Form follows Yesterday: The delicate form of memory

The motor industry has developed a remarkably good memory. Just when it is working flat out on the future, it finds itself leafing through its own family album with striking frequency. And lo and behold: amongst old sketches, legendary silhouettes and long-forgotten design ideas, there are quite a few things that have aged exceptionally well.

Others, not so much. After all, cars used to rust more quickly, guzzle more fuel and sometimes had the safety features of a garden chair. But you have to give them credit for one thing: you could tell them apart. A Citroën 2CV looked like a Citroën 2CV. A Renault 5 like a Renault 5. And a Fiat Multipla? Well, you certainly wouldn’t mistake that one for anything else.

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, it seems they’ve remembered this. Instead of focusing exclusively on ever-larger displays, ever-narrower lights and ever-more-similar silhouettes, manufacturers are once again presenting cars with corners, edges and a delightfully high level of recognisability.

Back to the Future

Citroën is toying with the idea of an electric reimagining of the legendary 2CV. With the RCZ Vision, Peugeot reminds us that there are, in fact, other body styles besides SUVs. And with the Multiplay, Fiat proves that automotive individuality can certainly be an appealing proposition.

Particularly pleasing: Opel is joining in too. The STX Concept showcases a decidedly self-assured estate car. Low-slung, elongated, elegant. You could almost think the car industry had realised that not every new car has to look like a Thermomix on four wheels.

Nostalgia with a plug

Of course, none of this is a coincidence. In an increasingly electrified automotive world, where technical concepts and vehicle architectures are becoming ever more similar, distinctive design is becoming a wonderfully effective distinguishing feature.

And what could work better than a glance at one’s own family album?

Renault has already shown, with the R5, how to translate automotive memories into the present. Citroën, Peugeot and others are taking up this idea. However, this is about more than just retro design. It’s about identity. About emotion. And about the realisation that a car shouldn’t just function, but – at its best – should also evoke something.

Please? More of the same!

Whether all these concepts will actually ever make it onto our roads is another matter entirely. For now, many of these eye-catching Parisian models are, above all, one thing: promises. Admittedly, rather lovely ones. But perhaps that is precisely the most encouraging news to come out of this year’s Motor Show. The future of the car is allowed to be unconventional once again. It can surprise us. Yes, perhaps even come across as a bit unreasonable. Of course, not everything was better in the old days. But some things were certainly really good.

And it’s perfectly fine to remember that every now and then.