the essence of their shared adventures.

In the film, referring to the advanced age of both the taxi and its driver, the writer Vergílio Ferreira humorously commented on the car's licence plate: "I don't know who is older. The AB on the plate must indicate 'Antes de Babilónia' (Before Babylon)..." This playful observation perfectly encapsulated the timeless quality of the vehicle and its driver.

The Dawn of Taxis in Lisbon

The history of taxis in Lisbon began in 1907, with the introduction of just four vehicles that were stationed in Rossio. Despite their small size and cramped four-seater capacity, these early taxis were significantly faster than the horse-drawn carriages of the time and quickly gained popularity, eventually becoming the preferred mode of urban transport.

From Village to City: Macedo's Beginnings

Augusto Macedo himself hailed from a small village in the centre of Portugal. He moved to Lisbon in 1916 at the tender age of 12 to begin working in a bakery owned by his elder brother. At 24, armed with a loan, he purchased the Oldsmobile that would become his lifelong companion. This marked the beginning of a career that would span over seven decades.

A Refusal of the New: Loyalty to the Old

Macedo's unwavering loyalty to his Oldsmobile was further demonstrated by his refusal to trade it in. As mentioned earlier, he indignantly rejected a proposal from General Motors in the 1960s to exchange his beloved taxi for a new car, which would then join the company's collection. This decision highlighted his deep emotional attachment to the vehicle.

A Loyal Clientele and Generational Connections

Over the years, Augusto Macedo, at the wheel of his Oldsmobile, navigated the streets of Lisbon and the scenic routes of Cascais and Sintra, covering more than two million kilometres. He cultivated a loyal clientele, both Portuguese and international, with whom he forged strong friendships. He even had the privilege of transporting three generations of the same family. His foreign clients often booked their journeys with him long before their trips to Lisbon, a testament to his reputation and the unique experience he offered.

Preserving a Legacy: The Taxi's New Chapter

In 1998, the Lisbon Tourism Association acquired the historic "Antes da Babilónia" taxi. This acquisition ensured the vehicle's preservation within the city and its continued use for tourism promotion. By safeguarding this authentic Lisbon legend, the taxi, carrying forward the spirit of its former owner, continues to welcome visitors and traverse the city's streets, a living piece of history.

A Car with Stories to Tell

What more fitting a place for a car with so many stories to tell than the vibrant streets of Lisbon? The Oldsmobile taxi of Augusto Macedo remains a cherished symbol, a reminder of dedication, enduring quality, and the unforgettable characters who have shaped the city's rich tapestry.

Key Figures and Associations

• Augusto Macedo: The dedicated taxi driver and owner of the 1928 Oldsmobile.
• Oldsmobile Cabriolet XT 303: The iconic taxi, a rare 1928 model.
• General Motors: The company that made the offer to purchase the taxi in the 1960s.
• Antral Magazine: Publication that highlighted the taxi's remarkable mileage and accident-free record.
• Vergílio Ferreira: Writer who playfully nicknamed the taxi's licence plate.
• Wolf Gaudlitz: German filmmaker who directed the film "Táxi Lisboa."
• Lisbon City Council (CML): Honoured Macedo and his taxi with a Facebook tribute.
• Lisbon Tourism Association: Acquired the taxi in 1998 to ensure its preservation and promotional use.
• Clube Português de Automóveis Antigos (Lisbon Delegation): An association related to classic cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happened to Augusto Macedo's taxi?
Augusto Macedo's 1928 Oldsmobile taxi, after a long and distinguished service, was acquired by the Lisbon Tourism Association in 1998 to ensure its preservation and use for tourism promotion. It remains a cherished icon of Lisbon.

Q2: How many kilometres did the taxi travel?
The taxi travelled over two million kilometres without a single accident.

Q3: Was the taxi ever involved in an accident?
No, the taxi famously never had a single accident throughout its operational life.

Q4: What was special about the taxi's engine?
The engine and the vast majority of the car's parts were original, showcasing incredible durability and engineering.

Q5: Did Augusto Macedo ever consider selling his taxi?
No, he famously refused a significant offer from General Motors in the 1960s because he considered the car irreplaceable.

Q6: Was the taxi featured in any media?
Yes, it was the star of the film "Táxi Lisboa," and its driver, Augusto Macedo, won an award for his amateur acting performance.

Q7: What is the significance of the licence plate AB-61-88?
The writer Vergílio Ferreira playfully interpreted it as "Antes da Babilónia" (Before Babylon), highlighting the taxi's extreme age.

Q8: When did Augusto Macedo start working as a taxi driver?
Augusto Macedo began his career in Lisbon at the age of 12, and bought his Oldsmobile at 24, dedicating his life to it.

Q9: When did Augusto Macedo pass away?
Augusto Macedo passed away in January 1997.

Q10: What is the current status of the taxi?
The taxi is preserved and used for tourism promotion in Lisbon by the Lisbon Tourism Association.

Comparative Table: Oldsmobile Taxi vs. Modern Taxis

This comparison highlights the vast technological advancements in the taxi industry over the decades, yet it also underscores the extraordinary achievement of Macedo's Oldsmobile in terms of sheer longevity and dedicated service.

If you want to read more articles similar to Lisbon's Legendary Taxi: The Oldsmobile's Tale, you can visit the Taxis category.