The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts
Surprisingly unsold at the onsite auction, 1953 Fiat 1100 Coupe Speciale by Allemano, styled by Giovanni Michelotti. One of only two examples built, and probably the sole survivor.
Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp
Jonathan Sharp shows us the Fiats and oddballs at Retro.
This Bugatti Type 35C is one of four cars entered by Bugatti in the 1927 Targa Florio. Its two-liter 8-cylinder, supercharged by a compressor, delivers 150 hp and allows it to reach a top speed of 225 km/h. During her rich career, she held the record for the Mont Ventoux hill climb for 4 years from 1928.
Story and photos by Hugues Vanhoolandt
At Retromobile, it is often the Italian stars such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia or Lamborghini that generally occupy the most spectacular stands, which are those of major British dealers such as Fiskens, Girardo or Kidston. French cars are often less in the spotlight even if Bugattis or certain Delahayes can also reach unreasonable prices. But it is sometimes on small stands of brand clubs that less emblematic but perhaps more authentic cars are found. Let’s see here what Rétromobile offered us, on the French side. [Read more…] about Retromobile on the French Side
A stunning way to display this 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Berlinetta (#412035) by Touring.
Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp
Retromobile, February 3, 2023: If I had a £1 for every time I said WOW! (or words to that effect!) I would have had enough money to pay for the trip. Yes, Retromobile was back to its usual self. The big hitting dealers were back, the Artcurial Auction was jammed with lots on offer, there were tons of spare parts to buy and art to hang on your walls, and lots of visitors, though Friday was not so bad. [Read more…] about Italians at Retromobile
Where the legend began. It is with a Chenard & Walcker Sport 3 Litre of this type that André Lagache and René Léonard won the first edition of the French classic in 1923. Its four cylinder 3 Litre engine developed 95 bhp and allowed to reach 145 km per hour.
Story and photos by Hugues Vanhoolandt
For the first time since 2020, the Parisian show is back at full strength, again spread over three halls. With more than 1,700 vehicles on display, Retromobile continues the tradition that began in 1976. No less than 125,000 people visited the show making it the second highest attendance since its inception. As this year the 24 Hours of Le Mans celebrates its centenary, many exhibitors brought classic racing cars that took part in the famous race.
Again, where the legend began… in 1873, Amédée Bollée built the first vehicle with mechanical and steam traction capable of carrying twelve passengers. In October 1875, Bollée completed the Le Mans-Paris journey in 18 hours but received 75 fines from the police!
Story and photos by Hugues Vanhoolandt
We continue with our Retro coverage and highlight some of the many interesting and significant French classics.
Text and photos by John Sexton, art and layout by Jodi Ellis
From the Archives, July 2010
What makes Retro Special? The cars? The models? The automobilia? The parts? Or maybe the food, people ambiance and just plain Paris. This is what it looked like 10 years ago….
Story and photos by Brandes Elitch
“Investissez dans votre plaisir!” (Invest in your pleasure)
About 25 years ago I first attended Retromobile with my friend Chris Dickel. We went three times together, along with simultaneous trips to Genoa Autostory and Essen Techno Classica. It was a fantastic experience. [Read more…] about Brandes Elitch at Retromobile