almost unique in France, this museum brings together more than 7,000 miniature cars

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“It’s a museum open to everyone, and not just to car enthusiasts,” says Bernard Jacquetresponsible for miniature museum of the Retro Mobile Club de Monthyon (RMCM). Because yes, for two years, the association, in addition to organizing real-size collector car gatherings, has premises within the former air base abandoned by the Air Force in 2003 and purchased by the municipality in 2017.

Inside one of the buildings, formerly occupied by around twenty soldiers, the Retro Club set up shop and decided to turn it into a miniature museum. “Within the association, there were three collectors and the idea came very quickly. We have carried out quite a bit of rehabilitation and security work and for two years, all of the collections have been visible to everyone,” continues Bernard Jacquet.

Today, these are four rooms organized by theme and six collectors local people who try to share their passion with as many people as possible.

Competition cars and Ford Mustang

Once there, the visit begins with the first room that two collectors share, Bernard et Bruno. The first, who is also the head of the museum, installed his collection of competition cars. You can find there, among other things, Formula 1rally cars or even a shelf filled with red in the colors of Ferrari. “I have been passionate about cars since I was little. I started my collection at that time. I also do a lot of models, I practiced model making. » On the walls and around classic cars, objects to make motorsport enthusiasts jealous : miniature helmet of the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna or the front page of L’Equipe on Monday May 2, 1994, the day after the latter’s death.

On the other side, Bruno is also exhibiting his collection. “I am just as passionate about cars, but there is one in particular that fascinates me, it is the famous Ford Mustang “, he explains. You can therefore find models of this model launched in 1964 and made famous by its appearance in the James Bond film Goldfinger. ” Actually, I love American cars. These huge cars that you only find there, in the United States, I’m a big fan,” concludes the man who ended up making his dream come true, buying his own full-size Ford Mustang.

Vintage cars and fire engines

The visit continues, after a brief passage through the association’s clubhouse and a small bar, with Gérard and his collection of vehicles of all kinds from firefighters from France and around the world. The former Paris firefighter for 38 years shares his passion for this profession which taught him so much. “Firefighters are my whole life, I grew up in a family of firefighters and that’s where I started this imposing collection,” he explains. Because yes, in addition to the 1,000 pieces that he exhibits in the museum, Gérard owns more than 2,500 others at home. “And I continue to look for rare objects,” he continues with a laugh.

Then, still in this same room, Patrice takes over. The latter, also a car enthusiast, introduces his collection of vintage cars started more than 57 years ago. Here you can observe the evolution of cars brand by brand. “I collect everything, everything related to the automotive world, I display it or I collect it from my home,” says the man who grew up among cars and tools in his father’s garage.

I had always told my father that one day I would exhibit my collection in a museum. Unfortunately, he passed away 6 years ago, he didn’t have time to see it, but I think he would be proud.

American firefighters and police around the world

In the next room, we return to the world of the firefighter but this time in American time. And Franck, owner of this collection, speaks with knowledge of the facts. Of American origin, he himself was firefighter for 12 years in New York from 1971 to 1978 then from 1987 to 1992. Arriving at the RMCM a year and a half ago, the man who is today a firefighter at Charles de Gaulle airport explains very precisely 1,826 fire trucks from across the United Statesand reveals anecdotes that you won’t hear anywhere else.

“I started my collection when I was 9, and it’s been going on for 55 years. Even today, I look for rare pieces to complete it. » A firefighter at heart, Franck doesn’t forget the police either. “I also really like police cars, so I collect all the ones from all over the world. »

In addition to his miniatures, Franck owns and exhibits two helmets with a very special story. “Even though I was no longer a New York firefighter in 2001, I kept some contacts and managed to obtain two firefighter helmets that intervened in the September 11 attacks. I don’t know their fate and I don’t want to know,” he concludes.

Lego World

Finally, the visit concludes with Francescothe most recent collector to join the small group. Of Italian origin, the latter exhibits his passion for Lego. “I’ve had this passion since I was little, and even if I break the museum theme a bit, I own many collectible Lego cars. »

“I am very happy with this project. Very few associations have premises and even fewer have a museum,” says the president of the RMCM, Patrick Gouin. “We wanted a place of sharing and passion, and that is the case,” conclude the six collectors.

The museum is open to the public on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., during monthly gatherings on the 3rd Sunday of each month and by reservation for visits during the week. Information on 06 25 73 32 13

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