C'est magnifique

You don't have to be French to understand the appeal of Rétromobile in Paris. CHARLIE MARTIN goes hunting for rare and exceptional voitures

- CHARLIE MARTIN

There's something fascinating about French cars - this intangible quality that's able to turn a humdrum machine into something rather compelling. It's tricky to pin down, but if one is to tap the source of that famed va-va-voom anywhere, it's surely Rétromobile. Held on the outskirts of Paris, down the road from Parc André Citroën, it's a huge classic car bash that attracts the backing of major retailers, owners' clubs and manufacturers. You will see a real variety of stuff here, from a humble Peugeot 205 to the new Porsche 911 GT3 – even an ex-Michael Schumacher Formula 1 car.

One of the big draws this year is Renault's stand, where its new electric streamliner – the Filante, is making its first public outing. It's meant to set a new record for EV efficiency, but there's more to it than rigorous engineering alone, for it's rather handsome to boot. "Everything is simpler, more sleek," Renault design boss Gilles Vidal explains, suggesting the one-off creation not only had to meet a lofty technical goal but also look good while doing it.

It's this ethos – the intersection of world-beating engineering and jaw-dropping design – that defines many of the French icons on show. Take the original Citroën DS as an example. Its famed hydropneumatic suspension played a big role in ensuring that it could challenge the likes of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury saloon market, but it was that unconventional design that captured hearts.