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Live from Paris: 50 Years of Salon Rétromobile
Update: Sunday 11.00
Welcome to Paris; bonjour from the Salon Rétromobile. This year, the show celebrates its 50th edition, marked with a grandeur befitting this milestone. Four immense halls are filled with everything that makes an enthusiast’s heart beat faster: from the impressive Bugatti train to the Super Car Garage, from an extensive BMW Art exhibition to a refined selection of early automobiles presented by our friends at Club Teuf Teuf.
There is no shortage of interest. Long queues form at the gates early in the morning; the appetite for classics is greater than ever.
At our own stand, we present four cars we discussed over the past week and a half. It quickly became clear that these stories had been well read: visitors came to Paris especially for the D.B.
This year, the Salon has a different layout than before, with three halls stacked vertically. On the ground level you will find the clubs and the monumental Bugatti train. But that train is not the only spectacle. Our personal favorite is the Bugatti T47 with its fascinating U-16 engine: essentially two Type 35 engines side by side, producing a theoretical output of around 500 hp. Rumor has it that this car will soon be made roadworthy again.
At Fine Automobiles stands the car of the Pope — once gifted to the Vatican by the American government. Since then, three Popes have taken their seat in it. The seat looks remarkably comfortable.
Eberhard Thiesen is once again present with an impressive selection of pre-war automobiles, including the Horch we described some time ago.
New this year is the partnership with Gooding & Christie’s as the Salon’s auction partner. The Ballot they offer is simply stunning, as is the veteran-era Panhard double cab.
Update Friday
Every time we walk around, we discover something new. Due to the activity at our stand, we mostly do so before and after opening hours, but it is certainly worthwhile. This morning, tucked away in a corner, we found an Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta from 1938 from the Keller Collection (California). This car won the Peninsula Classics Best of Show Award. Although not immediately visible, it is a truly magnificent sight.
From England, Vintage Bentley is present, appearing here for the first time with two W.O. Bentleys.
Another ‘highlight’ is the aircraft suspended above the stand of auction house Aguttes. If anyone recognizes the make and type, we would love to hear it. Another aircraft could be spotted at the Musée des Blindés: a Piper L-4 Grasshopper.
For me personally, the absolute highlight is the car that won the Trophée de la Préservation 2026 at the show: a 1913 Vinot et Deguingand, which after the First World War served as an omnibus for a hotel near Montpellier. What makes this car special is its extraordinary condition. It stood outside for about ten years, uncovered under a tarpaulin, yet remarkably little harm was done. A member of Club Teuf Teuf acquired the car a few years ago and consciously decided to preserve it in this state. Bravo!
Speaking of original cars: with our Czech friends at AVC stands a 1923 Hispano-Suiza H6B bodied by Kellner. An exceptionally original car, where only the mechanical components have been restored.
Invitation
On Friday at 19:00, the BeForty gathering takes place at the PreWarCar.com stand, hosted by PreWarCar.com and Personal Engineering. If you are under 40 — or if this applies to your children or grandchildren — you are warmly invited to join us for a glass of champagne.
Update Sunday 11:00
The past few days have been very busy, and today is no exception. Young and old walk around with smiling faces when a car is recognized. According to exhibitors, sales are also reasonably to very good.
At Club Teuf Teuf, as always, enthusiasm is high. The French club for cars from before the First World War organizes demonstration runs on the outdoor grounds. Thanks to the three-level layout of the exhibition building, this spectacle is clearly visible from many vantage points. People are watching from all floors. We have added a photo sent to us. The demonstrations have also brought the club new members.
To draw a cautious preliminary conclusion about the show: it has been a success. We have met many interesting people, heard wonderful stories, spoken with new clients, seen old acquaintances, and above all noticed how active the new generation is. Most of all, we have had a great deal of fun.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this.
Would you like to stop by to talk about cars, advertising, or simply to meet? You are most welcome. You will find us in Pavilion 7.3, stand B011 (the floor plan can be found here).
Published:
Thursday January 29th, 2026
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Laurent