At least two terrific auto shows will wrap up this weekend in New York City.
The North American International Auto Show runs from Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27 at the Javits Center, and then it’s onto the New York International Auto Show at Jacob Javits Center from Thursday, January 31 through Monday, February 4.
And if you’re a fan of the Pontiac GTO, you can drive them across the Brooklyn Bridge in an open field, in Hell’s Kitchen, and on to the Pile of Cans at Grand Central Terminal in One Bronx Plaza.
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The more formal New York International Auto Show runs from Thursday, February 1 to Monday, February 4.
This year marks the New York International Auto Show’s 90th year. The show features a wide range of vehicle models from dozens of manufacturers, including automakers like Chevrolet, Lexus, Nissan, Mazda, Jaguar, Maserati, Land Rover, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, Ram, Cadillac, and Toyota.
Visitors to the Javits Center will find both highlights from the Chicago Auto Show and off-the-beaten-path marvels from around the world. For example, there’s a Rolls-Royce model that would’ve been unheard of even a decade ago; Toyota’s Scirocco, which is literally like a glass and steel Cirque du Soleil show for a car; and a sculptured, 20-wheel double-cab pick-up truck that’s sure to please cheaters who drive pickups (and, boy, are they cheaters).
One of the biggest highlights of the New York International Auto Show is one of the oldest in the world — in fact, it was actually founded as a show at the same time as the predecessor to the show, the New York International Auto Show, established in 1925. And, yes, the “New York International” in the title does indicate that it’s the older sibling of the New York International Auto Show, since it took place in New York City.
The show features over 75 automotive displays, including newer models from major automakers including BMW, Cadillac, Tesla, Subaru, and, well, you’d better call it a tale of two cars, since the Toyota Prius used to be the next-generation urban storm vehicle of choice for cities.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade group for auto equipment suppliers, also has a presence at the event with a display focusing on the exotic and the obscure. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation hosts a series of displays of cybersecurity tools for carmakers, and many attending show attendees will get to see a pile of CANS in front of Grand Central Terminal that doubles as a collection of classic classic cars.
Insurance companies have an exhibit, too, which showcases the personal vehicle protections that auto insurers offer their policyholders, like improving diagnostic capabilities and choosing the right insurance for your car.
As for the LNY Car Show, that has something for just about everybody:
40-odd full cars and a few 20-foot-long construction vehicles.
Unique concert-sized vehicles meant to run as acts in stages, like The Who’s Sgt. Pepper car and the Rhino bikes of Monty Python’s Carpool Karaoke sketch.
A performer from Cirque du Soleil can make you laugh or cry in front of a live audience wearing a headset of iPhone-compatible makeup.
A car lost in the desert and rescuers find it tucked into a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival mansion called The Mountain on Broadway.
The LNY Car Show also has rides from over 25 classic car clubs, and some tricked-out tribute cars. The LNY Car Show will also hold giveaways like merchandise, food, and a raffle for some very valuable prizes.