Classic car shows can be addictive, especially when they involve Renault and Alpine. The annual Epoqu'auto at the Eurexpo in Lyon is a good example. Lots of nice cars, catching up with friends and a car park full of even more goodies. What a formula!
The annual Epoqu'auto classic car show in Lyon once again attracted a record 93,000 visitors. The formula of many stands with parts, models, documentation, tools, clothing, art, but also many clubs, many themes and show elements proves to be a hit every year. All seven halls of Eurexpo on the east side of the city will be the domain of classic car enthusiasts for three days.
A good formula does not need to be changed and Epoqu'auto proves this every year. In addition, the car park on the doorstep is a show in itself. Visitors arriving with a classic or special car can park there free of charge. On top of that, the showground is easily accessible. Even enthusiasts who come for two or all three days can enjoy themselves throughout.
On the official stand of The Originals Renault - La Collection, two themes were highlighted. Firstly, the 30th anniversary of the Twingo, which was on display in its four launch colours. Secondly, the prototype of a Twingo 1600, built at the time for a branded trophy. Three other first model Twingos introduced the second theme: Retrofit. In the meantime, type approval had been granted in France for the electric conversion of the Renault 4 and 5. The factory's history department is working with R-Fit, a company under the umbrella of Club Cassis. France has strict requirements for such a conversion, so each model has to be homologated individually. Four prototypes of an electric Twingo adorned the second side of the stand. This model is still awaiting homologation, but given the public interest, it will not be long before it is.
Renault also brought the 5 Turbo 3E, its electric racing car, with a second livery. Finally, Mute the Hot Rod project, the car built by the recently deceased François Chiron from a variety of existing parts. And this hot rod also has a little brother who never leaves its side.
The Lyon region has a historic link with lorries and buses, which is why the Marius Berliet Foundation is always present with some wonderful vehicles from its collection. As far as Renault is concerned, this year's collection includes an SC5 and an S45GT bus, as well as a special 1927 Renault MZ tractor. Because a tractor and trailer was such a new phenomenon in those years, Renault also had to build its own trailers. They simply didn't exist yet. This example was originally delivered to Portugal and spent its entire working life there.
It is almost impossible to name all the Renault and Alpine clubs. Each club had its own highlights. A Renault 6 Rodeo 4x4 Sinpar, in very good condition, stood out on the CAR Lyon stand. The Renault 15 and 17 attracted the attention of no less than two clubs. Following the dissolution of the Renault 12 Club in France, it is about time that this important model is integrated into these clubs.
The car park is an exhibition in itself, with a constantly changing line-up. And when the sun is shining outside, you can spend hours there by yourself. The range of Renaults is, as always, very varied, from a 4CV, Frégate and Colorale to a Clio V6 and the necessary Alpines, as well as several Renaults 4 in Trophy livery.
A SAVIEM E7 bus, in very good condition, has found a place on the lawn. The bus belongs to a company that hires out classic buses and trucks for events.
What became clear during this year’s show is that young people are increasingly interested in old cars. For example, we spoke to a 20-year-old Frenchman who had decorated a first-generation Twingo with as many body panel colours as possible. And judging by the content of the conversation, he had studied it well.