Rétromobile – 2005
To celebrate their 30th anniversary this year
Rétromobile moved to Hall 7 which was larger than previously and much improved
by the wider aisles and the general feeling of space. The early years had been fairly relaxed with traders showing
their wares rather like a car boot sale and the hungry enthusiasts trolling
through cardboard boxes in the hope of treasure, which there often was. Today it has all changed, the small junk
entrepreneurs have largely vanished and been replaced with serious businesses
with huge stocks of vintage car parts – often able to supply that one necessary
item you have been unable to locate – probably why the Americans are there in
their droves. The show is dominated by
many of the main car manufacturers whose Stands are a very professional affair
with Citroën again vying with Peugeot and Renault, and BMW with Mercedes.
Luckily they are no longer allowed to show modern cars. Model car exhibitors have increased to such
an extent that any serious collector cannot afford to miss the event.
It is impossible to walk around without meeting masses of
people you know clutching their newly purchased books, pictures, mascots and
goodies they have rescued from under a table.
Most of the better ‘Sale’ cars are snapped up during the first weekend
of the Show which lasts 10 days – some traders find that rather too long.
The only Aladdin’s Cave was provided by Jackie Iuri – very
refreshing – he probably did a roaring trade as people flocked to the
‘organised chaos’ which provided novel, interesting and fun items for sale, all
displayed with gay abandon.
The Show attracts 110,000
visitors over ten days – all now a bit clinical but still worth a visit. Where else would you see Robert Lebouder’s
flying Icarus car built in 1976 and
Michelin’s rapid 1959 laboratory Willeme truck with its 10 ft bonnet
covering a straight eight 18050cc engine developing 240 bhp?
PGP