The 1950s were considered a golden age for the automobile, and many of those gems of American engineering will be on display during the 101st Oklahoma City Auto Show in the re-creation of the 1950 OKC Auto Show exhibit.
The Oklahoma City International Auto Show will be held March 9-11 in the Bennett Event Center at Oklahoma State Fair Park.
More than 50 cars from the 1950s will be on display.
“The 1950s were such a great time for the American automobile,” Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association chairman Laine Diffee said. “To have a strong collection of automobiles all in one place should make for an entertaining day for everyone who comes out.”
The exhibit will include many different makes, including Chevrolet, Hudson, Mercury, Ford, Rambler, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Volkswagen, Dodge, Desoto, Studebaker and the GM Futurliner #10 as the centerpiece.
“During the 1950s, lots of cars were being sold, and the makes were clearly identifiable,” explained Rodney Duerksen, president of the Oklahoma Hot Rod Association who was instrumental in planning the exhibit. “This should be an exciting exhibit for everyone who likes to see some of the great cars and trucks from that era.”
American car design reached its experimental, optimistic age in the post-WWII era. These visionary designs also became more widely available to the masses–thus ushering in the Golden Age of the Automobile.
Peter Hodges, president of the Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association, said the exciting thing about the 1950s was the variety of designs and how the cars became part of culture across the country.
“We are particularly excited about the history, number and variety of automobiles that will be available from the 1950s era,” Hodges said. “Many people recall that decade as one that produced some great automobiles, and this exhibit will surely bring back some fond memories of that time.”
The Oklahoma City Auto Show is one of the largest consumer shows in Oklahoma and will feature a variety of entertaining activities for adults and kids. In addition to the dozens of automobiles from the 50s, the event will include the return of the Futurliner #10; an 18-Hole Mini-Golf Course Experience with proceeds benefiting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Summer Youth Camp; a display highlighting four 100-year-old vintage cars; the opportunity to test drive 24 cars and trucks from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Toyota and Chevrolet; exotic cars; a “Coffee and Cars” event; a VIP preview event prior to the show’s opening; and many 2018 new cars and trucks from 24 automobile brands.
The automobile brands participating in the show include: Alfa Romeo, Acura, Buick, BMW, Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Explorer Van, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
The auto show is produced every year by the Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association, a non-profit organization that exists to serve and promote the franchised new motor vehicle dealers of metro Oklahoma City and is the producer of the OKC Auto Show. The Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association was formed in 1916 as the Oklahoma City Motor Car Dealers’ Association. The first OKC Auto Show was held in January of 1917.
“We have a proud history. