What is considered the first modern auto show took place at Madison Square Garden on this day in 1900. It 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 cost a whopping 50 cents to get in, which is about $13 today. Guests were treated to displays from more than 66 exhibitors, yet only about 31 actual vehicles. The event, sponsored by the Automobile Club of America, saw 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 Runabout. Fun fact: None of the automakers that were displayed vehicles at this show exist today! Image courtesy the New York Times
The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.
Subscriber benefits include:
- Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
- Early access to content on Facebook
- Discounts on our store
- Special live videos
If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!
Recent Posts

September 18, 1970 – Jimi Hendrix dies and his Corvette goes missing
September 18, 2023

September 17, 1909 – GM executive Ed Cole is born
September 17, 2023

September 16, 1908 – The birth of General Motors
September 16, 2023

September 15, 1981 – The John Bull becomes oldest operating locomotive
September 15, 2023

September 14, 1982 – Grace Kelly dies following a car accident
September 14, 2023
This Day in Automotive History - the book!

This Day In Automotive History
By Brian Corey
This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.

This Day in Automotive History
This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
Related Posts

September 18, 1970 – Jimi Hendrix dies and his Corvette goes missing
September 18, 2023

September 17, 1909 – GM executive Ed Cole is born
September 17, 2023

September 16, 1908 – The birth of General Motors
September 16, 2023

September 15, 1981 – The John Bull becomes oldest operating locomotive
September 15, 2023
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!
Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.