Rétromobile 2026: 50 Years of Automotive Heritage

From January 28 to February 1, 2026, Rétromobile, the world’s premier classic car show, returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for its 50th edition. Over half a century, the salon has evolved from a specialized exhibition into a global reference for automotive heritage, attracting collectors, manufacturers, enthusiasts, and institutions from around the world.

Recognized for its role in preserving, educating, and transmitting automotive culture, this milestone edition is held under the high patronage of the French Ministry of Culture, underscoring the salon’s significance not only as an event but as a cultural institution. Rétromobile 2026 transforms the exhibition halls into a living museum of automotive history, where past and present coexist in a dialogue of design, technology, and passion.

With over 80,000 square meters of exhibition space, 600 exhibitors, and more than 2,000 vehicles on display, the show promises an unparalleled experience. Following 146,000 visitors in 2025, organizers anticipate 150,000 attendees for this anniversary edition, reflecting the show’s continued growth and international reach.

The 2026 program is designed to appeal to collectors, investors, and enthusiasts of all ages. Highlights include four major thematic exhibitions, immersive experiences, prestigious auctions, live demonstrations, and a brand-new addition: Ultimate Supercar Garage, which runs from January 29 to February 1, creating an unprecedented bridge between automotive legends of the past and contemporary supercars.

The Cultural and Economic Impact of Classic Cars in France

Classic cars in France are not merely objects of nostalgia—they are an essential component of national industrial heritage and a thriving economic ecosystem. According to the French Federation of Historic Vehicles (FFVE), France is home to 230,000 collectors, maintaining over 800,000 vintage vehicles across 1,250 clubs and associations.

The sector generates €3.5 billion annually, supporting 23,500 full-time equivalent jobs. On average, each collector invests €3,040 per year in maintenance and restoration, a figure that rises to €5,507 when participation in events is included. This demonstrates the tangible economic and cultural value of preserving automotive heritage.

The collector community is also evolving. Historically male-dominated, the field now attracts younger enthusiasts and women, reflecting a broader societal engagement with mobility history. For international audiences, Rétromobile offers a unique insight into the French model of automotive stewardship, blending passion, craftsmanship, and sustainable preservation.

A Milestone Edition: Heritage Meets Innovation

The 50th edition of Rétromobile celebrates both historical significance and forward-looking vision. The event opens with a spectacular nocturnal parade, setting the tone for five days of exhibitions, live demonstrations, and thematic displays that highlight both iconic vehicles and innovations that shaped automotive history.

Exhibitions feature legendary cars alongside thematic explorations of motorsport, design, technology, and cultural impact. Attendees will encounter immersive displays, historical reconstructions, and storytelling experiences that position the automobile as both a cultural artifact and a contemporary symbol of innovation.

Steve McQueen: Cinema, Speed, and Style

A centerpiece of the 2026 program is an exhibition celebrating Steve McQueen, the “King of Cool,” whose fascination with cars and motorcycles has left an enduring mark on popular culture. Curated in partnership with Les Épicuriens, AXA Passion, and NOC, the exhibition highlights McQueen’s most iconic vehicles:

1961 Triumph TR6 from The Great Escape
1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross
1971 Honda 250 SRM
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback V8
Dodge Charger from Bullitt

The exhibition is designed like a cinematic set, immersing visitors in the 1960s through lighting, vintage furniture, and archival photography, blending cultural storytelling with mechanical artistry.

Teufs Teufs: Living History on Wheels

One of Rétromobile’s signature attractions is Les Teufs Teufs, a collection of vehicles over 100 years old that demonstrate the ingenuity and endurance of early automotive engineering. Daily demonstrations at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM bring models such as the Zèbre Type C (1912), De Dion-Bouton Type Q (1903), and Alcyon (1905) to life.

These live displays offer an interactive learning experience, showing that vintage cars are more than museum pieces—they are living, breathing artifacts that continue to inspire engineers, designers, and enthusiasts worldwide.

Volkswagen Golf GTI: 50 Years of an Icon

The 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is another highlight. Launched in 1976, the GTI revolutionized automotive culture by combining sportiness with accessibility, becoming a global icon. Recognizable by its red trim, black wheel arches, and signature gear knob, the GTI has been embraced by over 2.5 million fans worldwide.

Rétromobile 2026 pays tribute to this iconic model, emphasizing how a single car can transcend generations and cultural boundaries, making it a compelling study for collectors and international audiences.

Citroën: Innovation Through a Century of Concepts

Citroën’s 2026 presentation showcases over 100 years of innovation, featuring more than 10 concept cars, including the new ELO alongside historical icons like 2CV A, C10, Karin, Activa 1, Xanae, and C-Cactus. The exhibition demonstrates how concept cars reflect societal change, technological innovation, and forward-thinking design philosophy.

DS Automobiles: Presidential Legacy and French Prestige

Rétromobile 2026 dedicates a unique space to DS Automobiles, highlighting its historic role as a provider of presidential vehicles. Over six decades, these cars have accompanied seven French presidents, from Charles de Gaulle to Emmanuel Macron, embodying both state prestige and technological evolution.

