Du January 28 to February 1, 2026The French capital welcomes Rétromobile, the most prestigious international trade fair dedicated to classic cars and collector vehiclesor a Paris Expo Porte de VersaillesThis fiftieth edition marks a historic milestone for an event which, since 1976has continued to bring together enthusiasts, collectors, specialists and amateurs around the history and culture of automobiles.
The Rétromobile show is recognized as a ephemeral automobile art gallerytransforming the exhibition halls into a veritable journey through the technical and stylistic evolution of the automobile. A true European and global institution, it is considered one of the greatest events dedicated to classic vehicles, comparable to historic shows like the Techno Classica Germany.
At the head of Retromobile show since 2022, Romain Grabowski embodies a dynamic generation of automotive event leaders, where historical passion and a sense of innovation go hand in hand. Graduate ofESC Rennes Business SchoolHe built his professional career in the fields of marketing, communication, and event management, notably at Motul, where he spearheaded brand strategies and partnerships around major competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dakar or MotoGP before joining Comexposium to take charge of Rétromobile.
A tribute to automotive history and design
The 50th edition is part of both a heritage and cultural perspective. Over more than 73 m² of exhibition spaceNear 1 cars On display are rare and iconic models, as well as legendary prototypes that have shaped the automotive landscape from the 20th century to the present day. 620 exhibitors from all over the world.
Iconic historical models to discover at Rétromobile 2026
BMW Art Cars: a meeting between art and speed
To celebrate his 50 yearsRétromobile offers a unique exhibition of BMW Art Cars, bringing together the seven cars painted by renowned artists who participated in the 24 Hours of Le MansSymbolizing an approach where the bodywork becomes canvas, these models embody the dialogue between visual creativity and mechanical performance. This edition notably highlights the BMW Art Car Calder, a pioneering work created by the artist Alexander Calder in 1975, which left a lasting mark on the history of artistic automobiles.
Steve McQueen: a film legend and a road icon
One of the flagship exhibitions of Rétromobile 2026 is dedicated to Steve McQueen: Speed as a passion, an immersive retrospective celebrating the American actor and his deep connection to cars and motorcycles. Among the notable pieces are iconic vehicles from his cult films, such as the 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback presented in Bullitt or the 1961 Triumph TR6 from The Great Escape...as well as rare racing motorcycles restored to their original condition. This route highlights the cultural and aesthetic impact of these machines, which embody the spirit of the "King of Cool".
Bugatti railcar: a mechanical curiosity and industrial heritage
In homage to the genius ofEttore BugattiRétromobile is exhibiting a very rare model ofBugatti railcarAn exceptional railcar built in the 1930s and inspired by the engines of the legendary Bugatti Type 41 "Royale". Over 20 meters long and capable of reaching surprising speeds for its time, this railcar illustrates the technical audacity of the Molsheim engineers and the breadth of the Bugatti heritage, far beyond just sports cars.
DS presidential cars: French excellence and symbols of the state
Rétromobile 2026 also highlights French automotive history through an exhibition by DS Automobiles, which brings together for the first time four presidential cars Used by the French Presidency from Charles de Gaulle to Emmanuel Macron. On an immersive stand, these models — including some historic DS and SM models — are presented as exceptional pieces of national heritage, testifying to the social and institutional role of the automobile.
The golden age of rallies and other exceptional machines
Finally, the show features an exhibition dedicated to the golden age of rallyingThis book traces the evolution of racing cars from the 1960s to the 1990s, as well as other "mechanical oddities," illustrating the imagination of engineers and manufacturers across the decades. These sports models, often associated with achievements and collective passions, allow us to understand how automotive performance has interacted with popular emotion and technological progress.
Meetings, auctions and automotive culture
Rétromobile offers more than just an exhibition: it's a a meeting place for all players in the world of classic carsManufacturers, historical clubs, specialist dealers, restorers and artists are all participating in this celebration of vintage automobiles.
A highlight of the 2026 edition will be the official auction organized in partnership with Gooding & Christie'sThis marks the auction house's first European sale in Paris as part of Rétromobile. Collectors from around the world will have the opportunity to acquire exceptional cars, ranging from classic Ferraris and Bugattis to rare models that have made their mark on automotive history.
To enrich the experience, exclusive guided tours are offered, allowing visitors to explore the history of the exhibited models with passionate experts and to appreciate the collections from a historical and technical perspective.
A cultural and social crossroads
Beyond automobiles, Rétromobile is an integral part of Paris' cultural fabric, attracting an international audience interested in automotive history, design, and engineering. The show serves as a platform for transmitting mechanical heritage, an invitation to understand how manufacturers, engineers, and designers transformed conceptual ideas into real vehicles that defined their era.
It's also a meeting point for generations: from the oldest pre-war models to the icons of the 1970s and 1980s, each vehicle tells the story of an era, a technology, a style. Through their curves, their engines, and their lines, these vintage cars become historical works of art, bearing witness to industrial ingenuity and human passions.
Rétromobile remains more than just a show: it's a heritage and intellectual experience, an annual ritual for all those who see in the automobile much more than a means of transport, an art, a memory and a living heritage.
Patrick Koune
Practical information and visit :
The Rétromobile show takes place in the pavilions of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, accessible via metro (line 12 – Porte de Versailles), tramway (T2 and T3a) and several bus lines.
access dates and times to the public for the 2026 edition are as follows: Wednesday, January 28th to Sunday, February 1st, with a Preview screening reserved for professionals and VIPs from the evening of January 27th.
Photos: Rétromobile Show
