In its racing area, the Cité de l'Automobile presents a rich series of racing cars from the 20s, 30s, and 50s against a grandstand's backdrop to give the illusion of a Grand Prix start. At the beginning of the 20th century, each participating nation was assigned a color to facilitate their identification on the circuit. The blue of France referred to the kings' coats since the Capetians. Great Britain chose green in homage to its first Grand Prix, organized in Ireland since motor racing was banned in England. Germany's white came from the white and black coat of arms of the Hohenzollerns, and Italy's color from the red shirts of Garibaldi's soldiers.