ABOUT US
10 years of savoir-faireAn authentic experience in some of the world’s most beautiful locations
In 2015 L’Imperial celebrates 10 years of existence, providing the chance to reflect on the exceptional savoir faire behind the organisation of these rallies.
« Each part of an idea has to be brought to life. My rallies are always a total creation of my imagination, and little by little the idea becomes a reality » explains Cyril Codron.
The Genesis of L’Imperial
In 2005, Cyril Codron noticed that rallies combining exotic tourism and luxury simply did not exist. As a result, he decided to create his own, and the first L’Imperial Rally took place in China, with a 15 day tour departing from and returning to Hong Kong. This successful first attempt, in which around 20 European teams took part, was a master stroke. Other rallies followed, at the rate of one per year : India, South Africa, Prague to Venice , Yunnan, Portugal, Iceland, and Sicily.
Exclusive, « tailor made » and off the beaten track
The objective was simple : to organise the most beautiful rallies in vintage cars in exceptional locations, combining the joy of driving and the discovery of distant horizons. In order to ensure the experience is always top of the range, the number of teams is limited to 20 per rally.
Each trip provides plenty of room for adventure while cultivating the joy of living, elegance and culture. Luxury, but not ostentatiousness, is always ensured. Not just a road trip, L’Imperial rallies offer exploration and dreams in highly prestigious circumstances, featuring mythical cars, and are a bench mark in terms of luxury.
Total precision for red carpet travel
There are no other journeys like those offered by Cyril Codron, because he himself creates each and every element. The starting point is the route itself, from where each daily stage is carefully planned – not too long, not too short, with interesting sights, and with a mind to the driving itself. At this stage, the route taken by the cars will not yet be published.
A great deal of planning allows Cyril to check and confirm each organisational point. He selects the best hotels and the best foods – making his choice not just on how well they operate but also with extra soul : what else is there which could be more original, more exceptional, offer a more breath-taking view or a very special welcome… ? Comfort is never sacrificed. Cyril understands that each and every detail matters, and attention to detail makes the difference. Escaping stereotypes and mass tourism are the watchwords.
Cyril also negotiates « exclusives » : dinner with local personalities, opening of private sites, special visits to museums or other cultural attractions. It is not unusual to find that L’Imperial Classic has reinvented a place, or transformed it for a unique soiree.
In terms of transport, the cars are treated as real « stars » : plane, Formula 1 transporter, ferry, boat… The transport is always chosen to ensure the safety of the cars.
During the rally, Cyril Codron is assisted by a team of around 15 experts : mechanics, drivers, truck drivers, guides, interpreters, baggage handlers, local partners and photographers… Nothing is left to chance, with everything planned to the last detail, from business class tickets to a private airport lounge and luxury transfers. At each stage the cars receive star treatment, and are kept in high security locations.
Savoir faire and experience are the keys to managing this kind of project properly. Even the best-run organisation can hit problems : customs or docks issues for example… these are the times when maximum responsiveness means that L’Imperial can find an appropriate solution in record time.
In summary, L’Imperial Classic always offers a personalised journey.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, L’Imperial is offering a rally in the Baltic Countries (Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia) from June 5-14, and is preparing for 2017, the rally at the end of the world : New Zealand.
« Driving journeys which remain forever etched in the memory »
challenge is everything
« At first, no one took me seriously. People thought I was mad, and that unfortunately I would fall on my face. I beat the odds, and today, I have my place among the collectors of vintage cars and am appreciated and respected by my peers » he says with the humility which has always characterised him ».
Renowned for the quality and originality of his vintage car rallies, Cyril Codron has been involved in the classic car world for 10 years.
A passion born in childhood
Cyril Codron was born in 1956 to a Lebanese mother and French father. His father and grandfather were both passionate car collectors, so this world came naturally to him. Fascinated, he watched, learned, and discovered, and very soon came to share their passion for these beautiful machines. At the age of 15, Cyril began to drive a Jeep round his family’s construction sites. Later, to perfect his skills, he took part in the hillclimbing circuits on the coasts of the Lebanon and the Middle East at the wheel of a Lotus Elan or Mini Cooper 1300 S. Following a performance driving course at the Paul Ricard School, he acquired his own Grand Touring Cars.
After his degree at Sup De Co, France, Cyril moved into advertising, with posts at some of the world’s leading agencies (Havas, Dupuy, Compton and DDB) and in video for Warner Bros. However, his burgeoning career left little time for his automotive passion.
In the 1980’s Cyril set up his own business, marketing iconic products : souvenir Paris cobblestones (800,000 units sold) ; perfume pens, Tintin collectibles and NASA-certified sunglasses (8 million sold in Europe). He then opened a chain of discount stores in Paris and across France before, eight years later, at the start of the 21st century, selling his business and investing in property.
In 2005, his passion for cars regained its hold, and Cyril began planning a fabulous rally in China, which took place in 2006. L’Imperial was born, and an annual series of amazing adventures followed each year : India (2007 and 2013), South Africa (2008), Prague to Venice (2009), China (2010), Portugal (2011), Iceland (2012), Sicily (2014). Cyril never fails to surprise ; he makes the wildest dreams of escape a true reality (2015 sees the Baltic Countries and 2016 New Zealand : the rally at the end of the world).
A special place in the automobile world
Cyril Codron is an entrepreneur and an adventurer, with his feet on the ground. Creating is like breathing to him, even though these activities and difficult times present a constant challenge. Cyril knows that nothing is ever acquired easily, anything can be called into question, and he constantly seeks to offer something better and ever more original. With a head full of ideas, and the energy to achieve them, determination and rigour are his watchwords.
EXEPTIONAL RALLIES
2015 marks the celebration of 10 years of l’Impérial Classic.This is the opportunity to reflect on a very unusual journey.
L’Impérial Classic is the only French company to offer vintage car rallies worldwide, combining not only speed but also the art of living and passion for cars.
These rallies, each centred on an exceptional destination, offer splendour, sophistication and true French style and elegance. These watchwords go hand in hand with the quality and originality of the hospitality on offer.
L’Impérial Classic could be nothing other than top of the range, and is today a major player in the vintage rally world. It combines receptions and private visits, fascinating spectacles in unique sites with tailor-made organisation, providing travel through sumptuous countries to explore culture and hitherto undiscovered sights.
L’Impérial Classic retains its fundamental principles, the guarantee of its success and its trademark : unique routes, precise preparation and « haute couture » style, trips which offer each participating team the chance to live their dream.
As a new decade dawns for l’Impérial Classic two outstanding new projects have been announced (the South Africa in 2016 and the end of the world : New Zealand in 2017).