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What The 1900 Auto Show Looked Like At Madison Square Garden
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 9, 2012
Modified Apr 9, 2012
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via the New York Public Library
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 9, 2012
Modified Apr 9, 2012
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The New York International Auto Show is in full swing at the Jacob Javits Convention Center through April 15—but did you realize the first automobile show was in 1900? Check out the photograph above of what the scene looked like at (an old incarnation of) Madison Square Garden!
According to Wired, the 1900 event was the "first modern automotive show. The weeklong event, sponsored by the Automobile Club of America, featured 66 exhibitors displaying 31 newfangled autos and a variety of accessories to pimp the ride. Even then, people were getting clipped to go to these things. It cost the outrageous sum of 50 cents (about $12.75 in today's money) to attend what was known as the 'horseless horse show.' Despite the usurious prices, 10,000 people attended throughout the week. Besides the latest hot models, the show featured astounding feats of braking and acceleration, and a special ramp was built to demonstrate the hill-climbing prowess of the different cars."
These days, people can see flying cars and cargo vans for the 1% at the show.
Tagged
auto show
automobile
car
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madison square garden
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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