Street Walking

100 Years of the Automobile
A Random Window on the Champs Elysées advertising the show (EMan Oct-98)

Paris Mondial de l’Automobile

3.5/8.0 PARIS, FRANCE (October 11, 1998) -- I had a chance to visit the 1998 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile on October 10, 1998. I can describe it with one word -- crowded. Still, this was Paris, and although it looked just like any other auto show I’ve attended (i.e., mostly boring), there’s something about the alure of a new car that keeps bringing me to these shows.

The show is held in the beginning of October at the Port de Versailles (southwest Paris). It is held in several exposition halls. The tickets cost 50 francs per person (about $10).

I think the theme was something about 100 years. I’m sure it’s either the automobile or the show. My guess is the automobile. But before I get to the cars, take a look at this next picture.

I didn’t get to see most of the really cool cars that were there.

For information on the hotel where I stayed while in town, click here.

2000 Schedule: See below.

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Random Photos

A Sea of Heads
Michelin Men on Parade (EMan Oct-98)

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Start Your Engines

Red Hot M5 V8 This was very cool.

The BMW area had an interesting display with their new M5 V8 engine. It was suspended in a sea of throttle bodies while the roar of the engine played through on the loudspeakers. As the revs climbed, the throttle bodies would open, glowing redder the wider it got. In between shifts, the throttle bodies would snap shut. I don’t know how long I watched this, but suffice it to say I was mesmerized.

The prettiest engine in the show belonged to the new Alfa Romeo 166. It is a 2.0 liter turbocharged V6. This engine has been around for some time, and it puts out about 205 hp. The picture doesn’t really show all the chrome and the plumbing, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. And if I was a real reporter, I would probably have a picture of the car as well.

Bella! Bella!

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There Were Cars, Too

Some Random Car
(photo: EMan Oct-98)

And to show you how BAD of a reporter I would be, take this car as an example. I have no idea what it is, although I told myself at the show that I could never forget this car. I’m pretty sure it’s a Jaguar XKR, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it. (Saved by AutoWeek! This is the XK 120.)

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Shaken, Not Stirred
(photo: EMan Oct-98)

But I’m pretty sure about this one. It’s some kind of Aston Martin. Maybe.

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VW Bug - atti
VW Bug-atti (photo: EMan Oct-98)

Volkswagen has bought the rights to the Bugatti name. Here is their version of this famous marque below. (I couldn’t get the whole car in because I was too close, and there were too many people.)

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“I’m Coming After You!”

When Jean Comes Marching Home
(photo: EMan Oct-98)

I swear this is the last picture. This was the closest I could get to the new Maserati without turning into a balloon. I’m sure it’s a nice looking car, though.

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Auto Show Schedule

Don’t trust me on the accuracy of these dates, but here they are:

Greater Los Angeles Auto Show	Jan 8-16, 2000	310/444-1850 www.laautoshow.com
North American International Auto Show (Detroit)	Jan 15-23, 2000	313/567-5014
Chicago Auto Show	Feb 11-20, 2000	630/495-2282
Salon International de l’Automobile (Geneva)	Mar 2-12, 2000
New York International Auto Show	April 22-30, 2000	718/746-5300 www.autoshowny.com
Mondial de l’Automobile (Paris)	Sep 30 - Oct 15, 2000

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Paris 1998	Detroit 1999	Frankfurt 1999
	Detroit 2000

Paris 1998	Detroit 1999	Frankfurt 1999
	Detroit 2000