By Patrick Koune
From January 28 to February 1, 2026, the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center hosted a historic edition of Rétromobilemarked by its fiftieth anniversary. For five days, Paris established itself as the world capital of automotive culture, bringing together heritage, market, innovation and a new generation of collectors in a single movement.
Record attendance confirms global leadership
With 181 500 visitors, or a progression of 24% compared to 2025Rétromobile reached unprecedented attendance levels and consolidated its status as the world's leading show dedicated to classic cars. Held for the first time under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, this anniversary edition was also awarded by the FIA Heritage Cup, a distinction that recognizes its central role in the transmission of automotive heritage.
In parallel, the first edition ofUltimate Supercar Garage has attracted 63 450 visitorsimmediately demonstrating the relevance of this new positioning focused on hypercars, ultra-personalization and contemporary performance.
A scenography that blends art, industry, and collective memory
Among the major exhibitions, the first-ever gathering in France of BMW Art Cars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans This was a highlight, creating a direct dialogue between contemporary art and automotive engineering. The free exhibition of Alexander Calder's BMW at the Hôtel de la Marine prior to the show amplified the event's media visibility far beyond its traditional scope.
Another iconic piece, the Bugatti railcar from the Cité du Train, a true testament to French industrial ingenuity, fascinated the public with its rarity and immersive museum display. The retrospective dedicated to the golden age of rallying, enriched by the presence of legends like Ari Vatanen or Didier Auriol, reinforced the emotional and intergenerational dimension of the show.
A booming market: over 50 million euros in transactions
The partnership with Gooding Christie's marked a strategic turning point. For its first European sale at the fair, the auction house recorded over 50 million euros in sales with 80% of the lots soldThe world record for a Ferrari 288 GTO from 1984sold over 9,1 million, illustrates the strength and maturity of the high-end collector car market.
The builders at the heart of the story
Not less than 32 official manufacturers were present, confirming Rétromobile's role as a strategic image platform for brands. Citroën showcased its history from the 2CV to the ELO concept, Ducati launched its centenary celebrations, and major automotive names used the show as a space for direct interaction with collectors and top clients.
Paris, the world capital of a global automotive ecosystem
Beyond the figures, this edition demonstrated Rétromobile's ability to unite the entire value chain: cultural institutions, manufacturers, auction houses, artisans, collectors, and new technology players. The event is now entering a new phase with its export to New York in November 2026, a sign of its international influence and the power of its model.
A pivotal edition
Celebrating 50 years of history while launching a new format, integrating a major auction partner, and breaking attendance records presented a triple challenge. This challenge was successfully met, making the 2026 edition a true strategic turning point. More than just a trade show, Rétromobile has established itself as a cultural, economic, and experiential platform showcasing automotive passion.
