The Glamour of Retromobile
France, the birthplace of motor racing and a renowned bastion of style, elegance, and avant-garde design, is the ideal home for Retromobile, often hailed as the world’s greatest car show. Since its inception in Paris in 1976, Retromobile has been a dazzling convergence of Europe’s finest museums, motor manufacturers, leading collectors, and specialist craft ateliers. The event, held at the Porte de Versailles expo, is an annual rendezvous that no automotive enthusiast wants to miss. Spread over five days, the 2023 edition of Retromobile brought together a stunning array of vehicles, each a testament to automotive history and innovation.
Sixty Years of French F1 at Retromobile
One of the most captivating segments at this year’s Retromobile was the celebration of 60 years of French Formula 1. A colorful and comprehensive exhibit of 16 cars, representing different eras, was on display, drawing star drivers and enthusiasts alike. Tucked away at the dark end of Pavilion 2, this historical display offered an immersive experience that spanned from the 1960s to more recent times.
French aerospace company Matra’s journey in Formula 1 began in 1966 with F2 cars running alongside three-liter F1 vehicles at the German Grand Prix. Initially teaming with Elf, Ken Tyrrell, Jackie Stewart, and Ford’s iconic V8, Matra achieved success with the DFV-engined MS9 in the 1968 South African GP. The MS10, its successor, won its second race at Zandvoort, with Stewart adding two more victories, securing second place in the championship that year. In 1969, Stewart clinched the coveted crown with six wins, driving the elegantly curvaceous Matra-Ford MS80, which featured prominently in Retromobile’s lineup.
Sportscar Stars at Fiskens
Gregor Fisken’s prestigious dealership, based in West London, showcased a mouthwatering selection of multi-marque vehicles on a tartan-adorned set. The display ranged from a 1935 Alfa Romeo 8C Long Chassis Le Mans Tourer to the ex-Tom Kristensen/Dindo Capello 2001 Audi R8 LMP, which won its debut at Jarama. Other notable entries included Jenson Button’s 1952 Jaguar C-type, originally supplied to Juan Manuel Fangio in a unique bronze hue, and the ex-Briggs Cunningham Jaguar E2A, driven by Walt Hansgen and Dan Gurney in the 1960 Le Mans race. The exhibit also featured one of two ex-works 1998 Mercedes-Benz V12 CLK GTRs, showcasing the pinnacle of German engineering.
Rising British Talent: Ben Mitchell Curated
At the smaller end of the scale, rising British competition car specialist Ben Mitchell Curated made its Retromobile debut with an eye-catching trio of cars. The stand highlighted the Tyrrell 008-3, in which Patrick Depailler achieved victory at the 1978 Monaco GP. Alongside it were the Lola T70 Mk3B SL76/148, beautifully restored to British privateer Barrie Smith’s Avalon Racing Thanet livery, and the first Audi R8 LMS ultra to win a GT race in the USA. These cars, though from varied eras, collectively underscored the rich history and contemporary relevance of British automotive ingenuity.
Renault’s Futuristic Homage
Celebrating a century since its 40CV coupe set speed and endurance records at Montlhery, Renault unveiled the electric Filante Record 2025 demo car at Retromobile. This futuristic 1000kg aerodyne, showcasing Renault’s E-Tech technology, was designed for efficiency and range rather than speed. The car drew much attention, particularly when placed alongside its 1925 ancestor. Renault also displayed new electric versions of its classic 4 and 5 models, along with Ora Ito’s reimagined 17 concept, an electric-powered, carbon fiber-bodied vehicle that epitomizes the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Diverse Appeal of Retromobile
Retromobile’s allure lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the past with the future. From vintage classics to cutting-edge electric vehicles, the show offers something for every automotive enthusiast. Whether it’s the nostalgia of 1960s Formula 1 or the excitement of contemporary electric technology, Retromobile provides a unique platform for both reflection and anticipation. The event’s diverse offerings, from the grand marques of yesteryear to the emerging talents of today, make it a must-visit for anyone with a passion for automotive history and innovation.
In essence, Retromobile is more than just a car show; it’s a living museum that celebrates the evolution of automotive engineering and design. Each year, it brings together a community of enthusiasts, collectors, and manufacturers, creating an environment that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually stunning.
