All week French enthusiasts examined Reg Winstone’s newly discovered vintage streamliner. Designed and built by Jules Gérin in 1923, this rear-engined maverick saloon turned up in Ireland last year and, presented in its stripped skeleton state, it was another British-owned show star.
Art and models have always been a Rétromobile highlight, and talk of the miniatures was a remarkable one-off 1:18 hand built Porsche 908/80 Le Mans prototype. With body not yet completed, the stripped chassis dazzled with amazing detail made by Stephan Dufrene and Patrick Buvat that has taken four months.
A wealth of automobile ranged from replica Porsche 917 doors to a huge automotive themed spider. While outside in freezing temperatures hardy visitors could climb on to the largest engine ever built, a 330-litre 38 ton Duvant.
Such unforgettable attractions confirmed the Rétromobile team has reaffirmed the Paris event’s special appeal, but following 2012 will be a mighty challenge.
More pictures (Mick Walsh/James Mann), click on the lead photo to view all images in a slideshow
But is it art? We think so. Every 917 door is really and these certainly are
Porsche 917 helping to publicise the Le Mans Classic
Autojumble was busy with bargain hunters
Barnfind Chrysler Ghia was the talk of the Artcurial auction lots
Ex-Stuck BMW 700S, 16 valve 2-litre BMW-powered Brabham BT7 and 328-based F2 car.
This Bugatti T55 – on the Bugatti works stand – has a one-off cabrio body by Billeter
Ferrari California
1973 Citroën GS X2 with paintwork by artist Jean-Pierre Lihou
1927 Grand Prix Delage on Hall & Hall stand is the famous ex-Dick Seaman car
The astonishing 330-litre 38-ton Duvant engine, the world's largest
Recently discovered streamliner, built by Jules Gérin in 1923
Another view of the impressive Hall & Hall stand
Amazing Bugatti T59 chassis 1:43 model by Alain Bouissou
The 1938 Lancia Astura on Lukas Huni's stand was bodied by Boneschi and very original
Recently restored 1945 Maserati 1500 with Zagato ‘Panoramica’ coupé body
Hispano Suiza Xenia came from the US for the streamlined and deco special display
Pebble Beach-winning Voisin and Bugatti Atlantic travelled from the Mullin Museum
1908 Panhard racer on the Fiskens stand has been in the Walker family since 1972
French market poster for classic British movie The Fast Lady
Brilliant spider sculpture had an engine at its heart