“Historic vehicles are a part of global culture, shared across continents, generations and societies’
Alberto Scuro, President of FIVA
FIVA was proud to be present once again at the Rétromobile Exhibition in Paris from the dates of January 27 to February 1, 2026. This year’s edition was truly unique as it not only celebrated the 50th edition of the exhibition, but was attended by a record breaking 181,500 visitors. FIVA was truly honored to join the organizers in celebrating both this wonderful success and half century milestone.
FIVA’s presence was structured around a number of events at its booth, serving to create awareness of the goals, mission and activities of FIVA. This outlook and approach can be reflected with the opening of the FIVA stand on January 27, 2026.
On this first day, which was reserved by the exhibition for the press and institutional guests, FIVA unveiled a 1936 Mercedes Benz 540 K Cabriolet B which had originally been sold to the Maharaja of Jawhar, Yashwantrao Martandrao Mukne. This truly outstanding automobile made its European debut at the FIVA stand in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of its production. The presence of this truly outstanding automobile was complemented by the display of a rare 1952 Vespa ACMA, namely a Vespa manufactured under license in France by Ateliers de Construction de Motorcycles et Accessoires (ACMA) in Fourchambault (Nevre). The Vespa, among the very first units sold in France and still bearing its original registration numbers, was put on display in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the production of this famed scooter.
The combination of the display of two extremely diverse vehicles, namely the Mercedes which reflects the technical and aesthetic excellence of its time, and, on the other hand, the Vespa which embodies a global symbol of mass mobility are both reflective of, and serve as a microcosm of FIVA’s mission of protecting and preserving the broad cross sector of historic vehicles. Each of these two very unique vehicles, have, in their own way, not only left their impact on motoring heritage, but on society as a whole.
For the opening of the booth, FIVA President Alberto Scuro touched upon a number of areas pertaining to FIVA’s mission statement, with particular emphasis upon the truly global reach of FIVA, as exemplified by the presence of the Vespa and the Mercedes. President Scuro stated[rs4] that “historic vehicles are a part of global culture, shared across continents, generations and societies’. With 117 member organizations in 82 countries, the display of a Mercedes that has spent its life in India and an Italian Vespa manufactured in France at the FIVA booth serve as a testament to the truly global reach of FIVA.
For the opening of the booth and the unveiling of the Mercedes and Vespa, FIVA was very honored to have a number of very special guests on hand. In particular, FIVA was especially honored by the presence of Mr. Marcus Breitschwerdt – CEO, Mercedes-Benz Heritage who, together with his colleague, Peter Becker – Communication Manager, were on hand to provide a few kind words about FIVA at the unveiling of the Mercedes 540K.
To see the opening ceremony of the FIVA booth kindly click the link below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUFvb12DEpd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
FIVA wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Mr. Jean-Luc Mainier – owner of the 1952 Vespa ACMA and Mr. Brijesh Chinai owner of the Mercedes 540 K Cabriolet B.