My top picks from the Rétromobile Show 2024 in Paris
A show that blew my mind
Having lived in Paris for almost 4 years before moving to England, I've never paid a visit to this famous and popular show. There has to be a first time! Now I understand better why collectors of large and small cars as well as enthusiasts of vintage cars and vehicles go there.
However I wasn't expecting it to be so huge and so intense at all! The show is spread over three pavilions and brings together a community that is passionate about classic vehicles: clubs, prestigious brands, federations, organisations, exhibitions, specialists, auction houses, artists and celebrities. I must admit that I was like a child in a sweet shop, dazzled by everything around me!
I would recommend not to try to see everything in one day like I did, otherwise you'll get exhausted. It's better to do half-days spread over several days. There is so much to see. Incidentally, my personal pleasure was having my favourite bakery, Paul, in every corner of the show and at the Gare du Nord. Their baguettes and macaroons are simply irresistible!
Anyway, let me share my favourites.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The star of the show
With its iconic doors open (and oh so fascinating!), I have to say that it was well showcased as I could spot it from a distance. A true jewel! So many people were gathered around especially German fans.
This Mercedes has kept its original interior with upholstered seats in blue tartan with discreet red lines and two blue leather suitcases attached with leather straps.
Rétromobile has really put the spotlight on Mercedes-Benz this year, with 3 versions in total: the silver 300 SL from 1955, the blue Roadster from 1962 and the red 190 SL from 1958. A real jewel !
It was such a privilege for me to be able to come so close to the real car and see how well preserved it is for a collector's item. I didn't dare sit in it, even though it was tempting...
The car had the same owners from 1955 until 2000!
It's no coincidence that this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, admired by spectators from all over the world, had success as it celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It was sold for a modest sum of €1,427,440.
Aston Martin DB6
The second car I spotted immediately afterwards was this Aston Martin.
At first, I thought it was a DB5 until I realised after walking around that it was a DB6!
This 1965 Aston Martin DB6 MK I was the second car produced! Its original leather interior has been preserved. It hasn't been sold at the auction.
It is almost identical to the DB5 with a few differences... For example, the rear interior is more spacious and the badge on the side displays DB6, as you can see on the picture. I didn't have time to play the game of spot the differences, but for the enthusiasts, there are other slight differences in size here and there (bumpers, windscreen etc...).
Meeting with François Allain
This year marks the centenary of the Linas-Montlhéry autodrome, a circuit that has played a major role in the history of French motor sport.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the circuit, François Allain (right), the famous presenter of the French TV programme Vintage Mecanic and sponsor of the circuit this year, alongside Dominique Lanlaud (left), the publisher of the book "Montlhéry par Henri Vachon 1950-1957", were on hand for signing sessions.
I had the opportunity to exchange a few words with François Allain, as he himself restored a DB5 as well as a DB4 and DB6 which, he told me, have more or less the same mechanical principle.
The book tells the story of the circuit Linas-Montlhéry (near Paris) through previously unpublished photos by Henri Vachon, the famous French photographer reporter who covered the races at the time. The track is 2.5km long and has been the centre of many world records held by famous drivers. Today, it is still used for testing and for vintage car events.
As we've just launched our Ferrari 250 GTO, the timing is perfect, as it made history on this very track.
Some out-of-this-world Art
Rétromobile was also the opportunity for me to discover some art, as I'm a big fan of art. Two artists in particular really caught my eye.
Ferdinando Costa : an artist who knows how to create sparks
Strolling through the aisles, I immediately noticed these frames filled with authentic parts of a real Ferrari! It was impossible to miss them, with the strong contrast between the bright red and the black background. I was so in awe that I had to go and talk to him! He gave me his book straight away (see photo below).
I really admire artists like Fernando for not only coming up with this brilliant and original idea for a large-scale project, but also for carrying out the entire grinding of a Ferrari 308 GT4 that belonged to Charles Pozzi, the racing driver who finished 8th in the Nice International Grand Prix in 1946.
The frame opposite shows the engine bonnet parts.
The art of metal cutting
In his book, Fernando explains how he managed to get his hands on this Ferrari and his meticulous organisation in relation to the cutting, starting with the roof, then the doors and finishing with the retractable headlights, which took him two full months of hard physical work!
There were 14 paintings on display in total. On the two paintings including the doors, the keys were even part of the masterpiece, left into the locks. I learnt from reading the book that the original colour wasn't even red but blue!
There were also two sculptures with parts like the steering wheel, pedals and so on... Fernando wasted absolutely nothing on this car.
A good way to recycle a car. Fernando also does the same thing with road signs.
Atelier Jalaper: watches made from the bodywork of real cars
The second artist worth mentioning is Louis Jalaber, co-founder of the workshop, which is based in Belgium.
It was on a scale model of the DB5 placed next to a watch that my eyes were riveted as I made my way towards the exit. Curious, I asked for more information.
It turns out that the faces of the watches come from real car bodies. I could actually see the patina work done on the metal by looking through a magnifying glass.
A know-how and tradition coming from Switzerland
This is a work in such great detail taking place in four stages: from transformation to assembly, including stamping and marking.
In any case, I think it's a great way of paying tribute to legendary cars like the DB5. Personally, I would own one. I'd love to wear a fine piece of automotive heritage around my wrist.
But when will there be a ladies' range?
Few more images of the Show
This year seems to have been a good one for Rétromobile compared with previous years, with some exceptional cars. I loved this adventure and I look forward to going again next year.
To celebrate the 100 years of MG, the 1959 MG EX181, from the British Motor Museum, was the image of the show.
Stirling Moss held the 1st speed record in 1957 with this aerodynamic car, reaching 395.31 km/h, a record that was later beaten by Phil Hill, who topped 400 km/h two years later!
