I've been one lucky media guy, having attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the New York Auto Show, the British Auto Show (when it was still held at Earls Court), the Geneva Auto Show, and countless local shows in Toronto and Vancouver. Always fun to see what's new and what might be new if the concepts ever make it to production status. And yet, whenever I glance through automotive history books I find myself fascinated by photos and descriptions of the very first auto shows. Minus the razzle-dazzle of modern display technology, the dozens of early auto manufacturers nevertheless managed to create a scene guaranteed to set hearts racing among a population still looking at the car as a novelty.

So when the Chicago Auto Show (first staged in 1901) organisers announced that they plan on setting aside a portion of the floor to replicate one of those historic auto shows I was hugely impressed. After all, commercial footage equals dollars. By sacrificing space for entertainment that looks to the past, the Chicago people have not only scored a public relations coup, they've acknowledged their roots and those of every other auto show regardless of country or location. That said, the organisers are still seeking cars from the early show era and especially the very cars that may have been on display. (Yes, such cars do exist!) Thanks to my friends at Hemmings for making me aware of this event and if you own such a vehicle and are willing to display it, please contact the Chicago Auto Show soon.