Retromobile 2024
The protectors of the inheritance
In a few weeks and more precisely from January 31 to February 4, 2024, Porte de Versailles will be held, Retromobile, the big meeting of old cars. Pure masterpieces will be presented, as every year, to an audience that continues to grow as the editions unfold. Should we see a still intense craze for the automobile despite the increasingly strong attacks to which it is subject in the name of ecology, or simply the expression of nostalgia for a glorious past? experienced by some, fantasized by others? A bit of both probably.
Still, this sector of activity is booming. It generates an entire ecosystem dedicated to the restoration of ever more beautiful, ever more spectacular wonders each year in the heart of the Porte de Versailles park, an emblematic place if ever there was one. Many SMEs and craftsmen come to exhibit their know-how which most often touches on the sublime. These bring to life absolute masterpieces of automobile history. They ensure maintenance and repairs, allowing their happy owners to enjoy them without worry.
This phenomenon can only fascinate as the know-how of these people is often exceptional. It also demonstrates that craftsmanship is not yet dead, far from it, and that there is no shortage of talent.
A natural partnership with the arts and crafts
This evolution towards beauty, the preservation of heritage and everything related to it has not escaped Comexposium at the helm of the show. In fact, the organizers have signed a partnership with INMA or the institute of crafts, in order to show French know-how in this very specific field. In collaboration with the vintage car federation (FFVE), these highly qualified professionals will be offered an area dedicated to certified companies EPV, acronym for entreprises du patrimoine vivant.
It is indeed necessary to know that many enthusiasts work on a daily basis to preserve motorized heritage on two or four wheels, throughout France, following the example of the Heritage Foundation, via its patronage with Motul which supports restoration projects in all regions of our beautiful country. This is how, since 2008, 75 vehicles have been saved thanks to this system. Also note the participation of Mobilians and some FFVE to safeguard this heritage via CQP (Professional Qualification Certificates). Around forty young people are thus trained among mechanics repairing old and historic vehicles or even sheet metal workers specializing in old and historic vehicles. This knowledge transmission program is essential for our automotive heritage to persist in the years to come. Obviously, all this is possible thanks to these few hundred French companies, labeled “Living Heritage Companies”.
The EPV label: a guarantee of quality
This label, managed by INMA, is awarded to French companies for a period of five years and distinguishes those which combine innovation and tradition. The latter actively preserve their know-how and master specific techniques that can only be transmitted in the workshop. In total, INMA lists nearly 1,500 companies, spread across eight different areas. One of them covers collector vehicles and brings together 86 companies in total across the territory.
This is how hall 1 of Porte de Versailles will welcome a new space dedicated to distinguished companies of the label EPV. Many of them have already confirmed their participation.
On the other hand, in order to better raise public awareness Hubert Haberbusch, vice-president of Professionals and Culture of the FFVE, Master of Art and Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters will also be present to testify and participate in some sessions of questions/answers with the public. The subject is also of the utmost importance for Romain Grabowski, director of the show: “The issues of training, preservation of know-how and safeguarding of vehicles are inseparable to pass on to future generations this incredible heritage of the 20th century that is the automobile. It’s a chance to have these EPV companies on French soil and our pride will be even greater to welcome them to the next Rétromobile show.” Luc Sénécal, president of the NMA concludes with these words “For more than 130 years, INMA has supported French know-how and the professionals who possess it. We are proud to share common values and to participate in the Salon Rétromobile, in order to make our exceptional know-how known and recognized. »
Tool showcase
It therefore goes without saying that all these virtuosos, these artists, these goldsmiths, handle the tools like no one else. In this very particular environment requiring such know-how, it takes on an essential dimension for the exercise of high precision professions. Manufacturers therefore offer very wide ranges adapted to each trade. It goes from the simplest to the most sophisticated. This therefore constitutes a formidable laboratory for brands which thus contribute to the extraordinary expertise of these professionals. There they find the best product testers in terms of research and development. Faced with the extraordinary challenges that those involved in the artistic professions must meet, tool manufacturers are supporting the movement, offering significant technological assistance and visibility to these companies and craftsmen, knowing that these players are terribly demanding in the face of the daily challenges that They have to face. It therefore goes without saying that the offer from specialist tool manufacturers, wherever they come from, must be up to par, and clearly it is. This increase in quality and efficiency allows these artisans and SMEs to carry out ever more successful restoration projects, as visitors to a 2024 edition which promises to be once again exceptional will be able to see.