The theme of the show was "Wheels of Freedom" and this was a moment when freedom was being challenged throughout the world. Wheels have forced men from burdens and restrictions throughout history. A 60-year old tradition was broken when the Automobile Manufacturers Association decided to stage the 43rd National Automobile show in Detroit's Cobo Hall which cost 54 million dollars to construct.
It took hundreds of the nation's major manufactures cooperated to stage the spectacular "Auto Wonderland" show within the show opening at Detroit's new Cobo Hall . Designed as an integrated "World's Fair" type of exposition, Auto Wonderland was a spectacular added attraction to the main event of the Auto Show which featured the automobiles and trucks on stage together for the first time. President Eisenhower was the honored guest and speaker at the show.
Visitors to the show observed the complete story of motor vehicle manufacturing -from planning through production-in exhibit form for the first time. A 4-cent commemorative stamp honoring the automobile industry was placed on sale the day of the show Saturday, October 15.
The Auto Show was also televised nationally by CBS on Sunday October 16, between 6-7 PM this mark the first time that Detroit starred in a natural role as the “Motor City” since all previous National Auto shows were held in New York. The worlds greatest Auto Show dazzled over 1,000,000 visitors who enjoyed and love the show. A number of special events were keyed into the show, among them the Detroit Symphony Orchestra which featured a special commissioned overture saluting the automotive industry. The dedication for Cobo Hall took place on Thursday, October 13 and during the shows attendance special groups were honored -"City County Employees Day", "Sport Celebrities Day", "Ladies Day" and International day.
Screen legend Marlene Dietrich dropped in during the run of her one-woman show at Detroit's Shubert Theater. She refused to pose in front of an old-time vehicle and told a reporter she only liked black cars. Photo Credit: "The National Automotive History Collection"
Cobo Hall has always attracted millions of people over the years, so let's take a look back at this historic review featuring the opening day at Cobo Hall.
Special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating his story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCiteis Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at lambriez@motorcities.org.
Photo Credit: "The National Automotive History Collection"