MEETT Toulouse, France
September 6 – 8 2024
As in previous years, the Auto Moto Classic show in Toulouse brought together classic (and more recent) car enthusiasts in the “Pink City” at the beginning of September. Here’s a look back at the 2024 edition in words and, above all, pictures. This year, 2 iconic French brands were in the spotlight, with Facel Vega and Panhard.
Facel Vega
Facel Vega is one of the most prestigious French automotive brands of the post-war era, but its life was all too short. Virtually every model that ever existed was on display, in a variety of body styles, including coupés, cabriolet and limousine.
A dozen models, from the FV1 of 1955 to the Facel 6 of 1964, not forgetting the Facel II and III and the Facellia, represented the brand’s entire history. The imposing Excellence limousine, characterized by its antagonist opening doors, showed off its luxurious interior. Despite its short history and low production output, Facel Vega retains its aura and prestige with the public.
Panhard
In contrast, Panhard is one of the oldest French brands, with a much longer history stretching from the late 19th century to the 1960s. The Panhard exhibition was divided into 3 parts. The first section was devoted to pre-war models, with the doyenne being the 1897 MF2. After the Torpedos of the 1920s, the X77 Dynamique of 1937 showed off its spectacular lines in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme.
After the war, Panhard abandoned limousines in favor of popular sedans like the Dyna X, followed by the Z and then the PL17, which was later declined as a cabriolet, a rare model of which is on display. The exhibition is completed by the commercially successful 24CT coupé, and a DB Le Mans cabriolet based on the PL17.
Finally, a 3rd stand displayed models from other small manufacturers or coachbuilders derived from Panhard, such as René Bonnet, CD or Allemano. More surprisingly, a large wooden boat was associated with the Panhard exhibition. The Pilitat was built in Bordeaux in 1904 to an order from King Alphonse XIII of Spain and is believed to be the oldest known motorboat. Designed for cruiser racing, it is powered by a 4-liter Panhard et Levassor engine, assembled from 4 separate blocks.
Automobile Club du Midi
At the center of the show, the ACM (Automobile Club du Midi) had chosen the convertibles as the theme for its exhibition: Citroën Traction and DS and Facel Vega convertibles for France, Jaguar, MG and Austin Healy roadsters typical of England, a fine line-up of Alfa Romeo and Lancia, Porsche 356 and Mercedes (including a splendid 300 SL), not forgetting a monumental Cadillac, the choice was wide.
MG
Also celebrating its centenary, MG presented visitors with a fine collection of its small typically British roadsters from a 1933 Magna L1 to a 1966 MGB.
Clubs
As at any “classic” show, clubs were very much in evidence, testifying to the interest in classic cars. Citroën, represented by several clubs and associations, occupied a large space, exhibiting 2 CVs, Tractions, CXs (which celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024) and more. Citroracing, which preserves the brand’s sporting heritage, presented a CX Groupe 2 rally car.
The Matra clubs were grouped together on a stand, to present the different facets of the brand, from the René Bonnet Missile and Djet (which made the link with Matra’s beginnings in automobiles) to the Bagheera, via the 530.
There were also Alfa Romeo, Amilcar, Bugatti, Delage, Gordini, Hotchkiss, Salmson, Simca Bertone, Voisin and many others.
Dealers and specialists
Numerous dealers and specialists were also on hand, exhibiting Aston Martin V8s, Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 356 and 911, a number of American muscle cars, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebird… Visitors were also able to admire 2 replicas of legendary cars built for racing, a 917 Replica from Dayraut and a BMW 320i Gr.5 Turbo from Pelras Legend.
Animations
We were delighted to find 2 of the Auto Moto Classic Toulouse stands, with the military camp and the remote-controlled miniature machine yard, with several vehicles in action. As at any classic car show, enthusiasts could find stands selling spare parts and accessories, and several artists offering their works on the theme of the automobile.
To be complete without being exhaustive, let’s not forget the many 2-wheelers, from mopeds to dragsters, and more surprisingly, a reconstruction of the Blériot XI, the first plane to successfully cross the English Channel in 1909.
As every year, in the parking lot in front of the halls, there was a whole selection of cars, ranging from the 2CV to the Lamborghini!
American Day
Another now-classic event at the show was American Day, featuring US-style vehicles, customs, hot rods, trucks and models brought in by local enthusiasts and parked in a dedicated parking lot.
Conclusion
As you can see, the presentation was extensive, eclectic and of high quality, justifying the presence of the many visitors and confirming the success of the Auto Moto Classic Toulouse
The photos on this page belong to Automobile-Museums, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.