The Chicago Auto Show: A History of North America's Biggest
The first Chicago Auto Show in 1901 had ten cars, steered with tillers, and an indoor test track. It's been at McCormick Place since 1961 and calls itself the largest auto show in North America.
Every February, when the city is at its grayest, McCormick Place fills with shiny new cars and people climbing in and out of them. It's one of Chicago's oldest traditions.
1901: ten cars and a test track
The first official Chicago Automobile Show was held March 23–30, 1901, at the Chicago Coliseum on Michigan Avenue at 15th Street, produced by Samuel Miles.
There were only ten vehicles: - Five electric - Three steam - Two gasoline
None had steering wheels; they steered with tillers. The show had an indoor track so visitors could take a test drive. Gas cars were the minority. That would change fast.
Growing up with the car
As cars went from oddity to everyday, the show grew with them. Automakers used it to show off new models, and for decades it was one of the big stops on the national auto show calendar.
McCormick Place
In 1961, the show moved to the new McCormick Place on the lakefront, and it's been there ever since. (The first McCormick Place burned in 1967; the show carried on as the complex was rebuilt and expanded.)
The biggest
The Chicago Auto Show calls itself the largest auto show in North America by floor space. Highlights in recent years:
- Indoor test tracks, an old idea from 1901 brought back
- Off-road courses for trucks and SUVs
- First looks at new models
- A charity preview night
Why it still matters
Plenty of people buy cars online now. But there's still nothing like sitting in a new truck, kicking the tires, and comparing three of them in an afternoon. And in February in Chicago, a warm building full of new cars beats just about anything.
For buying cars the other way, at salvage auctions, our sister site Get Rekt covers that.
For more yearly Chicago traditions, see the Chicago Marathon and the Christmas tree lighting.