The united nations of classic car collecting comes to Paris next month
To mark World Motoring Heritage Year, vintage and modern classic cars from around the globe will be descending upon Paris, France this November for a five-day celebration of all things automotive.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) -- the group dedicated to preserving historic cars (itself marking its 50th anniversary in 2016) -- in association with UNESCO, has organized a series of events between November 16 and 20 covering all aspects of classic car ownership. It will include a symposium on the skills and training needed to ensure the next generation of mechanics can keep cars like the E-Type Jaguar on the road for another 50 years, plus showcases aimed at convincing new drivers to fall in love with older cars.
However, Paris Week, as the FIVA is calling it, will also see a huge parade of classic cars and motorbikes taking to the streets of Paris.
"We want to celebrate the pleasure of owning and driving historic vehicles, and the cultural importance of these vehicles to our global heritage, as well as addressing some of the challenges we face in a changing world," said Patrick Rollet, President of FIVA.
As part of World Motoring Heritage Year, FIVA has been attending some of the world's most renowned concours d'elegance events -- from Pebble Beach to Villa D'Este -- and presenting awards for historically significant cars that it believes have been expertly preserved.
The winners will be descending upon UNESCO's headquarters in Place de Fontenoy, where they will make up a free exhibition that will open to the public from November 14.
And the tour of Paris parade will be equally global. "We already have interest from enthusiasts in countries as diverse as India, Argentina, Lebanon, the USA and New Zealand, as well Cyprus, Slovakia, Holland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and many others. Some 27 countries from five continents have already confirmed, and we are hearing from more every week," said Rollet.
But when the Tour commences on November 20, Rollet wants as many people as possible to join the procession, whether they've received an official invitation or not. "We are hoping a great many people will bring their own historic cars, motorcycles and commercials -- or borrow them, or even rent them, to join this international celebration of World Motoring Heritage Year and the deep pleasure of owning, driving, or simply seeing vehicles from our shared history," he said.
