Mandas, MAMES - Museum of Vintage Cars and Motorcycles of Sardinia

Illustration of a 1939 Tatra 57B

Located in the heart of the Trexenta, in the historic center of Mandas, the MAMES (Museum of Vintage Cars and Motorcycles of Sardinia) represents an important reference point for the island's automotive culture. This is not just a collection of historic vehicles, but a museum that illustrates the evolution of mobility in Sardinia, documenting how the arrival of the automobile has helped to profoundly change the island's social and cultural landscape.
The exhibition itinerary develops through the twentieth century, recounting the transformation of infrastructures and travel habits, from the rural road network to the first major communication routes. Each model on display is a witness to historic changes, with vehicles ranging from rare cars to unique examples, each carrying their own story linked to travels, innovations and cultural changes.
Among the most valuable pieces, the “Vermorel Type 2 (1898)” stands out, a particularly rare example that symbolizes the dawn of motor mobility. This vehicle, produced in Villefranche-sur-Saône, marks the transition from horse-drawn carriages to mechanical traction. Alongside this, there are other models of great importance, such as the “Tatra 57B (1939)”, innovative from an engineering point of view; the “Salmson S4-61 (1951)”, an icon of French elegance and sportiness; the “Panhard PL 17 (1960)”, known for its futuristic aerodynamic design; and the “Licorne (HO2 of 1928 and 8CV of 1939)”, a particularly rare car, appreciated for its exclusive design and brand prestige.

Why it's important to visit it
The MAMES represents a living legacy of Professor Attilio Mocci DeMartis, who, thanks to his tireless dedication and foresight as a collector, has saved numerous historic vehicles destined to disappear, restoring them to their original splendour. A visit to MAMES offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural heritage that connects the past of motorization with the new generations, preserving and valuing a heritage of great historical and technical value.