Rétromobile 2026 – Rally legends to admire

In 2026, the Parisian salon summons the legends of rally global. More specifically, the icons of the first two decades of the World Rally Championship (Group 4, Group B, beginnings of Group A between 1973 and 1990), but also the famous cars of the international rallies of the 1960s.

Conceived in collaboration with the Gino Macaluso Foundation, this retrospective brings together a rare selection of cars that have become legendary. Among them: the Lancia Stratos (1976), the Audi Quattro (1981), the Renault R5 Turbo (1981), the Peugeot The 205 Turbo 16 (1986) developed under the direction of Jean Todt, the Ford Cortina Lotus (1966), or even the Toyota Celica GT-4 ST165 (1990). Each model embodies a turning point in rally history: the professionalization of the discipline in the 60s, the birth of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1973, the Italian domination led by Lancia and Fiat in the mid- to late 70s, the technological revolution initiated by Audi in the early 1980s with all-wheel drive, or the meteoric rise, sometimes tragic, of Group B between 1982 and 1986.

In Pavilion 7.2, visitors can get up close to some fifteen iconic rally cars. Through these models, the exhibition retraces three decades of major innovations: the arrival of the turbocharger, all-wheel drive, weight reduction, and the evolution of regulations, from Group A to Group B. This selection illustrates rallying's transformation from a still largely artisanal discipline to a true laboratory of innovation.

The Live Stage: meetings with the rally participants.

At the heart of the exhibition, Rétromobile A live stage will be set up throughout the event, hosting rally legends and hosted by Jean-Louis Moncet. Confirmed speakers include François Chatriot, Bruno Saby, Dany Snobeck, Didier Auriol, and Ari Vatanen, along with other drivers, co-drivers, mechanics, and photographers. They will all share their stories, memories, and racing anecdotes, offering visitors a rare opportunity to hear from those who experienced the golden age of rallying firsthand. This direct, engaging, and accessible encounter is conceived as a highlight of this 50th edition.

ALSO READ > Rétromobile: Half a century of passion celebrated in grand style