The man was identified by newspaper Correio da Manhã as 67-year-old Manuel d’Almeida, and the newspaper said the attempted murder was probably a ‘settling of scores’.
As well as being found with a bullet in his face the, victim had also suffered serious burns, and the car was almost completely destroyed by fire.
The vehicle was found in an isolated spot, near the local fire station.
The victim was taken in a serious condition to Santa Maria hospital.