Column: The romance of Salon Retromobile

• 
• 

With just a few days to go, the whole classic car world is heading to Paris for the 2024 Salon Rétromobile. For me, it's an annual fixture in my diary. What makes this French event the Mecca for classic car enthusiasts worldwide? What makes so many take this trip to the City of Light every year? I think it's the high quality of cars, the work that dealers put into their stands, and most importantly, the atmosphere and the people. 

The cars are clearly the main attraction, and the basis of the shared passion that brings us all to shows in general. As this is a rather expensive event for standholders, the quality of cars reflects this, and dealers try to compete with each other for who has the best and most important car. For a cheap bargain, this is not the place, although you might find something in the auctions. There are several auctions taking place over the week. Some, like Artcurial, are inside the Expo, and some are outside, like Bonhams at the Grand Palais and RM Sotheby’s at the Louvre, which are locations worth visiting even if you don’t like cars. And Paris has that romantic feeling that you won’t find anywhere else. Rétromobile is probably the show at which your partner would love to join you more than any other. You look at the cars, and he or she the town. After dark, you find a lovely little restaurant for some great food, and your relationship gets a boost. What other car event could make that happen! Your partner will probably even forget the latest addition to your garage!

In the end, it's the people who make a good party, and this definitely applies at Rétromobile. It is not just a show for Europeans, as there will be a buzzing and energetic crowd from America, Argentina, and Mexico, for example, to name just a few countries from which we'll be meeting people.
The stands will be full to the brim and most will embrace in the French way of life, so expect lots of Champagne and foie gras, or baguettes with fine cheeses and a good glass of wine, while you're buying your dream car. Life's not so bad, is it!

The PreWarCar.com and PostWarClassic.com stand is always an exciting place to be for me, as we have the chance to speak to our users and clients while enjoying a good glass ourselves. I want to welcome you as well to come over and tell us your stories and experiences—hopefully you'll have some about a new purchase. 

On the stand, we have worked hard to find a high-quality selection of cars. We've invited our friends at the Royal Automobile Club to promote the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, and obviously this called for an interesting veteran. We've found something quite remarkable for you, as you might have read on Friday: a Laperrelle. Besides that, we have a very impressive 1907 Itala 40HP, which we will present later this week in our online magazine. There will also be another two Italian thoroughbreds: Achille Varzi's Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 and the only racing Lancia Dilambda. There'll be plenty to talk about! We'll be waiting to greet you at stand P-014 in Pavilion 1. 

À bientôt,
Laurens Klein

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.