How annoying are car
enthusiasts? You can’t mention a word about an automobile or car part without
them launching into a soliloquy about the Lotus Elise versus the Lotus Elan,
and how directly (or indirectly) said cars influenced the design of the Miata
and other European roadsters of its class. And when it comes to NASCAR fans and
truck enthusiasts, the conversations range from pretentious to perfunctory.
Luckily, there’s a place for this subculture of geekdom: the modern American
auto show. Feel free to send the car lover in your life to play with his or her
friends at one of these ten biggest auto shows in the U.S.
When you think cars,
you think Detroit. In the top car city in the nation, the 2012 Detroit Auto
Show had its best opening day in years. More than 92,000 people showed up for
this stunner, up about 6,000 from last year. Debuting the 2013 Cadillac ATS, the
futuristic Acura NSX Concept, and the new Dodge Dart (of all things), this was
a banner year for the Detroit show. And with Mercedes debuting images of Che
Guevara with the Mercedes logo on his beret and stirring up controversy, it
seems that there’s something in Detroit for even the most revolutionary.
Featuring lots of
debuts in U.S. and international cars alike, the Los Angeles Auto Show is
another worldly shining star. Usually occurring toward the holiday season, the
2011 LA Auto Show featured such debuts as the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, the
crowd-pleasing 2012 Fiat Abarth, and the Subaru BRZ Concept STI.
Car culture is no
joke in Houston. Whether because of sprawl and access to money, or for some
other mysterious reason, the Houston Auto Show draws car enthusiasts out of the
woodwork. It’s not who you’d expect either. The hipster living downtown is
probably less likely to be in attendance than the suburban mom and dad that
have four classic cars and want to see the newest concept design. A fun mix of
family and fanatic, there’s something in Houston for everyone.
The nation’s largest
and longest continually running car show, the Chicago Auto Show began in 1901,
and is held annually at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention complex. This show
is one of the industry stalwarts, and home to many reveals, including the 2012
Shelby GT350 and the Special Edition 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a philosophical
descendant of European roadsters like the stunning Lotus Elan. With targeted
niches for the most specific of auto enthusiasts, mainstream and alternative
press coverage, and lots of yearly buzz and boom for the Windy City, it seems
that being the granddaddy of car shows ain’t so bad.
Also claiming to be
the nation’s oldest (but not the longest-running), the New York City
International Auto Show opened its doors to press, industry folk, and the
public in 1900. The best truly international car show in the country, for auto
enthusiasts, this is the best thing about springtime in New York.
An August show in
California, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is not only a prestigious
charity event, but a showcase and celebration of the classic cars that are
giants of design and beauty. Featuring vintage futuristic concept cars, such as
the original Bertone BAT (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica), this event is more
than 60 years old, and a true competition of elegance.
Also a prestigious
California event, the Gathering at the Quail is a private group of people
showcasing elegant cars and luxury brands. Exclusive and high-brow, the
Gathering at the Quail (a private golf course and meeting place) places
high-end buyers right in the hands of high-end sellers. Not for the faint of
heart or pocketbook.
Sevenstock is the
largest gathering of Mazda and rotary engine enthusiasts in the world. A bit of
a celebration of brand as well, as car counterculture, Sevenstock annually
brings Mazda fans from around the globe to the company’s headquarters in
Irvine, Calif. Begun as an independent celebration from the SoCalRXGroup,
Sevenstock has now become a corporately sanctioned event for Mazda lovers
worldwide.
In the late 1980s,
the area for the auto show of the Texas State Fair more than tripled, and a
fanbase was born. In the middle of the fall, this international car and, of
course, truck show offers activities for the whole family, as well as nice
entertainment for auto enthusiasts alike. Becoming larger, more influential,
and more relevant every year, the State Fair of Texas Auto Show is not one to
be missed.
The Art Car Parade
is the largest art car showing in the world, and definitely a place to let your
freak flag fly! Though not for the traditional auto enthusiast, Art Car fans
hail from Baltimore to Burning Man alike. Held in Houston, Texas — home to the
Art Car Museum — this yearly gathering is both flashy and fun!
Contacts and sources:
Liz Nutt
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