Every year, The Retromobile show kicks off the event season. Automobiles. Early February is an opportunity to gather in a warm setting, with a hot chocolate, around the most beautiful cars in the world displayed at Porte de Versailles.

This year marks the return of a normal edition after the pandemic. The comeback of foreign exhibitors is noticeable with majestic stands and incredible cars. Eyes light up at these beautiful curves. We find ourselves playing the game of counting the millions of euros in valuation of these monuments. Another world that quickly brings us back down to earth. This year, we are on the lookout for the affordable small French car.

French manufacturers at Retromobile

Our national manufacturers have come with their classic department. Renault invested the space with a very beautiful stand featuring two sides. On one side, it evokes retrofitting with the Concept R5 Turbo 3E which connects with a few transformed cars, including the unique Suite N°4 concept blending the 4L with modern architecture, a hot rod with a 1930s look, and this original Twingo lowrider. It's the perfect transition to move to the other side of the stand, which, for its 30th anniversary, retraced the history of the small Renault. The opportunity to see one of the very first pre-production models still in existence, a rare Lecoq version, and a desirable race prototype featuring the 2.0 naturally aspirated engine with 150 hp from the Clio Williams. The one that transported thousands of people with its interior space worthy of a higher segment and exceptional modularity might just be the gem of this show. One thing is certain, you shouldn't wait too long to acquire the most beautiful examples.

Discover our spare parts Renault

On the Side of Adventure Peugeot, The theme focused on the 400 series with the introduction of the new 408. It was the perfect opportunity to revisit a rare 401 Eclipse, which echoes the magnificent 403 convertibles and 404 coupes designed by Pininfarina. The 205, celebrating its 40th anniversary, was only present as a minor feature with just one model on display, one of the most interesting: a GTI Griffe (read 40 years Peugeot 205: The GenesisAt Citroën, besides the funny Concept car Citroën 2CV from the latest film byAsterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom, , The atmosphere is calm with an all-white stand showcasing different iconic models. The 2CV, Méhari, and Traction convertible were overshadowed by the astonishing OLI concept and the intriguing C10 concept. This latter prototype was intended to lead to a smaller and more modern car than the 2CV in the 1950s, featuring an aluminum teardrop-shaped body ensuring a reduced weight of 382 kg and an excellent drag coefficient of 0.258. It was even supposed to be equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, but it was too ahead of its time, and the executives preferred the AMI 6. A beautiful CX 25 Prestige Turbo 2 was taking place to make the connection with DS, which was showcasing an elegant DS21 Pallas to highlight the latest DS9. The centerpiece was the rare SM prototype used by Michelin to develop its tires. The idea behind this prototype was to develop tires capable of withstanding high power on the front axle. The SM was heavily prepared to develop nearly 300 hp and the tracks have been widened to accommodate different tire sizes. A beautiful piece, but we're straying in our quest!

Let's continue our research. Let's head to Pavilion 2 to discover the Artcurial sale. Our happiness might be there. Before getting there, we pass through a long corridor with an exhibition on van life. Some original pieces were displayed, such as this Estafette with its terrace and telescopic roof or this 2CV unlike any other. Behind this car, which could have come straight out of the Mad Max movie, is Jean Meyer, a former psychiatrist crazy about 2CVs and renowned for his transformations. Here, a 2CV 4x4 Voisin - which has the advantage of being less complex than a Sahara with its driveshaft - has been heavily modified to allow for travel around the world. It has seen it all, from Europe to Africa, including China. These journeys have dictated the improvements: water tank, sleeping area by extending the rear, dry toilets, doors cut out to allow air circulation, and even a wine cellar - he certainly doesn't lose his sense of direction! -.

The Artcurial auction

We shouldn't have gone to Artcurial; we almost ended up broke because of the few French marvels that were there. There were several Alpines to choose from, including two A110s and a GTA V6. We also came across a magnificent Peugeot205 T16 next to a very rare BX 4TC, but to save money, they preferred the less extreme versions with the BX 16S and the 205 Rallye. At Renault, it was possible to leave with small sports cars. It's up to you to choose between the R5 Turbo, the Super 5 GT Turbo Sorry, the text you provided seems to be incomplete or unclear. Could you please provide more context or clarify the text you want translated? R8 Gordini driven by Jean Ragnotti at the Historic Monte Carlo. For convertible enthusiasts, it was possible to bid on a beautiful Citroen DS Convertible or a very rare 4L Open AirRead the 4L: the popular car that gives you wingsRare cars that are no longer truly affordable, all that remains is to go to the section dedicated to low-cost sales.

The star is the 205, with some GTIs already sold out during our visit. It was possible to fall back on some 304 coupes or convertibles. Two little Citroën caught our eyes. The AX, which was the second Citroën the most produced in history after the 2CV, has practically disappeared from our roads. So what can be said about the rarer versions like this AX 4x4, ideal for going to eat raclette in the mountains, or this AX Sport with 95hp. Two collectors' items whose value is starting to skyrocket. Another rarity, a Poire! Many R14s ended up in the scrapyard due to rust, and today, according to the AAA-Data site, only 261 R14s are registered in France. A rarity in this condition! Another exotic car for our market, a Spanish R8 built by the joint enterprise. FASA-Renault.

Serious competitors for our gem of the show, just like the two Youngtimers present on the dedicated platform. A magnificent Clio Williams and a rare 306 S16 Le Mans limited to 400 units in tribute to the victories of the Peugeot 905 in Sarthe. Moreover, just a few meters away was one of those famous 905s, surrounded by a retrospective of French cars that won at Le Mans.

The Twingo celebrates its 30th anniversary.

This edition of Retromobile is coming to an end with its array of exceptional cars and French rarities, but if only one had to be chosen, it would surely be the Twingo for its revolutionary concept and its design that turned heads as it passed by during its launch, just like the sports cars from other stands… It definitely has its place in the world of collecting.