Early in the morning of January 13, 2019, 514 cars, 78 motorcycles, 22 tractors, 30 bicycles and four buses set off on a journey across Paris, the so-called "Traversée". There were actually a few more vehicles, as unregistered enthusiasts spontaneously turned up. In the end, it is estimated that around 1000 vehicles rattled through the French capital. The motto of this nineteenth edition, held in surprisingly mild January weather, was "Comics". Yes, you read that right, comics! Among others, a 2CV (Tintin), a Dauphine Berliet (Harry Dickson), a Morgan (Blake & Mortimer) and a Cadillac (Canardo) were represented.
The 30-kilometer journey led through a number of streets and squares that have been the setting for numerous comic stories. For example, the "Boulevard de Ménilmontant" could be seen in "Captain America" and the "Gare de l'Est" in Nestor Burma.
A few participants even dressed up as comic book characters and so you could actually meet Captain Haddock or Dupond & Dupond in Paris that day.
Colorful participants
The participating vehicles offered a nice cross-section of almost a century of motorization, so in addition to German and Italian models of the last century, you could also hear the roar of American V8 engines. Even several DeLoreans were represented - Marty McFly sends his regards! The oldest car at the Traversée was a "Mathis" from 1923, followed by a "Wonder Bike" from 1925 and a Norton motorcycle from 1937. The oldest tractor was not quite as old, but was still impressive at 1950.
As in the previous year, there were old buses that took passengers on this unusual journey, each filled to the last seat.
Unfortunately, the very exclusive models are few and far between, as the owners are afraid that the resulting traffic jam could overheat the engines and cause damage.
Known route
The course remained the same as it has been for years. The route included the Place de la Nation, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde and finally "Invalides". The crowds of tourists were particularly large at these places, as was their astonishment at the unusual traffic.
Around half past noon, some of the vehicles had already arrived back at the "Château de Vincennes esplanade" and could be admired by onlookers. The drivers not only showed off their cars, but also interacted with the spectators.
The tractors from Toulouse
Some of the tractors came all the way from Toulouse on the initiative of a young local farmer. He persuaded some of his colleagues to join him on a "Ride to Paris" and ride in the "parade". The farmer himself organized a fundraiser so that he could hire a truck and get the old tractors ready for the special trip. The "Vincennes en Anciennes" organization paid tribute to the group's efforts. According to them, actions like this reflect the purpose of such a parade, namely to give the rolling witnesses of history the attention they deserve.
Once again, the "Traversée de Paris" attracted many people from the classic car scene. Jacques d'Andréa, president of the organizing team, was delighted that the event was a complete success. The fact that some registered participants were unable to attend the event due to the yellow vest protests in the city cast a small shadow over the event. For them, however, there will be a new opportunity to chug through the "City of Love" in their classic car this summer. This will take place at the end of July.
The event can be warmly recommended to all lovers of old cars, as it literally brings history to life.
Something else about the organizer
Incidentally, "Vincennes en Anciennes", the organizer of the event, was the first French club to have cross-brand classic car members. Founded in 1998, the club now has over 1200 members with a total of 3000 vehicles. Members are offered an active club program, including monthly meetings at the "Château de Vincennes", as well as numerous legacy days, parades, exhibitions and other events throughout the year.
