This Day

November 3, 1900 – The first modern auto show

The first modern auto show began at Madison Square Garden in New York City on this day in 1900. This was not the first auto show, nor was it even the first show at Madison Square Garden, but it was the first big show. Like, really big. It was also the first sanctioned show by a nation organization, sponsored by the Automobile Club of America. It cost a whopping 50 cents to get in, equivalent to about $13 in 2016. 

Guests were treated to displays from more than 66 exhibitors, yet only about 31 actual vehicles. The event hosted more than 10,000 people come for a peek throughout the week. It was at this show that Ransom E. Olds debuted a prototype for his Curved Dash

Runabout. Interesting enough, none of the automakers that participated in the show are still in business today.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

February 19, 2015 – Remembering Yutaka Katayama, Father of the Z Car and first president of Nissan USA

Yutaka Katayma with Datsun Z. (Nissan) Yutaka Katayama, Mr. K, if you will, and often…

3 days ago

February 17, 1966 – Remembering Alfred Sloan

On February 17, 1966, the automotive industry lost one of its most influential figures—Alfred P.…

5 days ago

February 12, 2014 – Sinkhole at the Corvette Museum

The Bowling Green, Kentucky GM plant has been pumping out Corvettes since 1991. Just a…

1 week ago

February 10, 1989 – The Mazda Miata MX-5 debuts

Mazda Miata (NA) Ah, the history of the Mazda Miata MX-5. A little roadster with…

2 weeks ago

February 9, 1846 – Engineer Wilhelm Maybach is born

| Wilhelm Maybach was a pioneering German engineer and inventor, renowned for his contributions to…

2 weeks ago

February 8, 1931 – Actor and racer James Dean is born

When actor James Dean, born on this day in 1931, finished filming Giant, he headed…

2 weeks ago