Get ready to rev your engines and test your automotive knowledge, because Retromobile 2026 is here, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever! But here’s where it gets controversial: is this truly the world’s best classic car meet, or just a high-end showcase for the elite? As the iconic French event celebrates its 50th anniversary, Top Gear challenges you to guess the legends hiding in plain sight. Published on January 30, 2026, this isn’t your average car show—it’s a time capsule of automotive history, blending the rusty relics of yesteryear with the gleaming hypercars of today.
Retromobile in Paris has long been hailed as the ultimate gathering for classic car enthusiasts. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about polished perfection. From rare spare parts for a 1960s Renault to multimillion-dollar hypercars, its true superpower lies in its jaw-dropping diversity. But as the event evolves, it’s shedding its auto-jumble roots. High-end dealers, auction houses, and manufacturers have moved in, transforming the vibe—for better or worse. Take Volkswagen’s 50th anniversary Golf GTI display, complete with a sneak peek at the electric ID Polo GTI, or Peugeot’s homage to the 205 GTI alongside its electric 208 GTI successor. The future is electric, but does it belong here?
Photography: Paul Horrell
Citroën stole the show with a lineup of groundbreaking concept cars, including the legendary 2CV prototype. BMW, meanwhile, showcased its Le Mans art cars—yes, the ones painted by icons like Andy Warhol, then raced for 24 hours. Talk about blending art and adrenaline! Surrounding these exhibits were ultra-specialist dealers, their tables overflowing with restoration treasures: lamps, speedometers, chrome accents, and even vintage manuals. Oh, and let’s not forget the model cars—the French really love their miniatures.
Here’s a bold statement: the cars I truly crave at Retromobile aren’t the supercars, but the everyday French hatchbacks of my youth. A Citroën BX or Renault Fuego? Now those are rarities. Wandering the hall of classic dealers with sub-€30,000 cars felt like discovering hidden gems. Sure, the premier-league stands with their McLaren F1 Longtails and Bugatti Centodiecis are impressive, but you can spot those at Goodwood or Blenheim. They’re almost… predictable.
Speaking of Bugattis, the star of this year’s show wasn’t a Type 35 or even the Centodieci. It was Ettore Bugatti’s 1927 Royale-turned-railcar. A sales flop as a car, it became a revolutionary train, faster and cleaner than steam engines of its time. How they got it into the exhibition hall remains a mystery, but the crowds were mesmerized. Controversial question: is this still a car show, or has it become something else entirely?
As you scroll through the final 10 photos, test your expertise—some are easy, others are head-scratchers. Comment below with your guesses and let’s debate: is Retromobile 2026 a celebration of automotive heritage, a showcase for the elite, or something in between? Your thoughts could spark the next great car debate!
