Description
Portuguese built UMM premiered at the Paris-Dakar Rally 5th edition, in 1982, with three cars. Car number 216 driven by José Megre and co-piloted by Manuel Romão. Car number 217 driven by Pedro Cortês joined by Joaquim Miranda. And car 218 driven by Diogo Amado helped by Pedro Vilas Boas, whose job was mainly to help the others with spare parts.
Compass and maps were the main tool by that time (GPs was introduced ten years after) and bathing was often a luxury.
Car number 218 driven by Diogo Amado had a crash three days before the finish. The pilot fractured both legs as a result of the seat belt being damaged. He finished the Rally as a co-driver for two days, with both legs in plaster.
Portuguese press barely covered an event that until then was unknown to most. The three cars reach the end and a poster of the time rightly said: three cars at the start, three cars at the finish.
The team of adventurers suddenly found themselves in the news. And to the supporters who contacted them, in a demonstration of pride for their participation, they sent original photos that the team itself took during the competition.
These are three of those photos, on original photographic paper of the time, in excellent condition. After 40 years on file, the time has come for it to be displayed and to serve as a reason to tell this fantastic story once again.
The photos are part of a series that I make available from my collection.
