Something remarkable is coming to New York City this November. For the very first time, one of the world’s most celebrated classic car events is crossing the Atlantic. Retromobile New York 2026 is set for November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. This is not just another car show. It is the American debut of a prestigious French institution that has been running for nearly 50 years.
Whether you are a lifelong collector, a weekend car enthusiast, or simply someone who loves beautiful machines, this four-day event promises to be one of the most exciting automotive gatherings ever held in the United States. Therefore, now is the time to start planning your visit.
The Story Behind the Show
Rétromobile was first held in Paris in 1976. Over five decades, it grew into one of the world’s most respected classic car exhibitions. For almost 50 years, the Paris show has brought major automotive manufacturers together with classic car exhibitors, collectors, sellers, auction houses, restorers, coachbuilders, and automobilia vendors, attracting over 120,000 visitors across its five-day run.
Now, that legacy is coming to America. The event is organized in partnership between duPont REGISTRY Group and Comexposium, one of the world’s leading event organizers. The goal is to bring the spirit and prestige of the Paris show to the largest collector car market in the world — with a distinctly American character.
Additionally, 2026 is a particularly significant year. The Paris edition will celebrate its 50th anniversary, while the New York show makes its historic debut. It is a milestone year on both sides of the Atlantic.
Event Dates, Venue and Location
Retromobile New York 2026 will take place from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Javits Center, located at 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
The Javits Center is a natural choice for an event of this scale. It is one of the largest convention centers in Manhattan, situated on Eleventh Avenue between 34th Street and 38th Street in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. It is the same venue that hosts the annual New York International Auto Show, making it well suited for large-scale automotive exhibitions.
The location is also highly accessible. Visitors can reach the Javits Center by subway, bus, or taxi from virtually any part of the city. For those traveling from out of town, Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal are both within walking distance, and numerous hotels are nearby.
Tickets: How to Get In and What to Expect
Buying tickets early is strongly recommended. Early-bird tickets are available with a 20% discount through the official website at retromobile.us. This makes attending significantly more affordable, especially for those planning to visit on multiple days.
One of the most appealing aspects of this event is its pricing philosophy. Tickets are priced at roughly a tenth of what most Monterey Car Week events cost. That is a remarkable value for a show of this caliber. It means serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike can attend without breaking the bank.
Tickets and collectible merchandise are available through the official store at retromobile.us. The organizers will announce the full ticketing structure, including VIP and premium access options, closer to the event date. In the meantime, buying your tickets early secures the best available price and guarantees your place at what is expected to be a highly attended inaugural edition.
Who Is Exhibiting at Retromobile New York 2026?
The exhibitor lineup is one of the most talked-about aspects of this show. Organizers have been announcing confirmed exhibitors in waves, and the momentum has been building steadily.
The team behind the event hopes to draw between 200 and 250 exhibitors, and over 80 percent of them will come from the United States. This is a deliberate choice. The show is designed to reflect American automotive culture, not simply replicate what happens in Paris.
The fourth wave of confirmed exhibitors includes Spyker, which brings 145 years of hand-built Dutch sports cars to the floor, with each vehicle requiring around 800 hours to assemble. Also confirmed are Lapland Ice Driving, The Hangar Group, boutique dealers Auto Source Group and Mouse Motors, and restoration specialist Newark Auto. Each brings something distinct, giving the show a range that goes well beyond the typical classic car display.
Beyond the cars themselves, the show features an auction partnership with Gooding Christie’s, one of the most respected names in collector car sales. The event’s launch was marked by the display of a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante — one of only 15 Atalante coupes ever produced — at Christie’s building at Rockefeller Plaza. This single vehicle gives a strong indication of the caliber of cars visitors can expect to see on the show floor.
Additionally, the renowned Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille has confirmed its partnership with the event. This pairing of fine horology with classic automobiles speaks to the show’s positioning as a luxury lifestyle experience, not just a car exhibition.
What to Expect Over Four Days
The show’s program is built around several core experiences that visitors can explore across the four days.
Curated Classic Car Exhibitions
Visitors will experience rare and historic automobiles from across a century of design and engineering, alongside curated exhibitions that explore the icons, innovators, and stories that shaped automotive culture. These displays go beyond simply parking beautiful cars in rows. They tell stories. Each vehicle is presented with context, history, and significance.
