by Thibault Perez
It is certainly a miracle. On January 31, 2021, some 700 classic cars crossed Paris. Despite the pandemic, restrictions, and the ambient fear many felt, the magic of vintage cars has still roared to life on a rainy morning. The site gave Parisians a brief distraction and a moment of joy as the parade made its way across the historic city.
The crossing of Paris, "Traversée de Paris" in French, brings together vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, light utility vehicles, buses, and even tractors to parade across the French capital. It is a highlight of the Parisian automotive calendar with historical and rare vehicles making rare appearances on the public streets. Twice a year, the streets of Paris come alive to the sound of classic cars for a crazy crossing from Vincennes, a city bordering the French capital, and back again to Vincennes.
Organizers of the Paris Crossing feared the event could be canceled by City Hall due to the ongoing Pandemic. Working with city officials, a compromise was reached which required special protocols be followed by all participants. This meant that the highly prized café-croissant traditionally handed out while leaving the Vincennes castle, former residence of French kings, could not be served. It was forbidden to park and leave vehicles on the forecourt of the Castle. The picnic at Place de la Nation was also canceled. During the crossing, a few stops were authorized, but it was mandatory to avoid large gatherings, and of course, everyone had to socially distance. In short, it was a crossing a little less triumphant than usual. but whatever, the spirit of the event was still there.
The drive started at 7:00 am on the Esplanade of the Château de Vincennes. This year, the twenty-kilometer route passed through several landmarks in the capital, including the Grand Palais, which hosted the famous Paris Auto Show from 1901 to 1961. The Grand Palais is where cars like the iconic DS 19 were unveiled for the first time. The first stop on the route took place at Place de la Concorde, where a few hundred masked Parisians gathered in the heart of the capital to admire some exceptional cars. Facel Vega, Triumph, Excalibur, Pontiac, Austin, Delahaye, Delage, Hotchkiss, Salmson, Sunbeam...so many beauties in one place.
There was also a Porsche 928, which has completed two trips around the world. In 2011 and 2016, Philippe Delaporte carried out two journeys of 24,000 km (Paris-Persépolis) and 16,300 km (Paris-Tokyo) at the wheel of the 928. Who said that the Porsche 928 was a GT intended only for German autobahns? This year we will have seen many other cars and motorized vehicles. Ferraris Daytona 365GTB/4, Ford Mustang, MG B, Alpine 110S... and even a charming Solex 5000.
It was nice to see that the automotive world and the public are still enthusiastic when it comes to classic cars. With all auto shows canceled and vintage car enthusiasts' clubs not allowed to meet the Traversée de Paris was a welcome chance for auto enthusiasts to stretch their legs. is now waiting for spring to be able to share the pleasure of vintage cars again.
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