FIA to Celebrate Motor Sport History and Mobility Heritage at Rétromobile Classic Car Show in Paris

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is delighted to announce its presence at the renowned Rétromobile classic car show from 5-9 February in Paris. This will be the Federation’s first participation in the event during a landmark year honouring historic motor sport and mobility heritage.

2025 marks 50 years since the introduction of the regulations governing historic motor sport – Appendix K to the International Sporting Code. These regulations set out the sporting and technical framework that allows the most iconic, innovative racing machines from seasons past to return to competition.

Rétromobile is a prestigious platform to celebrate this milestone and showcase the recent update to Appendix K that now allows cars from 1991-2000 to compete in International Historic events.

This opens the way for modern classics to return to the circuits and rally stages to battle their contemporary competitors once more. Thanks to the allocation of its Historic Technical Passports (HTPs), the FIA is promoting greater participation in historic motor sport while championing the legacy of racing technology.

2025 also marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Commission Historique Internationale (CHI). Gathering representatives from FIA Member Clubs, the CHI is the voice of thousands of classic car owners and advocates for the preservation, promotion and celebration of automobile heritage.

The stand at Rétromobile will offer a unique showcase of both Appendix K and the work of the CHI. Three historic cars will be on display, each representing a key aspect of the FIA’s commitment to celebrating history in motor sport and mobility:

• The 1904 Mercedes-Simplex 28/32hp Double Phaeton: one of the defining consumer cars of the early 1900s, higlighting the importance of preserving the origins of mobility innovations;
• The 1984 Lotus 95T: driven by Nigel Mansell during his last season with the team, which is now eligible for competition under extended Appendix K;
• The 1998-1999 Citroen Xsara Kit Car: the car that claimed two FIA World Rally Championship stage wins, ahead of WRC category cars, can also return to competition thanks to the extension.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Our Federation has played a crucial role in the history of both motor sport and mobility for over 120 years.

“Preserving this heritage is of vital importance.
 
“The recent updates to Appendix K will bring an incredible decade of motor sport back to the tracks and rally stages of the world, allowing many fans to see these iconic cars race for the first time.

“Thanks to the efforts of the CHI, we will continue to safeguard the milestones of the automobile. We are proud to open the doors on this history, connecting generations and providing insight into the legacy of automotive knowledge, safety, and innovation.”  

On the stand, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the CHI-FIM-FIVA Manifesto, which advocates for the preservation of historical vehicles and addresses the challenge of securing the future of motoring heritage in an ever-evolving mobility landscape. You can read the Manifesto here.

The same week, at the Automobile Club de France in Paris, the Federation will also host its Historic Awards to recognise 2024’s historic motor sport champions.