One vehicle, one story : Discover the history of automobile

A rare piece of automotive history, with only 5 examples remaining of the 102 originally produced, this Mercedes Simplex 60HP won the Preservation Trophy for its excellent state of preservation during its presentation at Rétromobile 2024.

Automotive history:
Designed in 1903, the Mercedes Simplex 60HP stands out for both its technical innovations and its luxurious appearance. The most powerful vehicle of its time, it was acquired by English tycoon Alfred Harmsworth and passed down in his family for over 120 years.

The result of a crazy gamble by René Metge and the German manufacturer, the Porsche 959 has inspired several generations of enthusiasts.

History of the vehicle :

The Porsche 959, driven by René Metge, is a rally legend. Introduced in the 1980s, it features cutting-edge technologies such as all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo engine, making it one of the most advanced cars of its time.

There are those vehicles that become intertwined with the history of their owner. Ecurie Ecosse's famous transporter truck is certainly one of them.

History of the vehicle :

The Ecurie Ecosse transporter, designed to transport Ecurie Ecosse's racing cars, is a unique example of British ingenuity and elegance. The vehicle played a crucial role in the team's success in the 1950s and 1960s, transporting iconic racing cars such as the Jaguar D-Type to circuits across Europe.

The result of Enzo Ferrari's desire to offer a sportier, more competitive version of the Ferrari 250 GT, the vehicle is today considered one of the most accomplished ever produced by the Maranello firm.

History of the vehicle :

The Ferrari 250 GTO, produced between 1962 and 1964, is one of the world's most prestigious and sought-after cars. Designed for competition, it won numerous races and is famous for its exceptional design and performance.

Far from being unique, the history of the automobile is in fact a multitude of stories that unite enthusiasts and exceptional vehicles! Discover today the story of Bruno Coffinières and his 1952 Citroën Traction BL!

History of the vehicle :

Launched in 1934, the Citroën Traction BL is a pioneer of the French automobile industry and history. It is renowned for its monocoque chassis, front-wheel drive and hydraulic brakes, innovations that revolutionized car design.

Emblematic vehicle that belonged to Thierry Sabine, founder of the Dakar Rally, the Yamaha XT500 is on show at Rétromobile 2024! On the occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the Dakar Rally, Cyril Neveu, first winner of the race and current owner of the two-wheeler, looks back on the incredible history of this vehicle and pays a vibrant tribute to the father of this iconic race.

History of the vehicle

In 1977, while traversing the African tracks during the Abidjan-Nice rally, Thierry Sabine was forced to abandon his Yamaha XT500 after an accident. This XT500 was not found again until 1986, when it was spotted for the Paris Dakar, and given as a gift to Cyril Neveu, the first winner of the Dakar Rally with a similar model.

Successfully combining sportiness and elegance, the Bugatti Type 57S is considered by many to be one of the rarest models from the French brand. And with good reason, only three remain in the world today. One of these examples was showcased at Rétromobile 2024 on the Lükas Huni AG stand.

History of the vehicle

Designed by Jean Bugatti, the Bugatti Type 57S was first presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 1933. While the first two models produced were named “Aerolitas”, the death of Jean Mermoz prompted the manufacturer to rename subsequent models after the ocean where he met his fate: the Atlantic.

A steam-powered car, L'Obéissante has been a well-known attraction at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, in Paris, since 1934. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, this ancestor of modern cars left its showroom for a week to meet the visitors of Rétromobile 2023.

History of the vehicle

Invented by Amédée-Bollée Père in 1873, the Obéissante is in many respects considered the very first model of touring car ever designed. Named for its great maneuverability, it accomplished the feat of covering the 230 kilometers from Le Mans to Paris in “just” 18 hours, at a time when motorized cars were not yet seen on public roads.

A well-known manufacturer among British motorcycle enthusiasts, Triumph has left its mark on the world of motorcycles with its engines and sleek, elegant lines. The Bonneville range, named after the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where rider Johny Sallen reached 342km/h in 1956, is particularly appreciated by connoisseurs of all kinds.

History of the vehicle

The motorbike presented here is unique in that it was found in its original crate after 43 years. Roused from its long slumber, the model will be assembled and restored before being exhibited for the first time in its history at Rétromobile 2023.

While the adjective “work of art” has sometimes been overused in automotive history, the Morgan LMP2 can truly claim to be one! Imagined by artist Fernando Costa, the Art Car version of the legendary model designed by Morgan and Nissan even managed the feat of running in the 24H Le Mans before being exhibited at Rétromobile in 2023, just a few metres from its racing version.

History of the vehicle

Designed for the 90th anniversary of the 24H Le Mans, this Art Car is based on a classic LMP2, with the bodywork replaced by a sculpture combining numerous road signs. A second version, reproducing the work of art with stickers, will also be produced to enable the model to compete officially in motor racing.

One of the most emblematic cars of the pre-war era, the Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix is still the world's most successful sports car. With some 2,000 victories added on its prize list, it lifted the French manufacturer to the top of the motor racing world, even though this model was launched only 10 years after the Molsheim firm was founded.

History of the vehicle

Delivered new to Paris in 1926, the model presented by William I'Anson raced at the Spa Grand Prix in 1934, before heading to the far north. It passed for a time into the hands of a certain Bertil Gustaf Oscar Carl Eugen Bernadotte, Prince of Sweden, and took part in a number of ice racing competitions.

The only model produced in the world, the Bucciali TAV 12 of 1932 is considered by many enthusiasts to be a true work of automotive art. At Rétromobile 2023, Christian Huet (President of the Commission des automobiles anciennes) and Josselyne Bucciali (daughter of the brand's co-founder) revisited the history of this exceptional automobile.

History of the vehicle

Founded in 1922 by brothers Angelo and Paul-Albert Bucciali, the French automobile brand is characterized by its technical audacity and its outrageous engines for the time. The Bucciali TAV 12, the last model ever produced by the manufacturer, is perhaps the best example of this: a V12 engine, front-wheel drive transmission and a surprising bodywork that would later earn it the nickname “Flèche d'or”.

A jewel in France's automotive heritage, the Barquette Bouvot Caron was designed by Paul Bouvot in the 1950s. This unique model is presented by its owner François Allain, a family friend and Peugeot specialist, during the Rétromobile 2023 show.

History of the vehicle

On leaving the Dachau camp, Paul Bouvot designed a sports car prototype that was later financed by his friend Pierre Caron. Purchased by collector Michel Métais, the latter undertook to restore it, calling on the services of Paul Bouvot's grandson.