Important Ferraris Swamp Retromobile 2018 in Paris
Report From on-site by Arnaud Blanfuney
The Rétromobile car show, this year on February 7-11, 2018 at the Paris Expo, Porte De Versailles, Paris, France, always has been a favorite with car fans and collectors, attracting some 100,000 visitors who come to admire exceptional vintage and contemporary vehicles. In total, more than 550 exhibitors presented some 500 cars over a surface area of 46,000m², in three separate halls.
The opening day saw Paris draped in a layer of snow, but this did not prevent the visitors to come en masse into the Parc des Expositions in the southwest of the city. For this 43rd edition, the public could meet artists, constructors, clubs or federations, not forgetting dealers selling cars, spare parts and miniatures, restoration specialists and galleries selling automobile artwork.
Rétromobile also proposed three auctions, great manufacturers’ displays, some terrific homages like the one of French hero Jean-Pierre Wimille or the impressive Engelbert Möll Abarth collection, and the stands of the major European dealers.
Among them, Swiss Lukas Hüni displayed no fewer than ten 250 GT SWBs, including the unique Bertone-styled sharknose, c/n 3269 GT. Alongside was a 250 GT TdF, c/n 1035 GT and a 275 GTB, c/n 07579. Altogether the exhibit offered a splendid sight and was a highlight of the event.
Some cars were particularly interesting to see or to see again - Gallerie Aaldering showed for instance the 212 Export Vignale Berlinetta, c/n 0128 E, Axel Schuette displayed the 225 Sport Vignale Spyder, c/n 0218 ET, Egon Zweimuller puzzled the public with the 166 MM/53 Barchetta, c/n 0264 M rebodied by Fantuzzi in the end of the sixties, while ADP Automobile Departement showed the rare and never raced 512 BB/LM, c/n 44023.
Sport & Collection celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the 365 GTB/4, with the Gr4 model, c/n 16363, and a maroon street car, c/n 16973.
Last but not least, the always attractive Tradex stand, run by the cheerful Franco Meiners, had some interesting cars: the ex Wolfgang von Trips 250 GT PF Cabriolet S1, c/n 0735 GT, the sexy 250 GT LWB California, c/n 1503 GT and two single-seaters with the F1 91, c/n 127, and the 412 T1, c/n 154. Also worth noting was the original presence of a Peugeot 404 station wagon, ex-Scuderia Ferrari, which was used as an assistance car during the races, and was sold by the way on the spot.
Rétromobile is a major international event in Paris and is one of the best shows of the season devoted to classic cars. It offers everyone the opportunity to admire some great displays and rare models, and to meet new people and to catch up with old friends.
Images from Arnaud Blanfuney.
A full report, with more images, and most importantly, a complete list of Ferraris present, with chassis numbers, is in the April 1 issue of Cavallino, No. 224. Subscribe today.
