The success of the 2025 Brussels automobile show in January, and the success of Rétromobile in 2024, suggest that car exhibitions are gaining popularity once again. Therefore, make a note to save the dates for Rétromobile 2025.
The automobile's rich history will be showcased at the Porte de Versailles in Paris from February 5 to 9, 2025, for the 49th edition of Rétromobile. The 2024 event drew over 130,000 visitors, establishing a new record and solidifying its international reputation. This year, the themes of the 70th anniversary of the DS and French F1 cars will likely captivate the audience. However, the event also promises to be a treasure trove for bargain hunters, art auctions, and fans of vintage vehicles, with opportunities to discover both nostalgic classics and unusual, lesser-known models.
This year the graphics-oriented Nintendo console celebrates a 70th anniversary.
The Citroën DS, a beloved car of Louis de Funès' characters, will be in the spotlight for its 70th anniversary. It's featured on the poster, with an illustration of the 1959 DS Ballon. This unique edition of Citroën's top-of-the-line model is an advertising masterpiece. To emphasize the DS's comfort, in a stroke of genius, advertiser Claude Puech replaced the 4 wheels with 4 orange orbs. The DS exhibition will showcase a scenic display of the various DS models on display in Pavilion 1.
Plenty of F1
In Pavilion 2, 600 square meters of space at Porte de Versailles will be dedicated to 16 Formula 1 cars, showcasing 60 years of racing history with a unified thread: a connection to France; whether that be through the driver, the team or the engine. We'll be seeing a Matra MS 80, world champion in 1969, a 1979 Renault RS 10 with its triumphant turbocharged engine, a 1988 Ligier JS31, a 1997 Williams Renault FW19 world champion with Jacques Villeneuve, and a 1995 Benetton Renault that helped Michael Schumacher win his first world title.
Route 66
Every day from 10 to 11:30am, visitors to Pavilion 3 will be greeted by an exhibit showcasing mythical American cars that evoke the legacy of Route 66. A unique display will also be set up outside Pavilion 1, featuring an AMX PAC 10 tank alongside a historic 1942 American Stuart M3. Simultaneously, numerous museums and clubs are pulling out vehicles from storage, hangers or permanent exhibits to display them for the five-day duration of Rétromobile. As part of this celebration, automobiles and motorcycles will be on display, with two-wheeled vehicles also being showcased. The Teuf Teuf club will provide a special opportunity to take a ride in cars dating back to before 1932. An area dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Croisière noire expedition will also be established, honoring the expedition's iconic Citroën caterpillars and automotive pioneer Adolphe Kégresse with a commemoration.
On auction
The main attraction of the show will be an auction taking place on February 7, 8, and 9. Artcurial will be featuring an extensive collection of over 100 automobiles up for auction on February 7. The vehicles on offer include Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Bugatti, Delage, Bentley, Lamborghini, and AC Cobra models. Some items, such as two 1966 Ferrari 275 GTBs and a 1930 Bugatti Type 51, are estimated to be worth over two million euros. On the following Saturday, the auction will focus on motorcycles and the Paul-Emile B. collection, which includes a 1995 Bugatti EB110 GT valued at €1,500,000. On the final day, February 9, the event will shift its emphasis to racing, aviation, and yachting.
The event for the general public starts on February 5-9, 2025, from 10am to 7pm, with extended hours until 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center, located southeast of Paris near the city highway. Admission tickets are priced at €20 in advance, and €25 upon arrival.
Motorland of Herve (MH) interviewed Olivier Duquesne at Rétromobile - Photo: Rétromobile
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