RetroMobile celebrates two centuries of urban locomotion

RetroMobile celebrates two centuries of urban locomotion  and is the must-visit event of the year for those interested in the world of collectors’ vehicles and the history of locomotion.

Some 300 exhibitors, including specialists in classic cars, major manufacturers and European importers, will meet up 22-31 January 2010 for the 35th Retromobile show in the Porte de Versailles in Paris.

Highlights of 2010 will be the 200^th anniversary of Peugeot (1810-2010). Since 1891, over 50 million automobiles bearing the famous lion insignia have been marketed worldwide. The Citroën SM and GS famed initials, both celebrating their 40th anniversary, were the result of a successful venture between Citroën and Maserati. Mercedes-Benz will trace the history of their Mercedes Gullwing, which was in production in the 1950s and whose doors are shaped like a gull’s wing. Three cars, including the legendary Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, will be on show.

For its 35th anniversary, RetroMobile offers its visitors a dynamic presentation of microcars such as the Avolette, Bellas, Casalini, Isetta, Messerchmitt and Willam. And the first engine-driven omnibus was on show at the Paris Motor Show. Its chassis was supplied by the Brillé works and its engines by Schneider Motors. It was commissioned on 11 June 1906, on the first line from Montparnasse to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Fast, sturdy and comfortable, these buses put an end to animal drawn public transport.

Following last year’s success a big collector’s market  will be organized on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January. Run by private individuals and professionals, the stalls will offer thousands of items – spare parts, miniatures, automotive memorabilia, manuals and more – covering all makes and locomotion methods.

Also part of RetroMobile will be Bonhams’ auction, “Automobiles d Exception à Retromobile”, a sale of Exceptional Motor Cars and related Automobilia, which will take place on Saturday 23 January.