RÉTROMOBILE REPORT

THIS year's event took place on the 1st to 5th February, in three huge adjoining halls of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre in Paris. Besides the wealth of mouthwatering 1:1 cars, for which the event is famous, there was plenty to interest and tempt we model enthusiasts.

This year, there was the usual wide selection and though a few faces from pre-Covid times were missing, new ones were there next to regulars like the Galerie du Jouet Ancien, who specialise in top-condition obsolete toys and models, and Virus Collection, with its wide range.

There were several manufacturers exhibiting this time, with Ixo for example, showcasing its 1/8 Collections range – the editor is of course chronicling the building of the Porsche 917 from this series (see page 59 for the latest update!). Spark shared a stand with Looksmart and Schuco, though it was the Spark range that was dominant. Among the artisan ranges, ABCBrianza had a very full stand, with all of its new releases, as well as those from many other brands, and the likes of Tron, Jade and Arena also had their own stands too.

The widest selection of older diecast was, as usual, to be found on the stand of Galerie du Jouet Ancien, who told me they had taken in a massive collection – over 3,000 models – and were premiering it here. Certainly some gems, like an Edil Ferrari 275 GTB, several rare Spanishmade Dalia-Solidos, and a group comprising all variants of the lovely 1950s-’60s Solido RollsRoyce Silver Cloud, from the very first one with clockwork motor and two-part baseplate, to the later ones with windows, seats, full suspension and 2-tone paintwork. Also on offer at the show were thousands of partwork models, and these were usually to be had for bargain prices.

All in all, a great show, and next year’s event is another good reason to visit Paris in the winter, being held from 31st January to 4th February 2024. More details from www.retromobile.com.■