Since 1987, when members from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) launched their vision for an auto show that was truly international in scope, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit has become the world's foremost exhibition for innovation wheels. At this year's auto show, more than 500 new cars and trucks will be on display at the newly-renovated Cobo Center, which spans 18 acres in downtown Detroit.
That being said, nothing says "American classic" quite like the image of a 1956 Packard Clipper.
Truth is, Detroit has been hosting auto shows for over a century, but those early displays were mostly regional affairs. The first DADA-produced show was held in December 1907 at Riverview Park. Since that first small exhibition, the show grew and moved, appearing at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, the Wayne Gardens Pavilion and the Light Guard Armory on Eight Mile Road. In 1989, it rebranded as the North American International Auto Show, attracting new brands like Lexus and Infiniti, along with unprecedented worldwide attention. Last year, more than 770,000 car lovers (and possible buyers) toured NAIAS to see the unveiling of 40 new automobiles. NAIAS said 22,788 auto industry members and 5,196 journalists from around the world also landed in Detroit for the exhibition.
Click through this slideshow for a look back at some truly unforgettable photos from the auto shows of past and present in the Motor City.
Keep updated on all the news from the 2013 North American International Auto Show on our HuffPost Detroit liveblog. Check out our ever-increasing collection of photos from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Interested in all things Motown? HuffPost Detroit has assembled a handy guide to the best places to eat, drink and visit while you're in the Motor City.
Detroit Auto Show Through History
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that the first international models debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 1989. International auto manufacturers have shown models at the Detroit auto show since 1957.