The 2025 New York Auto Show marks 125 years

With collection of iconic cars

The New York International Auto Show is celebrating a milestone in 2025, marking its 125th anniversary with a stunning retrospective showcase of vintage, classic, and iconic cars that span more than a century of motoring history.

Held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan from April 18 to 27, 2025, the exhibition takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through time, placing the spotlight on the auto show’s pivotal role in shaping automotive innovation, culture, and consumer dreams.

With a collection that features historic models from every decade since 1900, this special exhibit celebrates automotive achievements. It highlights how the New York Auto Show became the heartbeat of a nation’s enduring relationship with the car.

Historic beginning at Madison Square Garden

The story begins in 1900. At the turn of the 20th century, New York City was pulsing with innovation. While horses still clattered through its busy streets, something new was taking shape—the automobile. That year, at the original Madison Square Garden, the first Annual Automobile Show opened its doors, showcasing 160 of the latest marvels in motoring technology to nearly 50,000 attendees.

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It was a spectacle of its time, displaying steam-powered wagons, early electric vehicles, and combustion-engine cars. The exhibition even included a 53-foot hill climb designed to push the limits of these machines, as well as a 20-foot-wide test track where daring drivers demonstrated real-time performance. Charging stations for electric cars — known as “Electrants” — were already on display, offering a 25-mile recharge for just 25 cents, a glimpse of the forward-thinking ethos that would define the show.

The event stirred spirited debate about the future of transportation. Would petrol, steam, or electric power become the dominant force? This question would fuel innovation for generations.

Living Museum of motoring evolution

Fast forward 125 years, and the New York Auto Show remains the premier platform for unveiling cutting-edge design, sustainability technologies, and future mobility solutions. But this year, attendees are invited to take a step back in time with an exhibition that reads like a visual history book, bringing together vehicles representing the best of every era.

From the pre-war elegance of the Pierce-Arrow to the outrageous speed of the Bugatti Veyron, each car tells a unique story of engineering ambition and cultural significance.

Cadillac Model 30 (1909)

The journey begins with the 1909 Cadillac Model 30 Demi Tonneau, a pioneer in interchangeable parts manufacturing. With a 30-horsepower engine and brass-accented styling, this model set new standards for reliability and luxury, helping establish Cadillac’s reputation for excellence.

Ford Model T (1910)

No collection would be complete without the legendary Ford Model T, introduced in 1908 and ubiquitous by the following decade. Henry Ford’s revolutionary assembly line transformed this 20-horsepower “Tin Lizzie” into the people’s car, putting America on wheels and redefining personal freedom.

Dodge Brothers Standard Six (1927)

Capturing the energy of the Roaring Twenties, the 1927 Dodge Brothers Standard Six offered modern conveniences like four-wheel hydraulic brakes and smooth inline-six performance. Stylish yet durable, it appealed to a generation on the move.

Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 (1933)

The 1930s Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 exudes the luxury of the Depression era. It is powered by a V12 engine and distinguished by flowing Art Deco lines and fender-mounted headlamps. Celebrities and political elites drove these opulent cruisers as symbols of resilience and status.

Mercury Eight Convertible (1947)

The 1947 Mercury Eight Convertible epitomised post-war optimism, pairing streamlined beauty with robust V8 performance. Its waterfall grille and open-top freedom captured the American dream, ushering in a new era of design sophistication.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1956)

Perhaps one of the most visually arresting cars of the 20th century, the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL introduced the world to fuel injection in production vehicles. Its gullwing doors and racing pedigree made it a symbol of elegance and engineering prowess. It was capable of 160 mph—a jaw-dropping feat for its time.

Corvette Split-Window Coupe (1963)

With its futuristic styling and one-year-only split rear window, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette is a true collector’s gem. Its potent 327-cubic-inch V8 engine gave muscle to its beauty, solidifying the Corvette as an enduring symbol of American performance.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1979)

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am turned heads with bold styling, featuring the iconic ‘screaming chicken’ on its bonnet. With 220 horsepower and unmistakable road presence, it was as much a film star as a car, cemented in pop culture by Smokey and the Bandit.

DeLorean DMC-12 (1986)

The DeLorean DMC-12 defined 1980s nostalgia with its brushed stainless steel body and futuristic gullwing doors. Although its 130-horsepower engine left much to be desired in terms of speed, its status as a cultural phenomenon has only grown over time, thanks to its fame from Back to the Future.

Acura NSX (1999)

As the millennium approached, the 1999 Acura NSX redefined supercars with precision handling, a lightweight aluminium chassis, and influence from F1 legend Ayrton Senna. The 3.2-litre V6 engine delivered 290 horsepower while maintaining everyday drivability — a rare balance in its class.

Bugatti Veyron (2006)

A quantum leap in performance, the 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 changed the landscape of hypercars forever. With 1,001 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, it set new records and standards in engineering sophistication and sheer speed.

Chevrolet Volt (2011)

The Chevrolet Volt pioneered electric mobility, blending an electric motor with a petrol-powered range extender. It offered a 35-mile all-electric range and a total range of over 350 miles, proving that electric vehicles could be both practical and revolutionary.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2022)

Rounding out the collection is the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, an apex predator of performance driving. With 518 horsepower and a race-bred aerodynamic package, it delivers blistering lap times and road-legal excitement, showcasing the ongoing evolution of automotive excellence.

Celebration of innovation and influence

What makes this anniversary showcase so compelling is how it connects the past and present, showing how cars have evolved and shaped people’s lives, work, and dreams. The exhibit captures the entire spectrum of automotive ambition from steam engines to turbocharged V12s, and from early electric prototypes to modern EVs and hybrids.

The New York International Auto Show remains a cornerstone of automotive culture. Millions flock to the Javits Center each spring to see the latest models, test future tech, and immerse themselves in an industry that keeps reinventing itself. In 2025, the experience is richer than ever, with this extraordinary retrospective offering context, nostalgia, and a fresh appreciation for how far the industry has come.

Whether you are a lifelong car enthusiast or a casual admirer, this year’s show is an unmissable opportunity to explore the machines that moved us — and continue to inspire us — through every twist and turn of the road.

Hero image: The 2025 New York International Auto Show is showcasing its pivotal role in shaping American automotive innovation, culture, and consumer dreams. Credit: NYIAS