Get ready to rev your engines and test your automotive knowledge, because Retromobile 2026 is here, and it’s more than just a car show—it’s a time machine. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this really the world’s best classic car meet, or is it just a high-end marketplace for the elite? Let’s dive in and find out.
As the iconic French event celebrates its 50th anniversary, Top Gear has a challenge for you: can you identify the legendary vehicles hiding in plain sight? Published on January 30, 2026, this edition of Retromobile is a testament to its evolution from a humble auto-jumble to a glittering showcase of automotive history—and future.
Retromobile in Paris isn’t your typical glossy, track-focused event. Its true magic lies in its staggering diversity. Need spare parts for a rusty 1960s Renault? They’ve got you covered. Craving a glimpse of top-tier hypercars? Those are here too. But this year, as the show marks half a century, it’s clear that change is in the air. What was once a treasure trove for DIY restorers has now welcomed manufacturers, high-end dealers, and auction houses into the fold.
And this is the part most people miss: amidst the glitz, there’s a subtle shift toward electrification. Volkswagen, for instance, showcased a collection of Golf GTIs celebrating their 50th anniversary, alongside a camouflaged electric ID Polo GTI. Peugeot followed suit with a lineup of 205 GTIs—including the legendary T16 homologation car—as a nod to heritage while promoting the new electric 208 GTI. Coincidence? We think not.
Citroën stole the show with a stunning array of its most influential concept cars, including the prototype 2CV. BMW, meanwhile, displayed its entire collection of Le Mans art cars—yes, the ones painted by legends like Andy Warhol, then raced for 24 hours in the harshest conditions. Talk about blending art and endurance!
Beyond the manufacturer displays, the real charm lies in the ultra-specialist spares dealers. Tables overflow with restoration treasures: lamps, speedometers, trim pieces, hoses, fuel pumps, chrome accents, and even manuals. And let’s not forget the model cars—the French truly have a passion for their miniatures.
Here’s a bold statement: the cars I most want to see at Retromobile aren’t the supercars, but the everyday French hatchbacks of my youth. These once-ubiquitous vehicles are now rarer than the exotics of their era. The Citroën BX, for example, has an attrition rate nearing 100%, mirroring the survival rate of the Ferrari 288 GTO. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly automotive history can fade.
Wandering through the hall dedicated to classic dealers and their sub-€30,000 cars was pure joy. There, I found a BX and a CX, though sadly no GS. But a pair of Renault Fuegos and a 12 estate more than made up for it. There’s something guiltily satisfying about rediscovering these forgotten gems.
In contrast, the theatrically lit, meticulously polished displays of premier-league dealers felt almost routine. Don’t get me wrong—a McLaren F1 Longtail, Bugatti Centodieci, or a lineup of Ferrari hypercars from the 288 GTO to LaFerrari is always a sight to behold. But let’s be honest: you can see these at events like Goodwood FoS or Blenheim Salon Prive multiple times a year.
Now, for the real showstopper: the most jaw-dropping Bugatti at this year’s Retromobile wasn’t a Type 35, a Centodieci, or even a Veyron. It was the train. Yes, you read that right. After the 1927 Royale flopped in sales, Ettore Bugatti repurposed its 12.7-litre engines for a railcar. The result? A revolutionary vehicle that was faster, smoother, and cleaner than the steam engines of its time. The French national railway used these trains into the mid-1950s, and their influence on train design is still felt today. How they managed to crane it into the exhibition hall remains a mystery, but the crowds were mesmerized.
So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: as Retromobile evolves, is it losing its soul to commercialization, or is it simply adapting to the future of automotive culture? Let us know in the comments—and while you’re at it, see if you can identify the cars in the final 10 photos. Some are easy, others are downright tricky. Your status as a car enthusiast depends on it!
