Automobile & Culture – the story of a curated exclusive car meet

When I was a kid, my dad passed on to me the passion for cars by taking me to events, in particular to the Monte Carlo Rallye.

He also happens to be a winegrower located in the South of France, so it makes no surprise that I was destined for a future of cars and culinary culture. My spark regarding the following event comes from the lack (in my eyes) of high quality events in the South of France, which mix a great dose of local culture and cars.

Automobile & Culture was born this way. France is known for its culinary culture and especially its wine, but also for its car culture, though it’s sadly fading away as time goes by. Therefore, I had to do something that combined both in a place that best represents the ethos of my idea.

Le Prieuré de Montézargues, offering a breathtaking view on the Mont Ventoux, has been producing wine for the past century or so, and its current director happens to love cars too. It was a match made in heaven.

However, I had to challenge myself and bring an exclusive, themed, invite-only event that would best represent my taste in cars. Over 80 people on a warm and sunny Saturday evening, more than 30 handpicked cars, and a local food truck showed up. Were the cars restricted in terms of type? Absolutely. 

I make no secret about the fact that I am a fan of JDM cars, but France is not. I pushed myself to gather as many cool Japanese classics in one place, whether it was true classics or youngtimers.

The inner courtyard was reserved to the Datsuns that I particularly cherish, of which were present four French 240Zs, a 280Z, a Fairlady, a 710SSS and a 280ZX. The outside space was for out-of-theme cars, but still under a regulation: they had to be youngtimers or future classics. There was a Japanese dominance with a Nissan Skyline R32 GTST, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and the AW11 Toyota MR2. However, handpicked Porsches, Minis and Volkswagens were welcomed to the event. 

Was it easy to make it come to life? No, it was not. Was it worth it? Definitely.

What I will remember above all the cars and the venue, is the camaraderie and the people who attended the event. It made me realise how through passion, people connect and support each other. It gave me hope for the future of car culture in France, as the new generation (me included) is pushing hard to restore and drive their classics. 

You and I have one point in common: we have a certain degree of interest in cars. I truly believe that it is in our best interest to push boundaries, and preserve a culture that is slowly fading away with newer and stricter regulations. At least, that’s why I created Cars & Culture, as it is my way of bringing people together around the same passion. 

This first event was the first page of a book that is still to be written, and hopefully one day we will meet on one of the editions!