From the 2 CV to the Ferraris, everything that shines and rolls and which shows more than 30 years on the clock, was found this Sunday noon on the Terrace of the Observatory in Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine).
A final in the form of an apotheosis for the 14th Summer Crossing of Paris in vintage vehicles.
More robust than the previous ones, the 2021 edition welcomed two new partners, the Salon Rétromobile and the Peugeot Citroën DS Adventure.
A little before noon, while old US military vehicles with enthusiasts in GI outfit are already unveiling, dozens of old ones settle on the lawn.
Each driver is inexhaustible on his jewel.
“This is a 1969 Autobianchi Eden Rock. It is the smallest convertible in the world, built on a Fiat 500 basis. It was sponsored by Brigitte Bardot!
», Announces Frédéric proudly.
Just in front, a Citroën fan parks a machine equipped with tracks at the rear.
“A replica of B2 autochenille,” he explains.
It was the first car to cross the Sahara at the start of the 1920s. It was to transport mail and compete with airmail, ”he explains.
“I said to myself:
One day I'll have one like this
!
"
A stone's throw from the observatory, history, mechanics and dreams lessons come together.
“It makes you want, recognizes Sébastien, a quadra, came with his son of ten years.
After that, you need the means and know how to do mechanics… ”
Certain models necessarily attract a little more the eye.
The health crisis and the new restrictions did nothing.
Like Alain's Rolls Cornique 1976, who “adores” his car without “idolizing” it.
“We're talking about pleasure, just pleasure,” he says.
Or like the splendid Corvette C2 Sting Ray 1966. “I was a car salesman and one day I discovered Corvettes, it was love at first sight.
I said to myself:
One day I will have one like this
!
This is 430 CV for one ton with a 7-liter, 2-cylinder engine, explains Jean-Pierre.
When we drive her, she forgives nothing, she is touchy
(sic)
.
It provides a unique pleasure, very pure… ”The arriving AC 1680, a beautiful English 1937 entirely in aluminum, also makes the cameras crackle.
Volunteers recruited to control health passes
Jérôme's vehicle enjoys colossal sympathy capital. “A 1967 Volkswagen combi, imported from the United States,” says the proud owner. "The combi is reliable, not too expensive and even without being a pro in mechanics, you can get by", adds Jérôme, who has decided to leave IT behind him to convert to the restoration of old vehicles.
Health crisis requires, this 14th edition is special for Vincennes in old. "We had only ten defections but more registered than in previous years," notes Jacques d'Andréa, the president of the Vincennes association in old age. The need to share, to get together, to party is stronger than fear. The association only had a few days to adapt. A handful of volunteers were recruited to carry out health pass checks.
Against all odds, if the automobile is queen, it is not the only one to be exhibited this Sunday. The little queen is also there and she is not the only one. “Over the years, we have also had motorcycles (around 70), bicycles and even tractors and buses, explains Jacques d'Andréa. It's more of a large gathering of popular locomotion than a simple old car party. Everyone cohabits in a good mood. "