Chicago’s 105th annual Auto Show of 2013 was a week of dreams for many. From stylish concept cars to entertaining interactive activities – the show was filled with excitement from beginning to end. Fun was the purpose, according to organizers who wrote in the literature for the show, “Shows don’t last more than a century by being boring and stale.”
The auto show’s rich history dates back to 1901, when the show was only eight days long and was called the National Auto Exhibit. The exhibit was held at the Chicago Coliseum; admission was a mere .50 for Chicago residents to come to 15th and Wabash for a show. Show manager Samuel Miles, also known as the ‘Father of the Modern Auto Show’, made sure that no stone went unturned to produce his a wide selection of “modern” automotive innovation. Today’s shows seem to follow that mission.
The Padilla family travelled from a Chicago suburb to see the show for the first time. “We just came in and he’s so excited,” said Maria Padilla of her son Antonio. The nine-year-old youth found his, ‘dream car’ in the new, 2014 Ford Mustang V6. Antonio shows that you’re never too young to look for your first car, as he claimed the grabber blue show stopper – just one of many customized cars on the floor.
The ten day long exhibition got off to a great start with well wishes from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and Secretary of State, Jesse White. While all three public figures made note of the Chicago Auto Show’s long standing history they also wrote about the different entities that are positively affected by a show of this magnitude. Gov. Quinn paid homage to the cornerstones of the automotive industry saying, “the hard working men and women in the Illinois automotive industry laboring in cities such as Chicago, Bloomington-Normal, and Belvidere are at the front lines of American ingenuity and innovation.”
The auto simulator queue for the Ford Fiesta was filled with teens who were anxious to test their driving skills. “It’s our third year [coming to the show], it’s cool to see all the new cars,” said Isabelle of Itasca, IL. She was there with her sister and expressed excitement at their chance at having a virtual driving experience without the need for a license.
Another heavy hitter was Lexus, who showcased their new LF-LC Concept. Toyota, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler provided hands-on fun with test tracks where exhibit-goers had the chance to drive the newest vehicles over various road conditions. Jeep even provided a brightly colored mini-track with motorized children’s Jeeps for practicing driving skills at the ripe old age of six and a half.
From concept cars to electric vehicles, the 105th Auto Show provided a way for everyone to find their own slice of automotive enjoyment.
All images by Janean L. Watkins, All Rights Reserved 2013.
Introducing the 2014 Ford Mustang V6. It has four seats and a capability of a customized 5.8L superchaged V8. Vroom, Vroom!The new 2013 Ford Fusion EcoBoostThe 2013 Lincoln MKT sits stylishly on 19″ aluminum wheels. It’s fitted with the 3.5L Turbo direct-injected V6 that generates 365 hp.Mopar’s rendition of the 2013 SRT Viper.2013 Toyota Avalon (full frontal)The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T on one of the indoor test tracks.2013 Ford Fusion EcoBoost engine display.2013 Toyota Avalon (Blue)2014-Cadillac-ELR- front wheel and gas tank.Due next winter, look out for the new 2014 Cadillac ELR. This dynamic vehicle rests on 20″ alloy wheels. The sleek and stylish model features such perks as an electric propulsion system. The perfect marriage of science and style.Infiniti’s proposed 2014 Q50.Subaru unveiled its 2014 Forrester to show-goers.Check out the new 2013 Toyota Avalon.Antonio Padilla sits in his dream car, the 2014 Mustang V6 as his mother, Maria and sister Marina, watch.The auto simulator queue for the Ford Fiesta was filled with teens who were anxious to test their driving skills.Buick’s show floor.
Honda’s EV-STER Concept (rear view)Honda introduces its EV-STER Concept. This 51.9″ wide sports car is a new take on Honda’s micro-car the Beat.Jaguar XK (side view)Jaguar’s XK is being called “The Naturally Aspirated V”. The XK has top speeds of 155 mph, goes 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds and touts 24 mpg on the highway. 19″ Tamana alloy wheels hold up this plush beauty.Jeep Test TrackJonathan Williams, of Aurora, IL and his mother Shawn (far right) try their hand at Ford’s video game-styled simulator.Jeep’s brightly colored mini-track with motorized Jeeps for the kids.Lexus showcases its IS F class CCS-R-Racecar.Volvo S60 Polestar Concept in “Rebel Blue”. This turbo charged Volvo T6 inline six cylinder engine can do 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds. 186 mph max speed.Many “celebrities” graced the auto show. Here’s a photo of one well known Camaro – ‘Bumblebee’ from the Transformers franchise drew the attention of youth and adults alike.Here’s the official Toyota racer model.Toyota Corolla Furia Concept (front view)The 2012 Ram 1500 Quad Cab® Big Horn/Lone Star wows the crowd with perks like on board 3G wifi.
2012 Ram 1500 (Full Frontal)
Official Meijer Race CarThe Nissan Leaf electric car saves consumers money while providing stylish comfort.Nissan revealed its newest design, the Ellure Concept. Nissan touts that the Ellure is “the sedan re-imagined”.Mitsubshi has packed a punch in its newest model of the iMiev. Many enthusiast say that this car is the least expensive of all electric cars in America.The Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe features 21″ turbine-styled wheels, four doors and a panoramic sun roof.Lexus LF-LC Concept [Side viewLexus brought back its LF-LC Concept, winner by public opinion at the 2012 Windy City auto show. It showcases the luxurious “Lexus Future” ahead with its glass roof and 500 horse power features.”
As the owner of Montway, Mike is very well-versed in the auto transport industry. He started the company back in 2006, but his experience in car shipping goes farther back than that. Before starting Montway here in the United States, Mike was moving cars in Europe. He shipped vehicles from Western European countries like Germany, Switzerland and Austria to Eastern Europe. With over a decade of experience and knowledge of this industry, Mike is what we like to call a Car Shipping Expert.
