mario laguna
[dropcap] D [/ dropcap] On February 3 to 7, 2016, thousands of fans lined up in front of Pavilion No. 1 of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Park so as not to miss a minute and enter the room at ten o'clock period, time when the doors are opened that let in authentic human tides.
Fortunately, in its 41st edition, Rétromobile expanded its space available with the relative relief of the incorporation of the mezzanine of pavilion 2.2 and the glazed and elevated walkway at the Periférico, the ring road of Paris that registers the most intense traffic in the capital.
The walkway, which joins the two pavilions, was occupied by cars contributed by the Museum of the 24 hours of Le Mans, mostly participants in the famous endurance race and some of them victorious in the test. One of the interesting cars that the museum conserves without any winners in competition is the prototype of the Ferrari Dino 206GT of 1966.
The catwalk served as a prelude to two main attractions such as the collection of Julia de Baldanza, opening the way to the perspective of collecting from a female point of view and the large space occupied by the Arcurial auction house, which in this case did not auction scrap metal like last year but broke records like the Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti from 1957, frame 0674, awarded to a businessman from Ohio (US) for a whopping 32.000.000,00 million euros.
For more information on the lots and auction results, see the document this link.
There is discussion at the theoretical level on whether the 335 has broken a record in the world for a car awarded at public auction or not. The problem lies in the variable exchange rate between the euro and the dollar. The car is undoubtedly the most expensive paid in euros, but previously a Ferrari 250 GTO was awarded in the United States for 38 million dollars, which claims the title of most expensive in the world paid in dollars. The debate, as we said, is still theoretical for those of us who do not have such a deep pocket ("Deep pocket").
Galas protagonists
Renault, Citroën and Peugeot play at home and always make the most of the annual meeting with the many national and foreign followers of their history. The three brands occupy the largest central space in Rétromobile with always attractive themed exhibitions and vehicles from their respective museums.
This time we will highlight Renault, paying tribute to the Le Mans victories of his Alpine. The 65 M1966, for example, reached 268 km / h in a straight line thanks to a lightened weight of up to 669 kg. With an engine of only 1.296 cc in the 24 hours of Le Mans it ran at an average of 171,8 km / h. h with a consumption of 14,81 liters per 100 km, which earned him the title of "Liter of gasoline fastest in the world".
A piece of Spanish history
Of particular interest to Spanish fans was the Ferrari 512 yellow of the Montjuich team, The first Spanish team to lead the 24 1970 Hours of Le Mans, with José-María Juncadella and Nino Vaccarella. Unfortunately, the car had a breakdown when it was in the lead during the night, losing all chances of a good qualifying. The car is for sale. If there is someone who dares with that important piece of the history of our sports car racing that will prepare more than ten million euros.
The figures that are being considered are unfortunately already in those terms. The Californian specialist Tillack, in one of the most interesting and well-stocked positions, included a 250 Ferrari 1952 Sport Berlineta Vignale.
The car, with an important racing history, including victory in the 1952 Mille Milglia with Giovanni Bracco. The history has a price and the car was for sale for 14 million. It is not known if Tillack spoke in dollars or in euros, for many of us it is an unimportant detail.
Attention to the pioneers
Rétromobile It also dedicated a large section to the ancestors and motorized pioneers, without forgetting that steam preceded hydrocarbons, as was well remembered by one of the first steam stagecoaches, built by Amédée Bollée, Sr., in 1885. The automobile adventure did not begin the day before yesterday.
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Clubs always have a prominent role, due to their dynamism and enthusiasm. Among the most interesting we will highlight the post of the Maserati Club of France, whose center was occupied by a competition 300S, one of four manufactured in 1956 and always used by private teams.
Particular attention is paid to the presentations of future events, in which the organizers rival in elegance and attractive decoration, as of which the Chantilly Elegance Contest, which will celebrate its third edition next September. Announcing Chantilly among large bouquets of flowers, a Gordini type 32 of those made in 1955 and 1956 made its way.
Some coincidences
Without this implying that we admire replicas, reconstructions or imitations, for their rarity and first in Rétromobile we will mention one of the replicas that were made of the Pegasus Serra spider. If I remember correctly the first one that is exhibited in an international show of these characteristics. The exhibitor used the car to draw the attention of visitors to the Auto Retro show in Barcelona. We hope that in this way more foreigners will visit the national salons, which they lack for a greater development of their activities.
Among the curiosities, we will highlight a 1950's Panhard truck designed by Charbonneaux and built by bodybuilder ANTEM. The truck was used as an advertisement for Pathé - Marconi following the Tour de France for ten years. There will be no shortage of those who find him similar to him "Cod" of Pegaso.
We will not fail to mention that Rétromobile is an international benchmark for collectibles, miniatures, vintage car-related toys, scale models, classic clothing and accessories. Not forgetting its artists' village, an authentic neighborhood of the most prominent artists in their specialty, both painters and sculptors.
* Photo: Mario Laguna and Sergio Calleja
Note: The spelling of Rétromobile has changed over time according to the stylists on duty. From being written in one word, it has recently taken the form of two separate words Retro Mobile, usually in capital letters, as it is used in the organizer's magazines, posters, communications and publications. While a more stable formula is consolidated, the reader can choose the one they prefer the most. We have chosen writing in one word for speed and ease.
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