Rare cars and unique automotive lifestyles in Europe
February 3, 2025
You do not want to miss these cars at Rétromobile 2025
The 2025 Rétromobile show in Paris promises several notable attractions and events. The show will feature a special exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Citroën DS, including 11 classic models and a new edition of the DS Balloons sculpture. Additional highlights include showcases of the Delahaye brand, Adolphe Kégresse’s off-road vehicles, and French Formula 1 racing cars from 1960 onwards.
Touring Superleggera will present a restored Maserati 3500 GT and a new azure blue Veloce12. The Peninsula Classics “Best of the Best Award” will pit nine prestigious finalists against each other, including an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider and a Bugatti Type 59 Sports.
Two major auctions will take place during the event. RM Sotheby’s will auction 111 vehicles, featuring a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM estimated at €25 million and a 2022 Bugatti Centodieci. Bonhams’ “Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris” auction at the Grand Palais Historique will offer two significant Ferrari race cars - a Tipo 555 and a 166 - each estimated between four to six million euros. These auctions are expected to indicate broader trends in the collector car market for the coming year.
Not A 911
The Porsche 968 represents an alternative path to Porsche passion, offering a unique blend of performance and practicality that sets it apart from the iconic 911. For enthusiast Patrick, the 968’s transaxle design, six-speed gearbox, and balanced handling make it the perfect choice for both spirited drives and daily use.
Patrick has transformed his appreciation for the 968 into a comprehensive lifestyle, maintaining a workshop dedicated to transaxle Porsche parts and customization. His story, captured in ‘Not a 911,’ demonstrates how the 968 carves its own distinct identity within the Porsche lineage without trying to compete with its rear-engined sibling.
The 968 has fostered a dedicated community of enthusiasts who appreciate its unique characteristics, proving that Porsche’s legacy extends well beyond its most famous model.
City Surfer
Two-time Olympic snowboarder Christophe Schmidt, co-founder of Banzai Skateboards, has found a unique surf spot at Munich’s Eisbach Wave, a river wave in the city center. The wave presents an unusual challenge, with stationary surfers adapting to moving water beneath them.
Schmidt began his professional career early, competing in World Cups at age 15-16 while still in school. After graduating, he spent a decade splitting his time between competitions and snowboard films during an era when snowboard movies held as much prestige as competitions.
Starting both skateboarding and snowboarding at age 11, Schmidt later added surfing to his repertoire. His success in snowboarding enabled him to pursue his passion for classic Porsches, beginning with a 1971 911S Targa in conda green purchased at age 20. Years later, he acquired a 356 from a local owner who initially resisted selling due to sentimental attachment to the vehicle.
Now, Schmidt regularly drives his 356 to work and to surf sessions, appreciating the car’s simplicity and reliability. He’s integrated these various passions - surfing, classic cars, and board sports - into his daily life in Munich, especially during summer months when he can easily transport his surfboard to the river in his vintage Porsche.