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

December 15, 1969 – The last Plymouth Superbird

The story of the Plymouth Superbird and its development is fairly well-known, so we won't…

6 days ago

December 14, 1987 – AMC Eagle production ends

1983 AMC Eagle Wagon. By Christopher Ziemnowicz The history of American Motors Corporation (AMC) begins…

1 week ago

December 13, 1939 – The first Lincoln Continental

A first generation Lincoln Continental When Edsel Ford requested a personal luxury vehicle to use…

1 week ago

December 12, 2000 – GM announces end of Oldsmobile

At the time Oldsmobile closed its doors in 2004 it was the oldest surviving American…

1 week ago

December 11, 1990 – The 1990 I-75 Fog Disaster

The 1990 Interstate 75 fog disaster stands as one of the most tragic and impactful…

1 week ago

December 10, 1915 – The 1,000,000th Ford

Ford Model T c.1915 Henry Ford had one goal: put the world on wheels. To…

2 weeks ago