Festivities for 100 years Le Mans kick off at Rétromobile

Get ready for Rétromobile in Paris next week (1-5 February). The first big classic car show of the year is back in full force. Le Mans and its centenary play a big role.

Rétromobile’s 2022 edition was a slimmed-down version. With Covid-19-measures creating much uncertainty, and after the cancellation of a previous event through Covid-19, Rétromobile’s organisers could not run the risk of putting on a big show and then having to cancel last minute. But it has to be said, the small Rétromobile was one of the finest car shows last year.

Two Le Mans themes

For this year, Rétromobile is back in its old form, taking over more pavilions in the Expo halls near Porte de Versailles. Next to different classic car themes, the main focus of course lies on 100 years of Le Mans. In fact, Rétromobile could be considered the official start for the festivities, that will last at least until early July.

Famous brands

Rétromobile has not one but two expositions on Le Mans. The first one takes place in Pavilion 1 and zooms in on the brands and manufacturers that made a name for themselves at Le Mans. Think Renault-Alpine, think Matra, or DB Panhard. In Pavilion 2, the focus is on the technical breakthroughs the car world owes the Le Mans race. Fog lamps were tested as a concept at Le Mans. The famous French race saw turbocharged engines from 1974 on. The gas-turbined Hownet TX is present, and you can see a hydrogen-powered Mission H24 prototype that is destined for Le Mans in 2024.

Le Mans Classic

Both Peter Auto and Le Mans organiser ACO will have some news to share as well. Peter Auto promises a parade of ‘cars that left their mark on Le Mans’ during the Le Mans Classic. And Group C and Endurance Legends will get extra races at Le Mans Classic. With the Benjafield Le Mans Centenary Race, there even is a new race for pre-war cars in the program. Le Mans Classic takes place from June 29^th to July 2^nd. The Le Mans 24 Hours has already sold out, and tickets for Le Mans Classic are going fast.

Tickets to Rétromobile cost 19 euros online, 24 euros at the gate. More info here.