Live Restoration Workshops and Demonstrations
One of the most engaging features of the show will be its hands-on element. Restoration workshops and live demonstrations will show visitors the craft of preserving and restoring automotive legends. Watching skilled craftspeople work on rare machines is genuinely fascinating. These sessions are expected to draw large audiences throughout the event.
Prestigious Auction
The auction is a major draw for serious collectors. The event will feature a prestigious auction showcasing vehicles of exceptional rarity and provenance. Even if you are not bidding, watching a high-caliber classic car auction is an experience in itself. The tension, the history behind each lot, and the passion of the bidders make it compelling viewing.
The Automobilia Marketplace
Beyond the cars themselves, the show will host an exclusive marketplace for rare parts, automobilia, art, and literature. For collectors who hunt for original badges, period posters, scale models, and technical manuals, this section alone could take hours to explore. It is a treasure trove for anyone deeply passionate about automotive heritage.
Expert-Led Sessions and Themed Presentations
The full schedule will be released closer to the show. Visitors can expect exhibition openings, auction viewings, themed presentations, and guided sessions led by experts throughout the event. These sessions offer a deeper level of engagement for those who want to learn, not just look.
Complete Visitor Guide: Planning Your Trip
A few practical tips will help you make the most of your time at the show.
- Plan to spend more than one day if possible. Four days of content is a lot to absorb in a single visit.
- Arrive early each day to avoid crowds at the most popular exhibits and demonstrations.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The Javits Center is a vast space, and you will cover a lot of ground.
- Check the official website at retromobile.us regularly for schedule updates, session times, and any special access announcements.
- Book hotels in advance. November in Manhattan is a busy time, and rooms near the Javits Center fill up quickly.
- If attending the auction, register as a bidder in advance through Gooding Christie’s to ensure smooth participation on the day.
The show is also well suited to first-time visitors who have no prior experience with classic car events. The curated format and expert-led sessions make it easy to learn and engage, even if you are new to the world of collector automobiles. Therefore, do not be put off by the perception that these events are only for seasoned collectors.
Why This Show Matters for American Car Culture
The arrival of Rétromobile in New York is not just a business milestone. It signals something broader. America’s appetite for classic car culture has never been stronger. Events like Monterey Car Week, Amelia Island, and Pebble Beach draw passionate crowds every year. However, none of them have quite the same character as the Paris show — that blend of European rigor, curatorial depth, and open accessibility.
The New York edition will feature a wide variety of vintage and rare collector cars from over a century of automotive history. It will demonstrate the historical and cultural significance of not just the beautiful machinery but also the rich fabric of manufacturing, innovation, and design, and how the automobile industry has influenced global culture and society.
That is a powerful statement. And New York — with its global audience, world-class infrastructure, and passionate automotive community — is the perfect city to host it.
Conclusion
Retromobile New York 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant automotive events ever held in the United States. Running from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Javits Center in Manhattan, the show brings together historic vehicles, live restoration demonstrations, a world-class auction, an automobilia marketplace, and expert-led programming under one impressive roof. Tickets are affordably priced, early-bird discounts are available, and the exhibitor lineup is growing rapidly. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates great machines and great design, this is an event worth attending. Book your tickets early, plan your days wisely, and prepare to be inspired.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Retromobile New York 2026?
The event runs from November 19 to 22, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located at 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10001.
How do I buy tickets for Retromobile New York 2026?
Tickets are available through the official website at retromobile.us. Early-bird tickets are offered at a 20% discount, so purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.
Who is organizing Retromobile New York 2026?
duPont REGISTRY Group and Comexposium, the company behind the original Rétromobile Paris show, jointly organize the event. It is the first American edition of the long-running French classic car exhibition.
What kinds of exhibitors will be at the show?
The show expects between 200 and 250 exhibitors, with over 80 percent coming from the United States. Confirmed participants include classic car dealers, restoration specialists, luxury lifestyle brands, and an auction hosted by Gooding Christie’s.
Is Retromobile New York suitable for casual visitors, or is it only for collectors?
It is designed for everyone. The curated exhibitions, live demonstrations, and expert sessions make it accessible and engaging for first-time visitors. You do not need to be a collector or automotive expert to enjoy the show.
