Retromobile Is Like a French Version of Pebble, Hershey, and Scottsdale—All Wrapped in One

Since its founding in 1976, Retromobile, held every year at the Portes de Versailles in Paris, has been a celebration of the automobile. Sometimes organizers include motorcycles, and usually army tanks. And don't forget 1/48-scale model cars and even neon signs. It's a collaboration with restoration shops, museums, vendors and private collectors.

This year there were special tributes to 100 years of MG, 100 years of the TAC Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome, 46 years of Paris-Dakar, and more.

It's an experience you want to see it at least once in your life.

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MG EX181

The iconic British car brand MG celebrated its 100th anniversary at Rétromobile this year. For the occasion, the brand brought many of its iconic models, such as Phil Hill's record-breaking MG EX181 shown here, as well as a number of previously unseen models.

MG EX181

In 1959 Phil Hill hit a top speed of 254.51 mph in the MG EX181 at Bonneville, etching the brand's name in Salt Flats history.

MG

Half of MG was William Morris, who wanted to build cars his whole life. But it wasn't until he met Cecil Kimber that his dream became a reality.

Hired as sales manager, Kimber was quickly promoted to director of the brand and saw racing as a way of promoting his products. It was under this leadership that MGs gained in sportiness and performance, and that the brand adopted its famous "Safety Fast" slogan.

For years, MG vehicles would shine in competitions, breaking speed records one after the other. MGs were an affordable way for many sports car lovers to become car owners.

The brand is now owned by Chinese automaker SAIC and makes electric cars.

MG

"What better showcase for this passion than Rétromobile, where we can celebrate a hundred years of automotive history dedicated to the pleasure of driving," asked Clément Lefèvre, MG Motor France's PR guy.

Skoda

Skoda began in 1895 as a bicycle maker, with the motto: "Only the best is good enough for our customers.” Motorcycles followed the bikes, then came plows, then cars.

Charles Leclerc sighting!

Here, it would be pronounced "Sharl Lay-clair..."

Leclerc

The F1 driver seems not to be thinking of his new teammate at Ferrari, as he ponders the many wonders of Rétromobile.

Joy Rides

Old cars are part of Retromobile, and can be seen giving rides around the Portes des Versailles to enthusiastic showgoers.

Exhibitors

The halls were full of exhibitors, from restoration houses to booksellers to various tchotchke makers.

Auction

This Ferrari 250 LWB was the star of the Artcurial auction, held every year as part of Rétromobile.

Auction

A stunning Rolls-Royce frames the Artcurial auction action.

Auction

An attendee orders deux bières.

Camping Fun

Overlanding was one of the topics celebrated at Retromobile.

Porsche 911 Party

Porsche collector and builder Magnus Walker showed up to take part in the 60th anniversary of the 911.