In the lush, undulating landscapes just 30 kilometers from the vibrant city of Bilbao, an unexpected treasure trove of automotive history nestles between the scenic mountain ranges. La Torre Loizaga, not only stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the Basque Country but also as a sanctuary for one of the most breathtaking collections of Rolls-Royce vehicles in Europe. This enchanting tower, initially erected in the 14th century as a defensive bastion for the Ochoa García de Loizaga lineage, now, after a herculean effort of reconstruction, houses a spectacle that effortlessly marries the opulence of vintage automobiles with the rustic charm of Spanish heritage.
The journey through La Torre Loizaga is more than a mere exploration of classic cars; it’s a voyage through time, where each model of Rolls-Royce tells a unique story of luxury, elegance, and technological evolution. The collection, the most comprehensive of its kind in Europe, is one of the rare places globally where enthusiasts and curious visitors alike can witness all Phantom series models manufactured until 1972, showcased together in a symphony of engineering and design mastery.
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As you meander through the six meticulously curated pavilions, you’re greeted by the gleaming chrome and polished wood of 45 Rolls-Royce units, each vehicle a chapter in a nearly century-spanning narrative. From the venerable Silver Ghost of 1910, a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence, to a Silver Spur from the nineties, which whispers of modern elegance and timeless luxury, the collection is a dynamic and evocative display of design evolution.
However, the allure of La Torre Loizaga extends beyond the illustrious Rolls-Royce collection. An additional array of thirty European and American vehicles further enriches the narrative, providing insights into technological advancements and the profound impact automobiles have imprinted on society, culture, and economy through the epochs. This diverse collection not only complements the Rolls-Royce exhibit but also crafts a broader narrative of the automotive industry’s journey through time, reflecting the shifts in societal needs, aesthetic preferences, and technological possibilities.
The experience of exploring this automotive haven is heightened by the juxtaposition of the ancient, stone-walled tower and the gleaming, meticulously preserved vehicles. It’s a contrast that not only highlights the passage of time but also emphasizes the timeless allure and perpetual luxury synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand. The vehicles, with their pristine finishes, richly upholstered interiors, and emblematic design features, stand as tangible manifestations of a bygone era where craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount.
For the discerning traveler, a visit to La Torre Loizaga is not merely an activity; it’s an immersion into a world where the past and present converge, where history and innovation coalesce into a tangible, visually stunning reality. The entrance fee, a modest 8 euros, unlocks a world where luxury is timeless, where every polished surface and elegant curve invites you to step back in time and bask in the unparalleled luxury that Rolls-Royce has epitomized for decades.
In a world that continually races towards the future, La Torre Loizaga offers a precious pause, an opportunity to slow down and revel in the meticulous craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and timeless elegance of a collection that stands as a poignant reminder of the artistry and elegance of yesteryears. It’s not just a visit; it’s a journey through the epochs, a tactile exploration of history, and a rare glimpse into the world of timeless luxury and classic elegance.
A Unique Museum: Merging Medieval and Mechanical Marvels
La Torre Loizaga is not merely a museum; it’s a world where medieval history and mechanical evolution converge, providing a dynamic and suggestive view of automotive design evolution, traversing through almost a hundred years of history. The six pavilions, each meticulously curated, allow visitors to bask in the glory of automotive jewels, providing a tangible journey through the technological advancements and the societal, cultural, and economic impacts of vehicles over a century.
Since its public opening in 2000, Torre Loizaga has become an indispensable visit for automotive enthusiasts, earning an international reputation with its nomination for “Best Museum of the Year” by Octane magazine. It has become an ideal meeting place for clubs like the “Rolls-Royce Enthusiast’s Club”, participants in rallies like “Vía Flaminia”, and visitors to the High Motors Show, an event held for four consecutive years alongside the Autobello elegance contest.
Veterans and Ancestors of Modern Vehicles
The collection, spread across six pavilions, comprises approximately 75 pieces, of which 45 are Rolls-Royce. The first pavilion, located right at the entrance, gathers some early 20th-century vehicles and even some carriages from before the motor vehicle era. Noteworthy are the competitors to Rolls-Royce, such as the Italian Isotta Fraschini, the French Delaunay Belleville, and the Spanish Hispano-Suiza, which was named a model by King Alfonso XIII.
The carriages and coaches displayed are ancestors to the centennial Peugeot, Gladiator, and Renault, crafted by the same coachbuilders who transitioned to designing “horseless carriages” propelled by gasoline, which eventually triumphed over electric cars due to the burgeoning exploitation of oil wells. Initially conceived as luxury items, they became accessible to a broader market thanks to Henry Ford, whose Ford T model was the first to be manufactured on an assembly line.
Miguel de la Vía’s Personal Automotive Journey
The second pavilion pays homage to Miguel de la Vía’s early and fruitful passion for the automotive world, gathering vehicles he utilized and enjoyed throughout his life. Gems like a Mercedes 190 SL, a BMW 635 CSI, a Lancia Aprilia, and a Porsche 911 coexist with a colossal “Merryweather” fire truck from 1939, originally from Sussex. Also present are two veteran Vauxhalls, a testament to honor the memory of his father Benjamín, a regular driver of the brand.
The Interwar Period and the Phantom Series
The fifth pavilion is one of the few privileged rooms in the world to display the entire Phantom series from model I to VI manufactured by the English firm (1925-1969). It welcomes visitors with a Phantom VI that belonged to Sam Spiegel, an American film producer of titles like The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. Parallelly, a six-meter-long specimen, a Phantom V, hides an interior bar equipped with crystal bottles and glasses.
Silver Ghost “Hall Baronnial”
The sixth and final pavilion, the “Hall Baronnial,” hides some of the most precious jewels of the collection in an elegant building. The first car we find is the oldest in the collection, an Allen Runabout from 1898 that belonged to Sir Stirling Moss, followed by the originally named “Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp,” which caused a sensation at its presentation at the London Olympia Salon in 1906 for its smoothness and reliability.
La Torre Loizaga invites visitors to embark on a timeless journey, where the elegance of Rolls-Royce and the historical grandeur of medieval Spain converge, crafting an experience that is as enchanting as it is enlightening.
