Automedon 2016: the must-visit auto & motorbike show of the month

Automedon 2016 is back for its 16th edition, bringing together enthusiasts and specialists of classic cars and vintage motorcycles for a full weekend at Parc des Expositions Paris Le Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis, Paris), on October 8–9, 2016. If your idea of travel starts with a machine—its sound, its lines, its history—this is the kind of show that feels like a roadtrip in one building: workshops, rare parts, restoration know-how, and thousands of stories told hood-open or helmet-in-hand.

Meet the automotive pros (and the people who really keep the classics alive)

Every year, Automedon gathers around 350 exhibitors—clubs, companies, and private sellers—and welcomes roughly 17,000 visitors. What you’ll find on site is less “museum tour” and more “hands-on ecosystem”:

• Books, archives, and documentation on car and motorbike heritage
• Contacts for craftsmen and specialists (bodywork, upholstery, chrome, machining)
• Collectors and dealers, plus stalls for parts, miniatures, and reissues
• Plenty of practical advice if you’re starting a collection—or restoring your first project

Why it matters: for anyone planning long-distance travel in a classic vehicle, reliability is rarely about a single “big fix”. It’s about learning the network: who sources the right part, who knows the weak points of a model, who can rebuild a carb properly, who still understands pre-1970 electrics. A show like Automedon can save you months of guesswork.

Plan the visit: the show runs 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on both days at Parc des Expositions Paris Le Bourget. Entry is free for children under 12. If you’re coming with a specific shopping list (parts, manuals), arriving early is the simplest way to beat the crowds and have real time with exhibitors.

The best of vintage vehicles: fascination, nostalgia—and real inspiration for riders

Automedon is also a large-scale showcase: around 3,000 collector vehicles, spanning brands, countries of origin, and eras. It’s the kind of walk that jumps decades in a few steps—popular models, unusual versions, and genuinely rare finds. You might come to see the legends you grew up with, then stay for the obscure gems you didn’t know existed.

On the list of instantly recognizable French icons, the show promises the pleasure of seeing models like the 2CV, the Charleston, the Dyane and variations such as Dolly—vehicles that still define a certain idea of lightness and freedom on the road.

For American-car fans: expect close-up access to a few muscle cars and those unmistakable Dodge silhouettes—big presence, long hoods, and a mechanical honesty that’s hard to fake.

For two-wheel devotees: a dedicated selection of pre-1975 motorcycles is also displayed outside, with machines known for performance, handling, or standout design. And yes—the Made in Italy vibe is strong: from Vespa to Guzzi, with Lambretta, Ducati, and plenty more in between.

Roadtrip-minded detail: if you’re evaluating a vintage bike for travel, don’t just admire the aesthetics—ask about parts availability, ignition upgrades, and how the model behaves after a full day of real riding. A “beautiful” classic becomes a roadtrip machine when it starts every morning and stays stable in crosswinds.

2016 theme highlight: “Rallye Monte-Carlo”

This 16th edition puts the spotlight on the “Rallye Monte-Carlo” theme, with a parade of models that have already won the famous event. Among the names mentioned: Hotchkiss 686 GS (1939), Hotchkiss AM2 (1932), Turcat Mery (1911). Even if you’re not a rally historian, it’s a rare chance to see how endurance, innovation, and sheer audacity looked on four wheels more than a century ago.

Mini-guide: how to get the most out of a single day at Automedon

• Give yourself real time: plan 4 to 6 hours if you want more than a quick walk-through—especially if you intend to talk to restorers or compare parts.
• Bring the right “shopping kit”: photos of your vehicle, reference numbers, measurements, and a small notebook. Parts hunting is faster when you can show exactly what you need.
• Think like a traveler, not just a collector: ask exhibitors about known failure points, fuel compatibility, and what they’d change for long-distance reliability.
• Planet Ride pro tip (fatigue management): even at a show, decision fatigue is real. Do one full lap first to map the stands, then come back for purchases and deeper conversations. You’ll avoid impulse buys and leave with better contacts.

Official website: Automedon

Video from the previous edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HcEFqh3xMk&feature=youtu.be

À savoir aujourd’hui

These details reflect the 2016 edition (dates, theme, and on-site format). The spirit remains: Automedon is a strong meeting point for classic car and vintage bike communities. If you’re planning a visit now, check the current dates, ticketing, and venue access before you go.