5 Moments From Past Chicago Auto Shows

With over 100 years of history, it's difficult to narrow down the best and most important moments of past Chicago Auto Shows. But with this year's show upon us, it is the perfect time to reminisce on the moments and people that helped shape this into one of the most important auto shows in the country, and one of Chicago's greatest annual events. 

An entrance to the wooden racing track at the 1901 Chicago Auto Show, the first in its history. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association)

1901

Introduced in 1901, the first annual Chicago Auto Show was crucial to the future of the exhibition. Without the success of the first show, the event as we know it today may not exist. This big moment in the show's history was not in McCormick Place, the show's current home. Instead, it was held in the 58,000-square-foot Chicago Coliseum, which sat 15th and Wabash for more than three decades before its final year in 1982.

Inside, the event was largely different than what spectators will see this February. The original space was surrounded by a one-tenth mile wooden test track for driving demonstrations of the new "horseless carriages," which would later be called "cars." Today, at least three different indoor test tracks will be featured in the show. Instead of a flat, wooden track, these new tracks will feature obstacles, rough terrain and even a small mountain. 

The cars on display often featured less than three horsepower, compared to today's supercars showcased in the event featuring over 700 horsepower. 

Miss Rodgers Park shows a Plymouth Cranbrook Belvedere onstage at the 1952 auto show (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association)

1952

The 1952 Chicago Auto Show saw the unveiling of the Chevrolet Corvette, which was released in time to become available for the 1953 model year. A crown jewel of the industry at the time, the Corvette was an important introduction to the idea of fast coupes with style. Also at the 1952 show were brand new cars like the Plymouth Cranbrook Belvedere, Buick Roadmaster and Chrysler New Yorker. Fords were also redesigned in this year with new six-cylinder engines or the familiar V8 setups, in stark contrast to today, which boasts a litany of fuel-sipping four-cylinder powerhouses. 

The Chicago Auto Show was set up similarly to prestigious movie primers. Musicians and models entertained crowds on stages adorned with the latest vehicles of automobiles available. 

A poster from the 1953 Chicago Auto Show, the first to be hosted at McCormick Place. (Left) A poster advertising the show (Right) (Photos courtesy of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association) 

1961

The Chicago Auto Show moved to its current location for the 1961 exhibition. For the first time, all American and imported cars were available for viewing in one arena. This was thanks to the 300,000 square feet of exhibition space in the $35 million facility. The show took over 850 man hours to assemble and featured 400 cars including the Dodge Lancer, Pontiac Tempest and Buick Special. 

The Willy's Jeep display also paraded a special exhibit promoting "Hong Kong" and "Maverick," which were television shows which featured the Jeep. 

1964

This year brought with it the first Ford Mustang. The 1964 Chicago Auto Show saw this important two-seater's introduction and the company's most successful launch of a new model since the Model A. The original Mustang sported a list price of $2,368. 

In addition to this rollout were several other key players in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz offered their new Grand Mercedes-Benz, which seated seven for a list price of $25,000. Pricey by even today's standards for some buyers, the huge Benz featured four doors with a limousine setup. On the other side of the exhibition floor in the Dodge exhibit was the Dodge Dart. Making a comeback today as a revitalized setup from Dodge, the Dart still had its sporty attitude. 

2014

Fast forward fifty years to 2014. This year saw a barrage of concept vehicles. Deemed "Best Concept Vehicle" was the Cadillac Elmiraj, which featured two doors and hardtop styling. The Elmiraj sported futuristic styling that turned the heads of many. Toyota's FT-1 concept also commanded eyes. First debuting in the Gran Turismo video game, the FT-1 concept came to life at the Chicago Auto Show, which gave an actual product so gamers could see what they had actually been parading down their virtual tracks. 

The 2016 auto show will combine some events of historic proportions. Running Feb. 13-21, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show will boast unveils, three indoor and six outdoor test tracks. Auto historians will be watching this year's show closely. 

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.