Tanger Lucena: The Brazilian Car that Conquered the World

In the late 1980s, Brazil witnessed the emergence of an extraordinary automobile that, despite its limited production, won the hearts of enthusiasts and aficionados. Tanger Lucena, developed by Tanger Industrial Ltda., a company from Rio de Janeiro founded in 1983, was a true innovation in the national automotive market. This model stood out for its versatility, distinctive design and robust mechanics, becoming a nostalgic icon for many to this day.

Origins and Development of Tanger Lucena

The history of Tanger Lucena begins in 1983, when the Tanger Industrial Ltda., under the leadership of Jader Lucena, began manufacturing vehicles in fiberglass, an innovative and promising material at the time. The company, located in Rio de Janeiro, not only focused on a niche market, but also sought to develop unique and exclusive models. However, it was in 1988, during the Auto Show It is Auto parts in Sao Paulo, that the Lucena was officially presented to the public.

This car emerged as a compact and multifunctional vehicle, with features that made it ideal for everyday Brazilian life. The great highlight of the Lucena was yours transformation capacity. The rear part of the hood, made of fiberglass, could be easily removed using some clips, transforming the car into a practical pick-up. This innovation, which aimed to unite functionality and design, meant that the Tanger Lucena gained prominence not only in the domestic market, but also in exports to countries such as Puerto Rico, Spain and Italy.

Technical Characteristics of Tanger Lucena

The mechanics of Lucena was carefully developed to ensure durability, resistance and good performance on the roads. The model used the Volkswagen mechanics, common 1.8 four-cylinder engine, water-cooled. This engine, which was robust and efficient, was positioned longitudinally at the front of the vehicle, providing adequate balance and performance.

The main technical specifications of the Tanger Lucena are as follows:

• Motor: Volkswagen 1.8, four cylinders in line, water cooled.
• Streaming: Five-speed manual.
• Front Suspension: Independent McPherson type, with lower triangular arms, coil springs, hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bars.
• Rear Suspension: Semi-independent, with longitudinal tubular arms interconnected by bars, coil springs and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.
• Brakes: Discs at the front and drums at the rear, with servo-brake.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 3,620 mm
  • Width: 1,480 mm
  • Height: 1,210 mm
  • Length between the axis: 2,200mm
  • Height from ground: 270 mm
  • Weight: 790 kg
• Fuel Tank: 55 liters
• Tires: 185/70 R14

The design, as already mentioned, was one of the most striking points. Its bodywork reinforced fiberglass monoblock was mounted on a carbon steel tubular chassis, ensuring not only a light weight, but also an excellent resistance It is durability. With a modern look for the time, the Lucena quickly gained a loyal following.

Success in the Market and Expansion Abroad

O Tanger Lucena not only stood out in the national market. The Tanger Industrial Ltda. managed to establish partnerships and export contracts for several countries, such as Puerto Rico, Spain It is Italy. In Puerto Rico, the company At Beranger became responsible for importing 20 monthly units of Lucena, demonstrating the acceptance and desire for this model outside of Brazil.

Despite being an off-the-shelf car with limited production, the Lucena reached a considerable success among consumers, who saw it not only as a functional car, but also as an object of desire, due to its exclusivity. design flexibility, which allowed the transformation of a passenger car into pick-up, it was a unique feature that especially appealed to those who needed versatility in their daily lives.

However, limited production and economic challenges of the time, including inflation and high raw material costs, meant that the model was not produced in large volumes. The recession that Brazil was facing also contributed to a scenario of uncertainty in the market, which unfortunately made it difficult to expand Tanger Industrial.

Decline and Legacy of Tanger Lucena

In the late 80s and early 90s, the Tanger Industrial began to face serious economic difficulties. The shortage of raw materials and the problems exchange affected the company's production and competitiveness. In addition, the opening of imports in the early 90s caused the Brazilian market to be invaded by imported models, which had a direct impact on the sale of cars such as the Lucena.

The economic recession and the context of financial difficulties led to the closing of the doors of Tangier before the mid-1990s, marking the premature end of production of Lucena. Despite this, the model remained in the memory of many off-road car enthusiasts, being remembered as an example of innovation and creativity in Brazil.

The Lasting Legacy

O Tanger Lucena is a clear example of how innovation and the creativity can make a product mark history, even in difficult times. Although its production was limited, its impact on Brazilian automotive history is indisputable. The model left a legacy of design, functionality It is exclusivity which still is today remembered fondly by fans of classic and off-the-shelf cars.

Furthermore, the Lucena showed that even in a saturated market and an unstable economy, there is always room for new ideas and products that challenge conventions. The model, with its fiberglass body and the capacity for transformation, can be considered a true revolution for the time. The fact that a Brazilian car was exported to markets as far away as Italy and the United States proves the scope and quality of the project.

Even today, it is possible to find some models of the Tanger Lucena circulating in the streets, especially at events and meetings classic cars, where it is often highlighted as a unique example of national engineering.

Conclusion: Tanger Lucena and its Impact on the Brazilian Automotive Market in 2024

By 2024, more than 35 years later of its launch, the Tanger Lucena continues to be remembered by many as one of the most innovative models of the history of the Brazilian automotive industry. With its bold and functional proposal, it left a legacy that will not be easily forgotten. Although its production was brief, the model remains alive in the memory of those who witnessed its presentation and of those who still have the privilege of drive or restore a Lucena.

The model represents the creativity and the capacity for innovation that have always been characteristics of Brazilian industry, and, despite its short trajectory, it has shown the world the quality and the potential of brazilian cars. Anyone who has the chance to admire or even drive one Tanger Lucena you will certainly experience a unique feeling of nostalgia and national pride.

With the new challenges and opportunities of the automotive industry in 2024, perhaps the Lucena serve as inspiration for new models and outstanding projects that can, once again, highlight Brazil on the world stage.