Yahoo Autos 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.
Fiskens in the UK sells "Fine Historic Automobiles," including this newer Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Serge Heitz has more than 30 years of consulting in the sale of Porsche. Located in Lege Cap-Ferrat, France.
This 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Pinin Farina Spyder was from classic car specialists Girard & Co. in Turin, Italy.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO from Girard & Co.
This 1972 Alfa Romeo T33/TT/3 was from Fiskens Fine Historic Automobiles in London.
Flat 6 Magazine helped celebrate the 911's 60th anniversary.
1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Series IV by Zagato.
Maserati MC12 Corsa driven in FIA GT by Bertolini and Picini, parked next to a Lister Jaguar Knobbly. Both were brought by Joe Macari, "London's exclusive independent supercar dealer."
Key fobs!
Alfa Giulietta GZ parked in the booth of Peter Auto, which puts on classic car events around the world. Next up: Qatar 1812KM February 29 through March 2, followed by Test Days March 21-22 at Paul Ricard, Mugello Classic April 5-7, and on and on throughout the year.
Volkswagen had a corporate presence at Retromobile, including on its stand the new ID Buzz.
VW Golf MkI
A Mercedes 300SL Gullwing midway through restoration.
Ex-race cars from Paris Daker included a BMW R80 G/S and a Peugeot 205 GTI. This year Rétromobile paid tribute to the great rally with an exhibition focusing on the vehicles and drivers who have left their mark on the history of the competition.
Real drivers from the race's past attended, too, including Jacky Ickx, Claude Marreau, Thierry de Montcorgé, Cyril Neveu, and André Dessoude.
A Vespa with nobby tires parked in the Paris Dakar stand.
Mercedes 300 SL W194
More Porsches celebrate 60 years of the 911.
Period-correct ice cream man.
Vieux vélo!
Renault van in Dunlop livery.
This year Rétromobile awarded a trophy to the best preservation class car. Here is the winner, with no identifying markings on it.
BSA motorcycles
Alpine 110
Bugatti Type 35
