BEAUTY THAT NEVER AGES
Le Mans, Formula 1 and supercars like out of a fairytale
A dominant theme of the exhibition was once again the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A French national treasure, an icon of endurance racing, and a synonym for automotive pride. Historic cars that once roared down the legendary Mulsanne Straight—poetically named Ligne Droite des Hunaudières in French—were showcased in all their glory. From the iconic Porsche 917, Jaguar D-Type, and Ferrari 512 to the aggressive prototypes of recent years, including modern hypercars.
Exhibition Kégresse: Brilliant Tracked Innovation
Retromobile traditionally includes specialized historical displays in the connecting tunnel, and this year it featured an exceptional exhibition dedicated to engineer Adolphe Kégresse. This inventor is known for developing the concept of tracked vehicles—the “Kégresse system”—which enabled cars to travel through even the most extreme terrains, from Siberia to the Sahara.
The exhibition showcased authentic Citroëns equipped with this chassis, which took part in famous expeditions such as the Croisière Noire and Croisière Jaune. In addition to the vehicles, visitors could view original diaries, maps, expedition photographs, and archival film footage. History came alive – not just to the eyes, but to the ears and heart.
One of the themed sections celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Alpine A110, which became one of the exhibition’s main stars. The display included both classic models from the 1960s and the brand’s modern evolutions.
There was an abundance of historic formula cars, including Formula 1 single-seaters. Supercars from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s formed a parade of some of the finest creations ever to emerge from automotive factories—Lamborghini Miura, Bugatti EB110, Ferrari F40, and McLaren F1 GTR.
As a loyal Mercedes fan, the red cars from Maranello often spoiled our joy of victory — but there’s no denying their beauty. Just look at the Ferrari 312P Spyder.
Czech presence: monumental Škoda, Tatra as a gem, and Yurii Shevchuk
Automaker Škoda, in collaboration with Škoda France, made a grand appearance at Rétromobile 2025 with an impressive 500 m² exhibition to celebrate its 130th anniversary. Visitors could admire 16 historic vehicles tracing the brand’s evolution—from a replica of the 1897 L&K Slavia bicycle to rare models like the Škoda 110 Super Sport “Ferat,” all the way to modern electric vehicles such as the Enyaq and Elroq. Škoda classic legends Stanislav Kafka and Michal Velebný were, of course, in attendance.
Once again this year, the Czech Republic had some strong moments in Paris. At the prestigious Retromobile show, Ivo Smutný and his AVC presented their exhibit, which included a beautifully restored Tatra 77 – an aerodynamic gem from 1934. Amid the sea of Ferraris, Renaults, Mercedes, Maseratis, Bugattis, and others, it stood out like a noble artifact from another dimension.The visitors’ interest was immense — and well deserved. Enjoying a glass of champagne in the company of fellow Czech enthusiasts at Ivo’s display has become a hallmark of refined social tradition.
Perhaps the most elegant cigarette box ever dressed as a Formula 1 car – the Lotus 95T, piloted by Nigel Mansell and Elio de Angelis in 1984.
An exhibition where automobiles meet art
What truly makes Retromobile special isn’t just the cars — it’s the art and design that resonate with automotive history. In the midst of this technical temple, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and beautiful artistic objects. And it makes you stop. You observe. You reflect and admire — and engage in conversations with the creators.
You’ll also come across a Czech footprint here. We regularly meet Yurii Shevchuk and his son Denis, who are an inseparable part of the exhibition’s artistic soul. Yurii, who has lived and worked in the Czech Republic for many years, blends the precision of a painter with the soul of an automotive romantic. This year, he brought a new series inspired by French brands and vintage Grand Prix posters. His continued presence in Paris is proof that his work is appreciated not only in the Czech Republic, but across Europe.
Remember? Sometimes it was enough just to see the legendary Group 4 Lancia Stratos from 1974 in a picture to feel the magic. Designed by Marcello Gandini, and utterly dominant between 1974 and 1976 with Munari and Waldegård behind the wheel.
Auctions, encounters, and stories
Retromobile is far from a static exhibition. It’s also a stage for high-stakes auctions where millions change hands. This year’s spotlight at the Artcurial Motorcars auction was a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, which fetched over €9 million. Other rare highlights included a Talbot-Lago T150C, Delage D8-120 Aerosport, Citroën SM Rallye, and an Alpine A310 with a historic Monte Carlo start. Collectors, experts, and journalists had the chance to preview the cars in advance, and the atmosphere during the bidding was nothing short of electric.
Beyond the main auction, smaller themed sessions took place — sections devoted to automotive memorabilia, helmets worn by famous racers, vintage enamel signs, and technical drawings from factory archives.
And amid it all — spontaneous encounters. Perhaps the most memorable was meeting Stéphane Peterhansel, multiple Dakar Rally champion. Humble, warm, and still deeply passionate about the scent of gasoline.
The exhibition ends, and we head for the airport. But if you happen to miss your train, as I did, Paris knows how to reward you.
A few hours at the Musée d’Orsay, standing face to face with Rodin’s Thinker, makes one thing clear — Retromobile isn’t just about cars. It’s about time, stories, beauty — it’s about Paris.
