Today, as Americans head to the polls, the New York International Auto Show is celebrating another important date in American history. On November 3, 1900, the first automobile show in North America opened its doors at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
At the time, the automobile was still largely a plaything for the wealthy. But there was growing excitement about this revolutionary new invention. The inaugural show attracted 48,000 visitors, who paid 50 cents to see approximately 160 vehicles from 34 automakers.
Among the highlights was the Packard Model B and Model C, featuring steering wheels rather than the tillers commonly used at the time. With a board track built around the exhibits to demonstrate that these newfangled horseless carriages actually worked, the show offered an early glimpse of an industry that would transform America and the world.
From horseless carriages to electric vehicles, the journey continues next year with public days on March 26-April 4, 2027 at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center, New York City.
Since 1900, New York has been the staging location of North America’s oldest and largest-attended auto show, and the New York International Auto Show continues to be the best place to discover new products from the auto industry. Each year, the unique show provides the largest display of cars and trucks in one location for millions of car buyers.
