Salon Rétromobile 2018
Paris, France 7-11 February
SALON RÉTROMOBILE 2018 , held as always at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles (7-11 February), has long been the most stylish and enjoyable opener to the classic car ‘season’.
Rétromobile is all about finding the weird and wonderful cars you’ll never see anywhere else. Starting at the back of the show, in Hall 3, the ‘never before seen in public’ Engelbert Moll private collection of 20 rare Abarths was incredible and included the mad 1958 Fiat Abarth 500 Record Pinin Farina which achieved 180km/h.
Just down the hall was the homage to French motor racer and Resistance hero Jean-Pierre Wimille, including a Bugatti 59, Alfa Romeo 308 and Gordini that he raced. After his racing career Wimille became an automotive designer and his 01, 02 and 04 prototypes were on display as well. Peter Stevens, stylist of the McLaren F1, commented: ‘His cars have mid engines and the driving seat is mounted centrally. Interesting…’
After a quick look at the cars for sale at the Expo Vente ‘under €25,000’ display, where a lovely bronze Maserati Quattroporte and Lancia Fulvia were spotted, it was through to Hall 2, where the Delahaye GFA charabanc was amusing. Also in the hall was the vast array of Artcurial auction cars, sadly minus the ex-Bardinon Ferrari 275P Le Mans winner, withdrawn at the last minute because of ongoing legal issues.
Hall 1 was a catwalk full of French glamour. The huge Renault stand included the original, battered Renault 4L Expedition Michèle Ray that had covered 40,000km from Terre de Feu to Alaska, as well as an electric Renault 5 from 1974 – the rear compartment was totally taken up with an enormous battery.
The Citroën DS Heritage stand included the impressive 1958 General de Gaulle Citroën DS21 Présidentielle with its bulletproof glass, plush interior and truncated tail end. Another presidential carriage was displayed on the Citroën stand, the elegant four-door convertible SM from 1972, one of two built by Chapron to transport Georges Pompidou, as well as Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit.
Jaguar Land Rover launched its continuation D-type at the show (£1.7m plus local taxes) and had a rebuilt Range Rover Classic on display for £140,000. Other Brits out in force were Fiskens, JD Classics and Girardo & Co. Lukas Hüni had corralled ten Ferrari SWBs and the Richard Mille McLaren display showed eight McLaren racers, including the 1995 Le Mans-winning JJ Lehto/Dalmas/Sekiya F1.
Without a doubt, Rétromobile remains the best way to kick-start the classic car year.