Today In Auto Show History

     One of the more compelling, yet peaceful exhibits at the show every year is the Auto Show History display. If you take some time to read the displays, you can learn some pretty cool facts. For instance:

• In 1968 Oldsmobile had a 'cowgirl' riding on its stripped down Cutlass display to show off its functions.
• All the way back in 1923, the admission was only 75 cents(versus the $12 it costs to get in this year), but that was including a 'War Tax'. Which is interesting considering there was no war on at that point. Maybe it was just a veiled attempt to generate more profit.
• Many different celebrities have made appearances over the years, ranging from Sammy Davis Jr. in 1959, to the Dodge Fever Girl in 1969, and even Arnold Palmer appearing with Jesse Owens in 1970. But clearly the most compelling example came in 1977, when an automaker hired Walter Payton to talk about their displays. When Sweetness appeared, seemingly the entire show gravitated to him.
• In 1968 there was an airline strike right around the time of the show. With no airplanes in the air, what was a hard-working stewardess to do? How about hand out literature for Dodge at the Chicago Auto Show, which is precisely what several of them did that year.
• Concept cars have always been an integral part of the show, and while there have been some truly outlandish displays over the years, one of the most interesting is also the most normal looking. In 1978, American Motors Corporation displayed a revolutionary concept: a minivan. For some reason, executives decided not to pursue the concept, and minivans wouldn't truly make a splash until 1984 with Chrysler.
• In 1976 a woman appeared on stage and invited the audience to make her laugh. After many attempts(including a man sticking his tongue out), she remained unmoved.