The exhibition showcases models that blend luxury, innovation, and national symbolism, including classic DS sedans and the modern DS No. 8, illustrating the brand’s shift toward electric mobility while maintaining its signature elegance. For international visitors, this exhibit offers insight into how France integrates automotive craftsmanship into state identity, and how vehicles can serve as both functional transport and cultural statement.

Rally Legends: The Golden Age of Motorsport

For motorsport enthusiasts, Rétromobile’s rally retrospective is a journey through the golden age of rallying (1960–1990). In collaboration with the Gino Macaluso Foundation and Oreca, the salon presents over a dozen iconic rally cars, including:

Lancia Stratos (1976)
Audi Quattro (1981)
Renault 5 Turbo (1981)
Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 (1986)
Ford Cortina Lotus (1966)
Toyota Celica GT-4 STI65 (1990)

Visitors can also attend live sessions where former rally champions and motorsport legends share first-hand stories, offering a rare opportunity to connect with history and understand the technical evolution of competitive racing.

Motorcycles and Centennial Celebrations

Ducati: 100 Years of Italian Racing Heritage

In the motorcycle pavilion, Rétromobile 2026 celebrates the centenary of Ducati, showcasing a selection of 24 iconic motorcycles, from early racing models to contemporary superbikes. Key highlights include:

The Monster series, tracing over 30 years of evolution from Monster M900 (1993) to the 2026 edition
Modern Superbike models, including the 851 and Panigale V4 R, demonstrating Ducati’s racing DNA
Two exceptional competition bikes: a MotoGP machine from Jack Miller (2022) and a Superbike from Nicolò Bulega (2024–2025)

Some motorcycles are unique, such as the Ducati Paul Smart 1000 LE (2006), signed by the rider himself and bearing the number one of this limited edition. These displays not only celebrate performance but also Ducati’s ongoing influence on global motorcycling culture.

Royal Enfield: 125 Years of Pure Motorcycling

Royal Enfield, the oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, celebrates its 125th anniversary. Visitors gain a sense of the brand’s British heritage, engineering continuity, and cultural resonance, with a showcase of historic and contemporary models demonstrating the enduring spirit of “Pure Motorcycling”.

The FFVE: Expertise, Guidance, and Youth Engagement

The French Federation of Historic Vehicles (FFVE) plays a central role in educating visitors about maintenance, registration, and the legal framework of historic cars. Its Hall 7.2 pavilion features:

Historic vehicles such as the Simca-Gordini Type 8, restored and classified as a national monument
Guided tours for youth (16–28), blending education, networking, and fun
Live conferences covering collection buying, restoration careers, vehicle maintenance, and registration in the “collection” category

Through these initiatives, the FFVE demonstrates how the preservation of automotive heritage is intergenerational, sustainable, and rooted in both technical expertise and community engagement.

Ultimate Supercar Garage: Modern Icons Meet Classic Legends

A highlight of Rétromobile 2026, the Ultimate Supercar Garage merges performance, rarity, and design. The event hosts an unparalleled lineup of Bugatti, Ferrari, Pagani, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Bentley, Lotus, and the Supercar Owner Circle.

The exhibition explores ultra-personalization, advanced materials, and extreme engineering, with showcases like Bottega Fuoriserie and Bugatti Solitaire, demonstrating bespoke automotive artistry at its finest. Each vehicle is presented not just as a car, but as a sculptural, mechanical work of art.

The Live Stage offers daily world premieres, design discussions, and presentations on performance innovations, fostering interaction between designers, collectors, investors, and enthusiasts.

Automotive Pop Culture and Global Trends

The rise of social media, car spotting, gaming, and online communities is reshaping automotive culture. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube create a new audience for supercars and classic vehicles, blending heritage with contemporary lifestyle.

Rétromobile and Ultimate Supercar Garage serve as a cultural crossroads, where history, exclusivity, and modern fan culture converge, offering an international audience a view of France’s role in global automotive trends.

Gooding Christie’s: The Pinnacle of Collector Auctions

On January 29, 2026, the Gooding Christie’s auction takes center stage in Pavilion 7.1. For the first time in Europe, the partnership brings a world-class selection of rare vehicles, including:

Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta (1960)
Ballot 3/8 LC Grand Prix Two-Seater (1920)
Bugatti Type 57C Atalante (1938)
Ferrari 288 GTO (1984)

This event draws international collectors and investors, underscoring Rétromobile’s global stature in the collector car market.

Fifty Years of Rétromobile: A Living Legacy

From humble beginnings to its 50th edition, Rétromobile has evolved into a cultural, economic, and social landmark. Its 2026 program exemplifies a balance between heritage, innovation, and intergenerational engagement, solidifying its position as the definitive destination for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

As Rétromobile enters its sixth decade, it continues to be more than a show—it is a celebration of automotive ingenuity, design, and passion, uniting collectors, creators, and audiences from around the globe.