FEBRUARY 12, 2007

While Paris looks backwards

This week sees the opening of the annual Retromobile show, the world's foremost classic car show, with much excitement planned including an exhibition of F1 fan Nick Mason's personal car collection, a celebration of 99 years on Peugeot in competition, plus a major auction hosted by Christie's. This was going to include the 1939 AutoUnion D-Type but this has been withdrawn for the time-being although collectors will still be able to bid for the 1951 Talbot Lago T26GS which Pierre Levegh singlehandedly drove 23 of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952, plus a record-breaking Amilcar from from 1928 and various other automotive gems.

Among the other exhibitors is the French Grand Prix, which will be busy trying to convince visitors that the modern age is just as exciting as yesteryear.

The exhibition runs from February 16 to 25 in the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre.