In a world where tensions and crises are increasing, Rétromobile appears like a bubble of oxygen.
An enchanted parenthesis.
From this Wednesday, January 31, the 48th edition of this inimitable show opens its doors.
Until Sunday February 4, visitors are guaranteed to have a good time, not to mention unforgettable.
The reasons for satisfaction are numerous and varied.
Rétromobile multiplies the animations.
The show brings together almost all the players in the classic and prestige car sector, whether organizers of French but also international events and events, the main insurers specializing in vintage cars, dealers in miniatures and books. specialists, major restoration workshops, major European dealers and major auction houses.
As such, we should expect some surprises.
Pavilion 1 will have a number of Ferraris never before seen here.
Two examples of the famous 250 GTO are announced.
Simon Kidston and Lukas Hüni have reserved exceptional sets for us, of which they have the secret.
Volkswagen Golf 1. Volkswagen AG/Volkswagen AG
This year, manufacturers are present in large numbers, even if we deplore the absence of brands from the Stellantis group.
At a time when the group is trying to revive Lancia, the decision to “skip” this major meeting seems incomprehensible.
It testifies to the takeover of power by accountants.
For its part, Volkswagen was keen to be present to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf with the presence of a model from each of the eight generations but also the Combi saga.
Another brand from the VW group, Skoda will tell the story of the 90 years of the Superb model and remind us that the Czech brand produced the H6B model under license from Hispano-Suiza.
The first example, a special limousine, was delivered to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic.
Barely a hundred units of this roadster are produced by Skoda.
Staying with anniversaries, Rétromobile is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo, the 60th anniversary of the Mercedes 300 SL, the centenary of the MG brand and that of the Linas-Montlhéry autodrome.
For its part, Renault created a surprise by exhibiting with its record vehicles, a Caudron Rafale aircraft from the early 1930s. A way of reminding us that Louis Renault had bought the Caudron aircraft firm.
Georges Monneret has multiplied the challenges like here Paris - Alpe d'Huez on a motorbike.
Monneret
Rétromobile is also one of the only places where you can find the club of your favorite brand or model.
It is still a space for sales of cars under 25,000 euros and motorcycles.
Two-wheelers are also making a strong return to the Porte de Versailles.
BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha are exhibiting some of their historic models in a dedicated space.
An obligatory passage also on the space reserved for the saga of the Monneret family: three generations who have written some of the most beautiful pages of motorcycling in France, since Georges Monneret, the father.
Today, Philippe continues the legacy with the same enthusiasm and success.
The motorcycle is still in the spotlight with the retrospective dedicated to the Dakar rally.
You will notably find the Yamaha XT 500 which accompanied Thierry Sabine during the 1977 Abidjan-Nice rally and the XT 500 on which Cyril Neveu won the first Dakar.
In addition to Stéphane Peterhansel, Jacky Ickx, Sébastien Loeb, André Dessoude and Thierry de Montcorgé are expected at Porte de Versailles to share their experiences with visitors.
The Dakar area will also see the presence of a Porsche 959 which took part in the Dakar in 1986 but also the 4L of the Marreau brothers and an Audi RS Q e-Tron prototype.
PERUSSEAU
Having become one of the flagship exhibitors of Retromobile, the Saumur tank museum exhibits a Chaffee M24 tank and a Centurion tank.
Demonstrations are planned outside the halls.
An overview of the show would not be complete without mentioning the presence on Friday February 2 of Magnus Walker, the fashion designer of English origin passionate about Porsche 911, and the return of the Vanlife with the Coflocs, Laurent and Florian, as well as Matthias and Eva.
Finally, Friday February 2, Artcurial is holding its auction from 2 p.m. within the show grounds.
The next day, the French house organizes a sale of automotive items.
Whether to buy or to dream, you can also take a tour of the Artists' gallery.
More than 30 sculptors, designers and photographers exhibit their works.
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris 15th, from January 31 to February 4. Late nights until 10 p.m. on January 31 and February 2. Web price: €19, free for children under 12; €12 for under 16s. (Retromobile.fr).