Highlights of the 2020 Retromobile

Held for the 45th time this year, the annual Retromobile is the leading classic car fair in the world. Spread over three halls of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the event attracts exhibitors and vendors from around the globe. Among the special features of this year’s show were displays for Bertone show cars and a celebration of Alfa Romeo’s 110th anniversary. We strapped on our walking shoes to explore the 2020 Retromobile to capture all the stars, which we’ve gathered in this list of eleven highlights.

Nissan R390 GT1

Very lenient regulations prompted a brief run of purpose-built yet road-legal GT1 racers during the late 1990s. Among them was the Nissan R390, produced by TWR, featuring an engine derived from a Group C car. Although a road-legal example was produced, no R390 was ever sold to a private collector until recently, when one of the competition cars left the Nissan Museum. It made its first public appearance here, on the stand of the Ascott Collection.

Ferrari 412 T2

This Ferrari model is notable for its connection to Michael Schumacher, who joined Ferrari at the end of the 1995 season. The 412 T2, raced by Jean Alesi, was used by Schumacher only during testing. Interestingly, this is the only V-12 Grand Prix Ferrari driven by Schumacher during his career, symbolizing a pivotal moment for the Italian marque.

Porsche 935/81 ‘Moby Dick’

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the emergence of Group 5, characterized by extreme silhouette racers. Porsche’s 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’ exemplifies this, reaching a staggering 227 mph at Le Mans. This particular car, one of two built by Joest Racing, has been extensively restored and beautifully displayed at Retromobile.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300

An absolute treat to see, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 is a remarkable example of automotive engineering. Designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, this eight-cylinder machine dominated racing in the 1930s, winning prestigious events like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. Its blend of form and function underscores its status as one of the all-time great cars.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1, designed by Gordon Murray and powered by a high-revving BMW V-12, is still regarded by many as the ultimate supercar. While intended as a practical road car, it won Le Mans outright in 1995 with limited modifications. This year at Retromobile, the presence of four F1s, including the actual Le Mans winner, showcased its lasting legacy.

Tatra

The Tatra brand, known for its rear-engine luxury cars, was featured this year. Many examples of these quirky machines were on display, including the early Tatra 11, built between 1923 and 1927. Notably, it features a design where the engine acts as a stressed member of the chassis, illustrating innovative engineering for its time.

Bertone

Bertone remains one of the most iconic Italian carrozzeria. This year’s display included many legendary cars, including the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos. Despite wild designs, all but one of the cars on display are fully functioning, showcasing Bertone’s design prowess in automotive history.

Pegaso Z102B Saoutchik

The collaboration between Pegaso and Saoutchik resulted in exquisite elegance. The Z102B Saoutchik showcased at Retromobile is one of five built in this configuration, initially shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1954, and contains a fabulous twin-cam V-8 engine, exemplifying the artistry of automotive design.

Ferrari 330 P4

The Ferrari 330 P4 is notable for its rarity and stunning aesthetics. With just three built, the car’s history includes ownership by American collector Walter Medlin. The Drogo built bodywork provides an elegant silhouette that continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide.

Bugatti EB 110 SS

This Bugatti model was part of the brand’s revival during the 1990s. The quad-turbo EB 110 SS, known for its racing pedigree, was displayed alongside its competition counterparts at Retromobile. The showcase reflects Bugatti’s storied heritage in the automotive world.

Passion of a Lifetime

California-based auctioneer Gooding & Co. made its debut at Retromobile, showcasing vehicles for an upcoming sale. Among the stunning machines displayed were a pristine Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato and a Bugatti Type 59, which once belonged to King Leopold of Belgium, marking significant moments in automotive history.