The Vosges Retro Auto Club celebrated vintage automotive culture with their third annual Automobile Elegance Contest, held June 14-15 at the Thermal Park in Vittel. The two-day event showcased not only pristine classic automobiles but also the passionate enthusiasts who breathe life into these mechanical treasures through their dedication, humor, and theatrical appreciation for automotive history.
Participants transformed the park into a living museum by dressing in authentic period costumes spanning from the 1900s through the 1950s. Women adorned themselves in flowing long dresses complemented by elegant hats, while men donned classic suits paired with distinguished top hats. Their refined manners and graceful gestures perfectly embodied the sophisticated bourgeois elegance that defined a bygone era of automotive luxury.
Among the most striking scenes captured during the festival was a group of participants seated in a loud, smoke-belching 1898 Ford automobile. Wearing traditional black top hats and period-appropriate attire, they appeared as if they had stepped directly out of a vintage postcard from the turn of the century. The authenticity of their presentation transported spectators back to the earliest days of motorized transportation.
Another memorable highlight featured a cheerful couple enjoying their ride in an open-top vintage vehicle. Both wore classic leather helmets and protective goggles characteristic of early automotive adventures. Despite their car's tendency to shake, rumble, and emit clouds of smoke, neither the couple nor the gathered spectators seemed bothered by these mechanical quirks. On the contrary, the crowd appeared thoroughly delighted by the authentic vintage driving experience.
The photographer's documentation of the event aimed to capture the genuine emotions surrounding this celebration of automotive nostalgia, focusing on the spontaneous smiles, undeniable charm, and human warmth that permeated the gathering. According to the organizers, these carefully preserved vehicles serve as more than mere transportation relics – they function as actual time machines, powered not just by their vintage engines but by the immense pride and distinctive style of their devoted owners.
