A Roaring Start of 2026 from Paris to St. Moritz with Record Auctions and Ice Racing

2026 has kicked off in full force, setting the tone for twelve months of glamour, adrenaline, and automotive excellence. Between Paris, Zell am See, and St. Moritz, the classic car event calendar has already delivered record-breaking auctions, daring ice-track races, and concours elegance on frozen lakes.

Paris Rétromobile began with both novelty and history-making achievement. At the Carrousel du Louvre, RM Sotheby’s reached the highest turnover ever recorded in Europe. A milestone that confirmed the classic car world is more vibrant than ever. Visitors were not only spectators — they could experience the thrill themselves thanks to the Roarington simulator, showcasing the celebrated Sportiva Simulator, designed by Pininfarina.

The RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris set the highest turnover ever achieved in Europe, proving that the classic car world is evolving and more vibrant than ever.

The 50th edition of Rétromobile raised the bar further, attracting exhibitors, manufacturers, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the globe. Roarington and its partners played a leading role. Mercedes-Benz Heritage unveiled the special edition 300 SL “417 Legacy Edition” Simulator, produced in a strictly limited series of seven numbered examples. Guests could drive virtually along the Mille Miglia, tackling a true-to-life special stage. Among Roarington’s partners, the MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile di Torino stood out, displaying the iconic Lancia D24 from its collection at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca stand, strengthening the dialogue between Italy’s automotive heritage and an international audience.

Roarington and its partners took centre stage at Rétromobile 2026 with iconic cars and unique experiences.

From Paris the journey continued to Austria for a healthy dose of adrenaline: the FAT Ice Race has deep roots in European winter motorsport, having been founded in 1952 in memory of Ferdinand Porsche. Few rules, plenty of daring, and cars unleashed on a circuit shaped by weather conditions. Today, the FAT Ice Race - revived by Ferdi Porsche Jr. (great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, founder of Porsche AG) together with Vinzenz Greger - combines competition and spectacle in a unique format. Cars of every era and type, from historic classics to modern high-performance models, face off in challenges made even more spectacular and distinctive by the ice.

The FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, founded in 1952 and recently revived, is an unmissable event to see extraordinary cars racing across the ice.

Finally, taking place at the same time, The I.C.E. 2026 in St. Moritz - the International Concours of Elegance that transforms the frozen lake of the Engadin into a breathtaking natural stage. Here, the format is different: a Concours d’Elegance featuring over fifty truly exceptional cars, combined with on-track demonstrations on the ice, in an atmosphere suspended between nature and automotive culture.

Remarkably, for the first time in the world, a magnificent Porsche 917 - a Le Mans-winning car - was seen circulating confidently even on ice. The international jury awarded legendary models such as the 1976 Lancia Stratos, the 1949 Maserati 4CLT, the 1993 Jaguar XJ220 and the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza, while the prestigious Best in Show trophy went to the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’.

As the saying goes, “a good day can be judged by the morning.” If that is true, then the roaring start of 2026 promises a year in which boredom will have no place — only passion, spectacle, and unforgettable automotive moments.

The glamour of the Concours d’Elegance The I.C.E. in St. Moritz. Winner of the Best in Show award: the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS ‘Teardrop’, part of The Pearl Collection of Fritz Burkard.