I got to wondering about something this evening while I was sitting here watching some YouTube—my usual way to wind down.
As you know, I do a lot of car shows, cruise nights, and other events. But what I started thinking about was this: When did car shows actually start? And when did all the different types we know today—like cruise-ins, rod runs, and Cars & Coffee—come into the picture?
So, I did what anyone would do... I hit up Google. And I figured you might find this as interesting as I did.
Formal Exhibitions
The very first recorded car show happened on December 11, 1894, in Paris, France. It was called the Internationale de Velocipidie et de Locomotion Automobile. There were four different automobile manufacturers in attendance, although I couldn’t track down who they were. Info is pretty limited—just the date and name of the show seem to survive.
The first car show in the U.S. took place on November 3, 1900, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was sponsored by the Automobile Club of America and featured 31 vehicles and dozens of exhibitors. It reportedly drew a crowd of 10,000 visitors, which is pretty impressive for the time.
Then in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show launched, featuring early electric, steam, and gasoline-powered cars—and get this—they even had an indoor test track.
The New York Auto Show began sometime in the 1920s–30s, but didn’t officially become the New York InternationalAuto Show until the mid-1950s.
From 1949 to 1961, General Motors hosted a traveling show called Motorama. These events were used to showcase futuristic concept vehicles and GM's latest innovations.
And in 1950, collector-car competitions kicked off with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, setting the standard for judged car shows and elegance-focused events.
Grassroots Car Shows and the Rise of Hot Rodding
In the 1940s and 50s, especially after WWII, hot rodding exploded. Soldiers returning home brought with them mechanical skills and a desire to build fast, custom cars. That era gave birth to the culture that’s still alive today.
In 1953, the Michigan Hot Rod Association held the first Detroit Autorama, a showcase for hot rods and custom cars. Since 1964, it’s been home to the prestigious Ridler Award, named after Don Ridler, honoring the most outstanding custom vehicle shown for the first time.
Even earlier, a show now known as the Grand National Roadster Show began in 1949, focusing on hot rods. It’s since become one of the biggest indoor car shows in the world.
By 1970, the first Street Rod Nationals took place in Peoria, Illinois, sponsored by Rod & Custom magazine. That event evolved into the National Street Rod Association (NSRA), which still hosts the Street Rod Nationals today in Louisville, Kentucky, along with several other regional events around the country.
Other Terms and Where They Came From
Rod Run
"Rod run" became a common term in the 1950s–60s, used to describe organized hot rod gatherings. These could range from local cruise-ins at a drive-in to long-distance road trips put on by clubs. It was all about driving and showing off your ride with like-minded folks.
Car Show
This one’s pretty straightforward. The term “car show” has been around since the early 1900s, covering everything from formal manufacturer showcases to grassroots club meets like the ones we enjoy today.
Cruise Night / Cruise-In
These are probably my favorite kind of event. A Cruise Night or Cruise-In is a relaxed, informal gathering—usually in the evening or on a weekend—where people just park their cars, hang out, and enjoy each other's company. This format started in 1950s–60s America, especially in the suburbs, with friends meeting up at drive-ins or the local main street to show off their rides.
Cars and Coffee
This one had me the most curious. When did Cars and Coffee start? Turns out, it began around 2005, largely promoted by Barry Meguiar, who helped popularize the concept as a more casual, laid-back Saturday morning car meet.
These events draw a wide mix—exotics like McLarens and Porsches, plus muscle cars, classics, imports, trucks, and everything else. At least from my experience, this is often where you’ll spot the high-end cars you don’t always see at your typical car show.
Wrap-Up
So, there you have it. Just a little history lesson brought on by some late-night curiosity. Hopefully you found it as interesting as I did. It’s cool to look back and see how all these events and traditions got started and evolved into what we enjoy today.
Let me know—what’s your favorite kind of event?
Thanks for hanging out with me—same time, same channel, same curiosity.