The work, a special edition offered to students in the 2nd cycle of basic education in the municipality, marks the arrival of the first automobile in Portugal 131 years ago, on October 12, 1895, in Lisbon. The Panhard & Levassor, with a maximum speed of 15 km/h, undertook a historic three-day journey to Santiago do Cacém, marked by incidents.
Arriving from Paris and awaited by D. Jorge d’Avillez, the automobile raised doubts at the Lisbon Customs regarding the applicable import duty, being classified as a 'locomóvel' (steam-powered machine). After assembly and engine start-up, it began the first automobile journey on Portuguese soil towards Santiago do Cacém.
During the journey, an incident with a donkey at the entrance of Palmela resulted in the animal's death, for which the owner was compensated with eighteen thousand réis. The adventure involved D. Jorge D’Avillez, Jules Phillipe, and Hidalgo Vilhena.
The arrival of the Panhard & Levassor in Santiago do Cacém generated enthusiasm and astonishment, leading to the nickname "O GASOLINAS" (The Gas-Guzzler). Currently, the automobile, restored by the Automóvel Club de Portugal, is on display at the National Coach Museum in Lisbon.
