As announced in July 2023, a brand new feature will be making its début at the 2024 edition of Rétromobile: a zone dedicated to collector motorbikes. At the heart of this space: a retrospective display on the adventure of the Monneret family from the 1930s to the present day, illustrated by the exhibition of around 20 exceptional motorbikes and previously unpublished photos of the Monneret saga.

A family history marked by generational transmission

 

The Monneret saga began in 1908 with Georges Monneret, the holder of 183 world speed records, who excelled in a range of disciplines. In 1952, his passion for challenges prompted him to embark upon a trip from Paris to Alpe d’Huez on a Vespa. Six months later, he accomplished the feat of riding from Paris to London in just 5 hours 30 minutes, crossing the English Channel also on a Vespa that been specially converted into a pedalo-catamaran. These two exceptional Vespas will be exhibited among an array of other mechanical gems owned by the Monneret family.

The saga continued in 1931, with the birth of Georges’ twin sons, Jean and Pierre. Also huge motorcycling enthusiasts, they completed a 40,000-km “round-the-world trip” at the Montlhéry racetrack at the age of 20. Pierre, following in his father’s footsteps, became the only Frenchman to win two Grands Prix in the same day in 350 et 500 cc. He also earned the distinction of becoming the first Frenchman to win a world speed championship race in the premier category.

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