Frigiliana’s lunatic contraption race probably had more than a few conjuring up childhood images of Dick Darstardly and Muttley!

The local business association, together with the Town Hall, organised the first Los Autos Locos race, which attracted 20 suitable lunatic designers.

There weren’t many restrictions in the design of ‘vehicle’ they could come up with, other than it should have no pedals nor motor, but, sensibly, each one should at least have brakes and a steering wheel.

Over a thousand spectators turned out on the day (Sunday 15th), which considering the size of Frigiliana, didn’t leave much room for anything else. Most of them were gathered – bravely – along the winding Calle Real, from the Plaza de la Iglesia to the factory (Ingenio) area – some 700 metres.

Participants were judged on two points: speed; each was timed against a stopwatch, and vehicle design. The winners would be the decision of the panel of judges.

The names were just as ingenious as the designs of the wheeled contraptions: Tonto el primero (First One’s Stupid), El Avispón, (The Hornet) Los cerditos valientes (The Brave Little Pigs) Los Sin Nombre (The Nameless) Los Pollazos (probably best not translated…) Katapum (Crunch) Polis Ruinas (Ruinous Coppers) and El Gallinero (The Chicken Hutch), amongst others.

The fastest was Mario Triciclo, who took the 250-euro, corresponding prize, after they completed the break-neck run in 60.71 seconds. Los Gladiadores came in second with 63 seconds, winning 150 euros and El Avispón came third with 65.59 second on the stopwatch and took home 100 euros for their lunatic efforts.

The most original design went to Los Ganster Custom, who pocketed 250 euros, whilst the best team customs went to the Aguanosos MTB (defies translation), who won 250 euros, too.

In short, a brilliant idea, a brilliant day out and fun worth repeating!

You can see at least 80 photos of the race on the Frigiliana facebook page HERE

(News: Frigiliana, Axarquia, Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalucia)