Rétromobile Is Coming to America!

Retromobile, the giant French automotive swap meet and tchotchke exchange held annually in Paris for almost 50 years, is coming to America in 2025.

To be called Rétromobile USA, the new show will complement the original Salon Rétromobile classic car and automobilia exhibition with what is promised to be a unique American twist. Exactly what that twist will be, and how it will be different from Hershey or any number of large swap meet-ish activities held regularly in the United States, was not spelled out in the announcement. Nor did it say where it would be held and exactly when.

But it’ll be cool, n’est pas?

“This new landmark exhibition will recreate the remarkable ambiance of the European event, with an American twist,” said organizers. “It, too, will feature a wide variety of vintage and rare collector cars from over a century of automotive history, demonstrating the historical and cultural significance of not just the beautiful machinery, but also the rich fabric of manufacturing, innovation and design—and how the automobile industry has influenced global culture and society.”

Previous Retromobiles in Paris have featured celebrations of road cars, race cars, automobilia, neon signs, camper vans, tanks, books, models, motorcycles and car parts, to name a few of its many draws. It is tres enorme, taking up several halls of the Palais des Expos, the same place that hosts the Paris Motor Show. There's something for everyone, even including representation by the French Mustang Club.

“Rétromobile has brought major automotive manufacturers together with classic car exhibitors, collector, sellers, auction houses, rally organizers, restorers, coachbuilders, components and automobilia vendors, star industry names and professionals, plus over 130,000 visitors across its five-day event. Each year, it shines a spotlight on selected manufacturers, racing achievements and automotive breakthroughs in homage to automotive heritage and legacy,” organizers said.

How exactly that will translate to an American audience remains to be seen. As does a potential location. Would Miami work? It has hosted F1 and the sometimes automotive-themed Art Basel. Perhaps New York, since the Big Apple can feature anything it dang well pleases and do it well. Los Angeles, perchance? Who knows?

“When you see the passion and enthusiasm that Rétromobile generates in Paris among European classic car enthusiasts, it’s evident that the same emotion and spirit also exists in the United States of America,” said Gérard Neveu, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Events, the entity chosen to be the exclusive partner for the American edition of the prestigious exhibition.

“Therefore, bringing Rétromobile to America is an obvious step, taking this fantastic show to the largest audience and the biggest market in the world for vintage and collector cars. And just like the annual event in Paris, Rétromobile USA will appeal to all kinds of exhibitors, collectors and visitors in a grand celebration of automotive design, craftsmanship and history.”

So let’s all just attend and see what they come up with, shall we?