Visit to Palma's Motorworld

Our recent visit to Motorworld Mallorca offered an insightful glimpse into a developing destination where automotive culture meets industrial space and contemporary lifestyle.

Housed in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, the site retains much of its original character, with generous volumes and a distinctly industrial atmosphere. While Motorworld is still in the process of building its full collection, what is already on display is of notable quality rather than quantity.

Members were particularly struck by the collection of classic cars — all privately owned, maintained in impeccable concours condition, and in many cases available for purchase. The presentation reinforces the idea of the automobile not simply as a machine, but as a carefully preserved design object. Alongside these, a selection of new luxury vehicles, many in the robust, high-end “Defender” style, added a contemporary contrast.

One of the more unusual and visually engaging features of the space is the system of “paternoster” storage towers. These vertical, rotating installations house individual glass boxes that can be rented by collectors wishing to store their vintage cars in a secure and climate-protected environment, while simultaneously displaying them as part of the overall exhibition concept. This blend of storage and scenography reflects Motorworld’s hybrid identity.

Although the current scale of the exhibition is not extensive, the quality and emotional resonance of the vehicles more than compensate. For many members, the visit sparked personal memories — familiar models from earlier decades, cars once owned or admired, and the design language of the pre-21st century brought vividly back into view.

The visit concluded with lunch at one of the on-site restaurants, where a relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect setting to exchange impressions. The combination of industrial surroundings and contemporary hospitality contributed to an experience that felt both informal and thoughtfully curated.

With no entrance fee (only parking is charged), Motorworld Mallorca lends itself easily to a spontaneous visit — whether for a brief look at the cars, a coffee, or a leisurely lunch.

Overall, the outing offered an engaging perspective on how mobility, design, and memory intersect — even in a space that is still evolving.

Photos by Gail Davies