Retromobile 2019

May/June 2019 edition
Issue #5 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Tony Singer

A great display and selections of desirable vintage automobilia

Paris… February… winter… and wet! Why would any sane person choose that time to be there? Simple, actually… THE BEST indoor car show in the world. All the major European dealers/brokers, and many manufacturers show their “best stuff”. Virtually everything one sees at the “dealers” can be purchased; whereas the Factory displays are showing off their heritage cars and programs. This year over 132,000 people attended Retromobile!

The collectibles side of the market there, is getting a bit squeezed for space. But it remains as one of the finest sources of both new and vintage scale models, toys, varied posters, books & literature, signs, and assorted limited memorabilia. It is a unique and exceptional experience, and one that should be on your list to attend at least once!

Adding to this, three major auction houses conduct sales in conjunction with RetroMobile. Each with varied automobilia offerings, and the Artcurial sale takes place on site. All of that gives you even more reason to be there!  For your reference and planning, next year the dates are February 5-9. Hope to see you there!

TS

Photos shown are from our intrepid reporter Tony Singer, and two other lucky attendees; Brandes Elitch, and Jens Vogt.

Part of Artcurial’s preview display of a huge collection of 143 original race drivers helmets being auctioned. Prices realized went from a low of just under $2,000 for a few to about $62,000 for the most desirable. Most helmets sold for very substantial sums.

​Stephane Dufrene of Built Up Models with his huge scratch built model of a Maserati 250F.

Welcome to Retormobile!

One-off diorama of a French street.

1:20th scale Lotus 49B, scratch built by the late Gerald Wingrove.

1:18 scale limited edition models.

​Of course, there are books, and book signings at Retromobile!

One display wall of great hand built models. Just try to pick one…. we bet you can’t.

Voisin model-sculpture.

A fine selection of original owners manuals and brochures….Mercedes, Porsche, Bugatti and much more!

Artis/Sculptor Martin Heukeshoven’s latest amazing scratch built creation. This piece is about 36” long. He only makes 2 or 3 pieces per year, all derelict types of cars, and each one is unique. Be prepared to spend $25,000 to $30,000.

Wonderful 1:10th Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, very limited hand built model by ABC Brianza, Italy.

The Air Stream could probably also be had for the right price!