Located near Toulouse in southwestern France, the small town of Villemur-sur-Tarn has long been shaped by its industrial heritage; a legacy rooted in aeronautics and automotive manufacturing.
It is within this context that the second edition of La Caserne X HFMSTRS took place inside the historic “Salle Eiffel,” a former factory whose metallic structure and raw aesthetic offered an unconventional backdrop for a modern automotive exhibition.
Unlike traditional car shows held in convention centers or luxury venues, this event embraced the contrast between polished automotive design and the rough textures of the industrial past. Exposed beams, large windows filtering soft natural light and traces of the building’s history gave each display an atmospheric quality; bridging art, engineering, and nostalgia.
The event gathered enthusiasts and collectors from across France, Spain, and central Europe, many of whom made the journey behind the wheel of their pride and joy. The mix of sounds, smells, and stories created a genuine sense of community – one driven not by competition, but by shared passion.
Among the highlights was the iconic BMW 3.0 CSL Art Car, designed in 1975 by American sculptor Alexander Calder at the request of driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain. This rolling artwork, the first in BMW’s now-famous Art Cars series, was highlighted by the hall’s large industrial windows. Think of it as a poetic encounter between art and machine.
Outside, the exhibition extended into a vibrant car park where visitors could explore an eclectic collection: Italian icons like the Lancia Delta Integrale, elegant German classics including a Porsche 356 and several generations of 911, as well as British charm from the Lotuses and Minis on display. Each vehicle reflected a unique chapter in automotive culture, admired up close without the usual barriers of large-scale shows.
Among the many standouts, an Alfa Romeo Giulia Super caught a lot of attention with its red-and-white livery and distinctive yellow headlights. A real tribute to vintage racing aesthetics.
La Caserne X HFMSTRS succeeded not only in showcasing rare automobiles, but also in reimagining what an exhibition can be. It was a dialogue between history, art, and passion, set against the evocative backdrop of a factory reborn as a temple to mechanical beauty.
This reminds me of Luftgekühlt that happened in Greensboro and the Mineshaft Motorshow in Nashville both that recently happened this year. Something about a location like this gives it a raw feel and a cool vibe like an experience like no other.