The 30th edition of the car-motorcycle exchange, organized by the Aude 5A association, takes place in Carcassonne for the first time on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January.
Enthusiasts braved the bitter cold of this Saturday 21 January to come and find a rarity among the many spare parts and other derivatives of automotive mechanics that crowd – also this Sunday – the stalls of the auto-motorcycle exchange, organized by the Aude association of classic car enthusiasts (5A) in the reception facility and in the car park of the Albert-Domec stadium in Carcassonne. It is the first time that the sports hall hosts the event, which is 30 years old. “ I wanted to do it in Carcassonne because the club is based here. We also wanted to open it up to cars “, explains Régis Arnaud, president of the association.
Understanding the new place
With his two vice presidents he is busy moving the bar outdoors, the performance of which is hampered by the low temperatures. “Let’s clean up the plaster a bit and then we’ll improve. This is our first time visiting these places. It had been several years at Bram so it was well established“, Régis Arnaud almost apologizes, emphasizing the logistical support of the city, from which the association has been able to benefit.
Not bad, the event remains appreciated, given the many comings and goings observed in the lanes of the two invested parties. Teased by the predominantly male presence, Régis Arnaud explains with a laugh: “On Saturdays until mid-afternoon, it is precisely the amateurs who come to get “the” piece. But not only that, it’s more mixed afterwards.”
Satisfied exhibitors
Despite some withdrawals related to bad weather, around sixty exhibitors were present. And business is good. Didier Izern, collector of motorcycle spare parts and owner of “Pignon sur rue”, a workshop located in Fourques, says he is very satisfied with the sales already made. “When I arrived this morning at 6am, it was nippy. But it doesn’t matter, we take care of it, especially since it’s very profitable for me.” Same story with Patrick Charpentier, the boss of Team Z650, who does period paintings on old motorcycle bodies in Montauban. “There’s a lot of people. We do a lot of quoting.”
The stock exchange does not only attract professionals. Inside, Florence, a member among “the new generation of the 5A club” as she calls herself, she sells her late father’s collection of replica model cars”so that others can benefit “. A succession that will be present until the closing of the Stock Exchange, this Sunday 22 January at 13:00.