Rétromobile Launches New York Edition at Javits Center
The Paris-based classic car exhibition Rétromobile is expanding to the United States with its inaugural New York event. Scheduled for November 19-22 at the Javits Center, the show aims to make high-end automotive culture accessible to the general public, contrasting with exclusive events like Pebble Beach. The event will feature over 100 exhibitors, including major auction houses and brokers, with a focus on the emotional and artistic aspects of car collecting rather than just financial value.
Key points
- Rétromobile New York will take place from November 19-22 at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
- Gooding Christie's will host an auction during the event on November 20 and 21.
- General admission tickets are priced at $70, significantly lower than comparable exclusive events.
- The inaugural show will feature over 100 exhibitors, with a goal to reach 200 next year.
- Organizers emphasize accessibility, aiming to include cars with stories rather than just high-value assets.
Background
Rétromobile has been held in Paris since 1976, traditionally marking the start of the classic car season. The Paris event is known for its massive scale, featuring around 400 exhibitors and a wide variety of vehicles, from vintage models to modern hypercars. The expansion to New York is the first time the brand has expanded outside Europe, following a period where the U.S. was identified as the primary market for car collectors due to deep-rooted automotive culture.
How outlets are covering it
Jalopnik highlights the emotional and cultural aspects of the event, noting that U.S. collectors are more willing to display their vehicles compared to their French counterparts. The outlet emphasizes the accessibility of the event, with tickets at $70, compared to the $495-$650 range for Pebble Beach. duPont REGISTRY News confirms the participation of major brokers like Girardo & Co., indicating strong industry support for the new venue. Both sources agree that while the New York event will be smaller than its Paris counterpart, it is designed to grow and capture the passion of the local community.
Why it matters
The launch of Rétromobile New York signals a shift in the classic car market, aiming to democratize access to high-end automotive events. By lowering ticket prices and focusing on the narrative and beauty of cars rather than just their monetary value, the event seeks to broaden the audience for classic car culture. This expansion also reflects the growing influence of the U.S. as a global hub for automotive collectors and enthusiasts.
What to watch
Organizers plan to expand the event in subsequent years, with the goal of increasing the number of exhibitors to 200. Future iterations may include a flea market hall and more auction houses, such as Artcurial and Bring A Trailer, hosting sales during the event. The long-term vision is to establish Rétromobile New York as a major destination for automotive enthusiasts, combining the passion for cars with the cultural offerings of New York City.
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