This was the very latest edition, and above all, it marked the 40th anniversary. That’s not a milestone you celebrate every day, especially when it comes to events related to the classic car world. On September 11, 12, and 13, 2026, classic cars gathered in the Aube department.
The event :
Friday: two welcomes
Unlike the previous edition, Friday was a busy day. The classic car gathering did not take place in Troyes, but in Bar-sur-Seine. In a magnificent park overlooked by a château, the event’s participants arrived late in the morning and gathered round a glass of champagne.
After an initial drive following the roadbook, we headed for Troyes. In the market square, at the foot of the town’s market halls, classic cars from all over Europe were greeted by a crowd of onlookers, whilst at the town hall, the presenters were introducing the classic cars.
Finally, the day drew to a close with a welcome reception at the town hall. The programme included Champagne and canapés following speeches by François Baroin, Mayor of Troyes, and Xavier Piotin, President of the 48 Heures association.
Saturday rides
Three meetings
Three starting points for four drives – that was the morning’s programme at the 2026 Troyes 48 Heures Automobiles. The crews who had opted for the longest and shortest routes met at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Rosières. Meanwhile, those on the so-called intermediate routes gathered near the multi-purpose hall in Saint-Julien-les-Villas and at the Bonenfant workshops in Buchères.
On the road
We’ll stick with these first two convoys. ‘Convoy’ is perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, as only the crews on the shorter route are escorted by motorcyclists. For the crews on the longer route, it’s all down to the roadbook! On the itinerary is the Pays d’Othe, west of Troyes, with its green, rolling countryside.
Back in Troyes
Since the 2024 event, a single meeting point has been designated for all routes for the meal. This year, it took place in Troyes. The teams parked on Boulevard Gambetta and at the Espace Argence, whilst they were able to have their meal at the Town Hall.
And back on the roads
We’re changing direction! The crews who had visited the Pays d’Othe in the morning were heading for the lakes and the Côte des Bars, and vice versa. Everyone’s on the road. The break? It’s taking place at Chassenay d’Arce, a winegrowers’ estate partnering with the 48 Heures.
Saint-Julien-les-Villas and the walkabout
It wasn’t on the programme for 2024, so those keen to find out more were delighted to see the 48 Heures back on Avenue des Sapins. Saint-Julien-les-Villas is a historic venue for the 48 Heures, and its residents’ enthusiasm for the event shows no sign of waning. The streets were packed with people, and both competitors and visitors were making the most of the refreshment stand and the raffle stall. With less than 24 hours to go before the draw, the Mini up for grabs in the raffle was about to be won!
The big day on Sunday
In fact, this final, action-packed day of the 48 Hours took place in two stages.
Morning ride
Meet at St-Julien-les-Villas for the start of the event. This year, there weren’t many kilometres to cover, but there was plenty of sightseeing. The crews were, in fact, heading for the historic centre of Troyes, following the roadbooks.
The 2026 48 Heures Automobiles de Troyes at Menois
The next event was more traditional. Since the 2022 edition, this major event has been held at the Château de Menois in Rouilly-Saint-Loup. What was on the programme? The teams displayed their classic cars at the front of the grounds, whilst visitors gathered at the back. Naturally, there were food stalls, refreshment stands, the raffle booth and a business village.
As for the entertainment, the morning was punctuated by the Boisseau-Pomez auction. Following an auction of motoring memorabilia on Friday and motorbikes on Saturday, it was classic cars’ turn to go under the hammer. There was a wide variety of models, conditions and prices, with buyers present in the hall, online and over the phone.
In the afternoon, the French-style elegance competition, endorsed by the FFVE, takes centre stage in front of the château. For nearly three hours, around thirty cars are on display, ranging from the 1990s to the 1910s! There’s plenty of variety, and the cars are beautifully presented.
Here are the results:
Grand Prix d’Excellence : Citroën SM Espace by Heuliez
Classes winners :
Avant-Guerre : Grégoire 70/4 de 1912 !
Avant 1960 : Triumph 2000 Roadster
Après 1960 : Chevrolet Corvette C2
Années 70 à 90 : Ferrari Testarossa
It is worth noting that at the halfway point of the competition and then during the jury’s deliberations, the Georges Irat brand took centre stage. These cars from the 1930s (plus a one-off prototype from 1947) were showcased whilst paying tribute to Michel Piat, an iconic figure of the 48 Hours and long-standing president of the brand’s club.
In fact, if you’d like to watch the whole event, it was broadcast on Canal 32 and is available to watch again! Get ready – it’s here:
After the competition, it was time for the prize draws. Visitors who had paid for their tickets were in with a chance of winning magnums of champagne, whilst a resident of the Aube region won the Mini!
Now we’ll have to wait until the 2028 edition to see those stars in our eyes again!
