The Automobile in Madeira (between 1927 and 1946): Evolution and Characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the automobile in Madeira between 1927 and 1946, based on the automobiles registration plates records and the individual registration plates files belonging to the documentary collection of the Directorate of Industrial, Electrical, and Traffic Services (DSIEV) of the General Board of the Autonomous District of Funchal. These records are currently preserved and available at the Madeira Archives and Library (ABM) and are a unique primary source describing car records from 1912 onwards. This analysis studies the evolution of the car market in the second quarter of the 20^th century, its main characteristics and dynamics, causes and contexts that may have contributed to the results obtained. In addition, it is possible to compare these results with data from the observation of registration plates records in the first quarter of the 20^th century, between 1912 and 1926. Knowledge of the dynamics of accelerated traffic is intended to help characterise Madeira’s economic and social profile in this period.

Keywords: Automobile; Madeira; Directorate of Industrial, Electrical, and Traffic Services (DSIEV); Technical Commission for the Inspection, Testing, and Examination of Automobiles and Drivers of the Madeira Circumscription (CTIPEAC); Registration Plates Record; Brands.