Retromobile 2025

February 14, 2025 Tim Havermans Retromobile

The 49th edition of the Rétromobile show took place from February 5 to 9, 2025, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, attracting over 146,000 visitors. This annual event has long been a cornerstone for classic car enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and automotive excellence.

The Porsches at Retromobile

You never know what to expect at a classic car show. There can be gems, or it can be a complete disaster. But that last statement has never been the case at the Paris Retromobile. On the contrary. During our 2 day visit, we found some amazing Porsches, cars that we’d love to see back on track or in a private collection or museum. We won’t bring the dozens of early street Porsche 911s under your attention, nor will we tell the era of the Porsche 356 seems to be gone by, as we didn’t notice that much of them. But isn’t it always a joy to see the cars that drew the attention on the race-track decades ago, back in an immaculate condition.

We’re talking here about the Porsche 908, offered by the Luxemburg dealer Art and Revs. Fiskens had a 1970 Porsche 911 ST, brought back in a pristine condition by Prill Porsche Classics Restoration. This actual car competed in the 1971 Le Mans and Spa 1000 Kms with Jacky Dechaumel and JC Parot. Messina Classics showed a 1969 Porsche 917 (chassis unknown, which always makes me a bit suspicous) and 2 cars of the former Almeras Racing Teams (1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 and 1973 Porsche 911 SC Group 4)

But telling you only about the Porsches at the Paris Retromobile would definitely do the show unjustice. Honestly, there is so much more to see and reading on the article and enjoying the slideshow at the bottom of this page proves that.

A Tribute to the Citroën DS: Celebrating 70 Years

One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s Rétromobile was the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Citroën DS. Unveiled in 1955, the DS revolutionized automotive design with its aerodynamic body and advanced technology. To commemorate this milestone, the show featured a dedicated exhibition titled “DS, a work of art for 70 years,” showcasing over a dozen emblematic models. Among the notable displays was the iconic DS Balloon, a promotional piece from 1959 symbolizing the car’s extraordinary comfort.

Diverse Exhibitions: From Half-Tracks to Art Installations

Beyond individual brand showcases, Rétromobile 2025 offered a plethora of diverse exhibitions. A notable display featured a collection of Citroën Kegresse half-track vehicles, commemorating the centenary of Citroën’s “La Croisière Noire” expedition through Central Africa. This tribute highlighted the brand’s adventurous spirit and engineering prowess.

Auctions and Market Insights

Rétromobile has long been a hub for prestigious auctions, and 2025 was no exception. Artcurial, the event’s official partner, hosted a series of auctions from February 7 to 9, featuring a range of vintage vehicles. These auctions not only provided enthusiasts with the opportunity to acquire rare automobiles but also offered insights into current market trends and valuations. Next to the Artcurial, the days before the Retromobile Show, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti sold for a staggering €34.880.000 at RM Sotheby’s

A Gathering of Enthusiasts and Professionals

Spanning 73,000 square meters and hosting nearly 620 exhibitors with over 1,000 vehicles, Rétromobile 2025 was a testament to the enduring passion for classic cars. The event served as a meeting point for manufacturers, clubs, associations, car and parts dealers, and enthusiasts from around the world. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a vast array of vehicles, from meticulously restored classics to rare prototypes, and to engage with experts in the field.

In conclusion, Rétromobile 2025 not only celebrated the rich history of the automobile but also highlighted the industry’s ongoing evolution. With its diverse exhibitions, significant anniversaries, and a strong sense of community, the event reinforced its status as a must-attend gathering for anyone passionate about the world of classic cars.

For a visual recap of the event, you might find this gallery insightful