Rétromobile is the first car show that reached the levels of its pre-covid zenith. Compared to the half-hearted 2022 effort, the show returned to the same halls with similar exhibitor space, and everything we loved was there. It might seem too early to declare a winner, but we already have our favourite for 2024.
Rétromobile opened its doors this Wednesday and awaits visitors until Sunday afternoon with generous opening hours (e.g. long hours closing at 22.00 on Wednesday and Friday) for more info, see their website. The exhibition is located at the usual venue, as the Paris Motor Show: in the Expo Area at Porte de Versailles (1 place de la Porte de Versailles 75015 Paris). Last year, Rétromobile returned to its usual layout, filling the vast space of Palais 1 with two additional halls for thematic exhibitions and the official auction.
The show is a true spectacle playing on its traditional strengths: the three auctions are on board with their full might, and half a dozen brands exhibit, including MG, with genuinely extraordinary efforts. Some Museums built entire stages, while others contributed to thematic exhibitions. Yet the most fantastic show was delivered by the high-end traders who outbid each other to offer the most expansive and spectacular cars.
All three auctions are there. Each of them is worth a car show on its own.
Some call it simply the Paris Auction Week – the grand trio of the auctions of Artcurial, Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s is a spectacle on its own, taking place during Rétromobile.
Artcurial is the Rétromobile’s exclusive auctioneer, so others may participate with a small stage to advertise their activity, leaving the big show to Artcurial.
In parallel, RM Sotheby’s rented the carousel hall of the Louvre to showcase its fine selection, and Bonhams moved to an exhibition hall (Grand Palais Éphémère) by the Eiffel Tower.
Factory stages are back and better than ever.
Factory stages bring an unrivalled flair to classic car shows with grand design, unique masterpieces, and much substance for fans. The two longtime champions of this discipline were Rétromobile and Techno Classica.
However, manufacturers picked up the pace rather slowly after COVID-19, with many reporting absences. But now, Rétromobile boasts a wide variety, as Italian, British and German manufacturers equally ensured their presence or were honoured by contributions from owners, collectors and museums.
The hero of the week was arguably MG, honoured by a massive hall with contributions from the recently revived brand but also the British museums and club members.
Also, the entire VW Group ensured a massive presence, covering VW and its commercial division (celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf and showcasing its Minivan series), Skoda and Porsche.
Renault built an impressive stage with record-breaking cars from the pre-war era, while Citroen and Mercedes were also on board with factory support.
The defunct Italian brand Bizzarrini is back with a factory stage announcing the brand’s revival roadmap, while Morgan was represented by the importer.
Many specialists showcase their cars and services, like HK engineering and RUF.
Collectors and traders still bring you the ultimate car-spotting bonanza
Rétromobile is the grand arena of the traders, showcasing their best cars. With the help of classic car collectors worldwide, they often surpass factory museums with rarities and exquisite pieces.
This year’s offering is grand, even by Rétromobile’s standards. It is no longer sufficient to flash out a Ferrari 275GTB or a 250 SWB: the best stages, like the one of Kidston, Fiskens, or Girardo, offer a collection of unmatched rarities. We saw two Ferrari 250GTOs, and Kidston added a Schuppan 962 and a unique roadster derivative of the iconic 275 GTB.
If it’s too simple to arrive at a classic car race with a D Type, Fiskens offered an entire race truck from Ecurie Ecosse, with an impressive service history.
We also appreciated the pairing of a Bugatti EB110 and a modern-day Centodieci at the stage of the Car Collector, and of course, Lukas Hüni also delivers a great show, this time with a Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic.
It is easy to get lost when you see rare specimens of Bugatti Royale (though a replica) and Avion Voisin (this was an honorary guest at the 2020 Bonhams auction).
Many events participate to widen their audience.
The early timing of the event and its 45 years of history makes Rétromobile an ideal focal point for event organisers and audiences. Aspiring and established events rent space to offer merchandise, widen their audience or put themselves on the map.
Special exhibitions brought together incredible rarities honouring anniversaries and achievements.
Numerous stages and exhibitions honour anniversaries and achievements, some featuring over a dozen vehicles. Two amazing selections honoured the Dakar race and the 100th anniversary of Monthléry.
The 100th anniversary of Le Mans is over, but Richard Mille impressed with a selection of Ferrari race cars with a Le Mans career. We also loved the stage dedicated to honouring the most successful WRC driver of all time, Sebastien Loeb.
If you want to meet absolute racing legends, there are sessions with Loeb, Mr Le Mans Jacky Ickx, and Dakar ace Stéphane Peterhansel.
Museums
A central pillar of the show is delivered by car museums, bringing their artefacts closer to the audience, many of whom would never would have thought to pay a visit.
This is their chance to make a lasting impression, and quite a few made a brilliant elevator pitch with exciting specimens, live shows and impressive decoration. In fact, their participation in Paris is what led us to Compiegne and Saumur.
The show offers an immense range of activities for all budgets
Rétromobile also stands out among the high-end events with its art exhibitors, in both quality and quantity. In the arts’ valley in the main hall, everyone will find their own need, be it a classic traveller chest, art made of car parts, or car-themed paintings.
