Citroën at Rétromobile 2026: A historic comeback with 7 concept cars and the ELO concept

The essential gathering for vintage car enthusiasts is preparing for a truly memorable edition. For the 50th anniversary of the Rétromobile Show, Citroën is making a grand return with an ambition that matches its heritage. On a majestic 512 sqm stand, the brand with the double chevrons is deploying a retrospective focused on innovation and stylistic disruption. The highlight of this exhibition is the presentation of seven concept cars that have shaped the creative history of the firm, including unique pieces and technological laboratories that foreshadowed today's mobility solutions.

A stand dedicated to audacity and the ELO concept

Citroën's return to the Porte de Versailles show floor demonstrates the brand's desire to reconnect with its loyal fans while reaching out to general readers. The exhibition space has been designed to illustrate more than a century of creativity, highlighting seven study vehicles that each trace the historical audacity of the French manufacturer. The star of the show is undoubtedly the ELO concept, making its first French public appearance. After gaining significant interest at the Brussels Motor Show, this modern mobility manifesto arrives in Paris to reveal its philosophy of modularity and conviviality.

The ELO concept does not travel alone; it is surrounded by jewels from the Citroën Conservatory, forming a direct link between the visionary past and the electric future. Among these treasures, visitors will be able to admire rare prototypes, including a unique piece that has left its mark on memories since its very first presentation. This staging makes it possible to understand how ideas born several decades ago continue to fuel the design and engineering of contemporary models.

From TPV to the future: seven iconic concepts on display

The selection of vehicles on the stand offers a fascinating journey through time. It all begins with the 1939 2 CV A, part of the TPV (Toute Petite Voiture) project. This exhibited model is one of the few survivors of the series of 250 units produced before the start of the Second World War, an example miraculously found in 1968 and subsequently restored. It embodies the genesis of automotive accessibility, a fundamental value found in the simplified architecture of the ELO concept.

Aerodynamics, a pillar of Citroën style, is represented by the 1956 C 10 concept. Nicknamed the "water drop" by its designers, this lightweight prototype inspired by aeronautics explored avant-garde technical paths for the time. Later, in 1980, the Karin concept struck minds with its pyramidal shape and central driving position. This stylistic exercise, a pioneer in terms of electronic interfaces, directly influenced the interior configuration of the ELO.

The technological aspect continues with the 1988 Activa 1, a rolling laboratory for electronically controlled hydraulic suspensions and head-up display. In 1994, it was the turn of the Xanae concept to reinvent the family space with its monovolume cabin and swivel seats, a modularity that Citroën is bringing back to the forefront today. Finally, the 2007 C-Cactus illustrates the beginnings of eco-responsible design, advocating for the essential and the use of recycled materials, an approach that finds its direct extension in the manufacturing of ELO.

The Traction Avant 15/6 Cabriolet: the red icon returns for the 50th anniversary

The history of Rétromobile is closely linked to that of Citroën, and more specifically to that of La Traction Universelle. For this 50th anniversary, the club is exhibiting an exceptional piece: the only Traction Avant 15-6 6-cylinder Cabriolet in red. This vehicle has immense symbolic value, as it was already present during the very first edition of the show in 1976. Its return in 2026 therefore celebrates a double jubilee: 50 years of the show and 50 years since its first encounter with the French public at Porte de Versailles.

It should be remembered that only three authentic 15-6 cabriolet prototypes exist in the world. The presence of this red example is a vibrant tribute to the brand's heritage. The Traction Universelle club, with nearly 3,000 vehicles, continues to keep the legend of the "Queen of the Road" alive. This collaboration between the Brand and collector clubs highlights the importance of historical transmission for Citroën, transforming the stand into a place of active memory.

A celebration of Citroën's DNA focused on the future

In conclusion, the 50 years of the Rétromobile Show constitute a national automotive celebration that Citroën could not ignore. The brand marks a masterful return here by exhibiting seven concept cars which, far from being mere museum objects, maintain a clear family link with current models. Stylistic audacity, the search for aerodynamics, and the optimization of interior space remain the keywords that prevail in the design of every new Citroën.

This exhibition demonstrates that innovation is a constant in the history of the double chevrons. Whether it is the simplicity of a 2 CV or the futuristic modularity of an ELO, the philosophy remains unchanged: to offer ingenious mobility solutions for everyone. We invite you to stay connected to discover the stand in detail through our upcoming exclusive reports on Passionnément Citroën.