The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced Paris’ prestigious annual classic car exhibition, Rétromobile, as the recipient of the 2025 FIA Founding Members’ Club (FMC) Heritage Cup.

The FIA FMC Heritage Cup has been awarded annually since 2010, and celebrates personalities, institutions, events, circuits, or restoration projects that have had a major impact on the historic vehicle movement.

Nominated by FIA Member Club, the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA), Rétromobile received the 2025 award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of automotive and sporting heritage.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Rétromobile has become one of the world’s most influential classic vehicle exhibitions, attracting collectors, manufacturers, historians, and enthusiasts from around the world.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President said: “Every year, attending Rétromobile is a reminder of why our shared heritage matters. It brings together motoring heritage, passion, and continues to inspire new generations.  

As it marks its 50th anniversary, this award recognises not only its longevity, but the exhibition’s continuing leadership in shaping global appreciation for historic vehicles. Congratulations to the FFSA and its President Pierre Gosselin, and everyone at Rétromobile for their award.”  

Romain Grabowski, Exhibition Director at Rétromobile said: “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and I’m proud to share it with every single person who has worked tirelessly to make Rétromobile the iconic event that it is over the past five decades.

“This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating an event that tells meaningful stories, connects cultures, and brings automotive history to life for everyone.”

Yann de Pontbriand, President of the FIA Founding Members’ Club and of the Automobile Club de France (ACF) said, “Rétromobile has played a unique role in elevating historic vehicles beyond collections and garages, placing them at the centre of our cultural history.

“The FIA Founding Members' Club is honoured to recognise Rétromobile for its ability to unite preservation, education, and passion through an international exhibition held in Paris.” 

Pierre Gosselin, President of the Féderation Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) said, “Over five decades, Rétromobile has become an iconic event for French and international automotive heritage, showcasing the richness of our shared history.

“We’re proud to have nominated an event that continues to inspire respect for the past while supporting the future of historic vehicle culture.” 

The FIA FMC Heritage Cup along with the FIA FMC Heritage Promotion Cup, awarded last month to Museo Fangio, are both prestigious awards, presented annually by the FIA to honour outstanding contributions to the historic vehicle world.

The FIA FMC, which brings together the 13 pioneering Clubs that originally created the Federation, safeguards the FIA’s history and ensures that more than a century of legacy and values continue to guide its future. 

Separately, the Federation’s International Historical Commission (CHI) carries out extensive advocacy work to ensure the ongoing development, promotion and preservation of automotive heritage around the world. 

For media enquiries please contact: 

• George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com 
• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com