Morocco made a strong entrance at the 2026 Rétromobile Show in Paris, stepping into the spotlight at one of the world’s leading events dedicated to classic cars. Hosted at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center, this year marks the 50th edition of the show, and for the first time, Morocco is participating as an official guest. The Moroccan pavilion was inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of Samira Sitail, Morocco’s ambassador to France, Tarik Sadik, Director General of the Maison de l’Artisan, and Rétromobile’s show director, Romain Grabowski.
Covering 120 square meters, the pavilion showcases Morocco’s growing expertise in automotive restoration. Six exhibitors are taking part with the support of the Maison de l’Artisan. One highlight is the Menara, the first car designed and manufactured entirely in Morocco. This model blends contemporary styling with traditional craftsmanship, featuring leather finishes created by skilled Moroccan artisans.
The booth includes a showroom with three leather goods makers, alongside a live workshop space where three craftsmen from Morocco work directly on restoring a vintage car. The team includes a bodywork specialist, a mechanic, and an upholsterer, giving visitors a close look at the level of precision and knowledge involved in this field.
According to Ambassador Samira Sitail, Morocco’s presence is a form of international recognition for a sector that has long remained underappreciated outside the country. Morocco is the first invited nation to take part in Rétromobile, an opportunity to spotlight its deep-rooted traditions in mechanics, metalwork, and upholstery. She stressed the importance of preserving and passing on these skills, which are part of Morocco’s living heritage.
Supported by national authorities, this participation opens new opportunities for professions related to vintage car restoration. The sector is growing rapidly and attracting collectors from across the globe. The 2026 edition is expected to welcome close to 150,000 visitors over four days, offering unmatched visibility for Moroccan artisans and entrepreneurs.
Tarik Sadik, head of the Maison de l’Artisan, welcomed this first involvement. He pointed out that several vehicles on display already include leather and wood components made in Morocco, a clear indication of the quality and competitiveness of Moroccan craftsmanship in this demanding industry.
He also noted a rising number of international requests for restoration and maintenance work, particularly from Europe and North America. This growth potential confirms the importance of structuring and promoting the sector in a more strategic way.
Romain Grabowski, director of the Rétromobile Show, expressed his enthusiasm about Morocco’s participation in this special anniversary edition. He praised the warm reception of Moroccan craftsmanship and called for even stronger connections between traditional know-how and the passion for classic cars, a combination that sits at the heart of the show’s identity.
