The most popular car exhibition in Paris is no longer the Mondial, it's Rétromobile. A mix of a car market and a lounge featuring very high-end cars, including some recent models.
To be honest, I had anticipated encountering only seasoned men during my trip to Rétromobile in Paris. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the event was attended by people of various age groups, including young men and women, who were just as enthusiastic about the old and vintage cars. Some attendees even came with their families or as couples. Over the course of February 5 to 9, 2025, a total of 150,000 people browsed the exhibition halls at Porte de Versailles in Paris. Although the attendance wasn't as high as the million that the Le Mondial de l'Automobile used to draw before the Covid pandemic, the atmosphere was lively and the event was a huge success. The crowds made it challenging to navigate the exhibition halls and some of the most popular attractions were difficult to see. Nevertheless, the appeal of Rétromobile extends beyond its reputation as a gathering place for classic car enthusiasts, as it also showcases exceptional vehicles regardless of their age.
In Hall 3, where cars priced under €30,000 were showcased, a notable exhibit was the armored Autobianchi A112 Abarth, once owned by the mafia, displayed alongside Artcurial's luxurious "palace", featuring high-end vehicles selling for hundreds of thousands of euros. Unfortunately, this area was only accessible to the public behind barriers, forcing visitors to pay €100 for the auction catalog to view the priceless cars. However, the event offered a vast array of other impressive vehicles and motorcycles. Renowned brands from around the world were in attendance, with some traveling from the US to showcase their prized possessions: Ferrari, Mercedes, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, McLaren, BMW, Bentley, and Porsche. The organizers also featured a unique display of tracked Citroëns designed by Adolphe Kégresse in the 1920s, as well as an exhibition of Formula 1 cars with French roots in terms of driver, engine, and chassis.
Car clubs are another draw at Rétromobile. Enthusiasts congregate on or behind the stands. It's also a chance to relive the glory days of Voisin, Hispano Suiza, De-Dion Bouton, Delage, Panhard and Rover, not to mention the still thriving Jaguar, Mercedes, Peugeot, MG, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Mustang, Lotus, Volvo, Citroën, Bugatti... All that in addition to the 27 brands officially represented. Among them, Renault created a showstopping presentation to pit the new R5 against its predecessor, the R4 alongside its ancestor, and the R17 concept alongside its source of inspiration. The Renault Filante Record 2025 was showcased alongside the 1925 40 CV. Škoda celebrated its 130th anniversary with a selection of its most prized automotive treasures from its rich history, including its communist era. The new Enyaq was also unveiled. Porsche commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 911 GT3. Mitsubishi and Cadillac also made appearances. As for Toyota, the 1965 blue Sports 800 (photo) on display was accompanied by a graphic of a hybrid concept developed in 1977 based on the 800
Rétromobile is a grand automobile museum where visitors can purchase a wide range of vehicles, including legendary models that may be displayed in unique colors. I came across a blue Ferrari F40, a strawberry-colored Porsche 911, and a blue Dino. In essence, it's a celebration of bodywork, leather, fabrics, miniatures, collectibles, and mechanics. The event is a lively, eclectic marketplace where car collectors can admire and acquire a variety of vehicles. It's also an opportunity to discover how artists reimagine the automobile through sculptures and paintings. Additionally, visitors can see the work of companies like Kimera Automobili, which has reimagined the Lancia Rally 037 by combining period-inspired designs with modern technology. However, the main attraction was the DS. The Citroën DS, not the N°8, had a dedicated area featuring a range of examples, often original, from the different generations and evolutions of the iconic luxury car from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, designed by Flaminio Bertoni. In short, Rétromobile is a must-visit event for those who appreciate classic automobiles. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2026 edition: January
(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Picture : Olivier Duquesne)
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