At the 2026 Retromobile Show, DS Automobiles will celebrate its deep-rooted connection with the French Republic by showcasing four legendary presidential vehicles. From General de Gaulle’s 1965 DS 21 to the brand-new 100% electric Presidential DS N°8 (2025), the exhibition curated by L’Aventure DS will bring together the automotive icons of the 5th Republic under one roof.
The countdown has begun for the 50th Retromobile Show, one of the world’s most prestigious classic car events, held from January 28 to February 1, 2026, at Porte de Versailles, Paris. Following the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the original DS in 2025, DS Automobiles returns this year with a brand-new 250-square-meter stand designed in champagne tones and forged metal finishes to offer an elegant and immersive experience.
The First Choice of the Élysée Palace
XAVIER PEUGEOT
Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles, stated: “The 50th Retromobile is the perfect opportunity to showcase our historical partnership with the Presidency of the French Republic. From General de Gaulle’s DS to the Presidential DS N°8, DS Automobiles continues to stand by the Élysée Palace with models that symbolize French excellence.”
Four Extraordinary Presidential Icons on Display
The exhibition will feature four unique vehicles that have carried French heads of state through history:
- DS 21 PALLAS (1965) – Used by General de Gaulle: Produced at the Javel factory, this vehicle served President de Gaulle between 1959 and 1969. It features specific presidential equipment such as flag holders, interior document holders, and rear sunshades. It was recently restored to its original glory for the European Heritage Days.
- PRESIDENTIAL DS 21 (1968) – The 6.53-Meter Limousine: Commissioned to be larger than the US President’s car at the time, this one-of-a-kind long-wheelbase DS was designed by the Quai de Javel team and finished by master coachbuilder Henri Chapron. It features a built-in minibar, air conditioning, and an internal intercom.
- PRESIDENTIAL SM (1972) – The Open-Top Icon: Two four-door convertible SM models were commissioned for official ceremonies. These 5.60-meter-long masterpieces, powered by a Maserati V6 engine, were used by Presidents Georges Pompidou, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, François Mitterrand, and Jacques Chirac.
- PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 (2025) – The First 100% Electric Presidential Car: Making its public debut, this model was used by President Emmanuel Macron for the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945, Armistice. It features a unique Sapphire Blue color, an illuminated “Luminascreen” grille in the colors of the French flag, and a record-breaking electric range of 750 km.
French Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
The Presidential DS N°8 highlights the finest French savoir-faire, featuring:
- Straw Marquetry: Exquisite interior decor by the Lison de Caunes workshops.
- Artistic Textiles: Satin fabrics from Métaphores combined with “pearl” stitching by Atelier Lognon.
- Local Technology: Battery cells provided by ACC (Billy Berclau Gigafactory) and electric motors produced by Emotors in the Lorraine region.
“DS & SM” Photo Exhibition
In addition to the physical cars, the stand will host a photographic exhibition retracing the unique relationship between these iconic French cars and the Presidency. From the first DS 19 used in 1958 to the DS 7 ÉLYSÉE currently in service, the gallery will offer a visual journey through decades of French political and automotive history.
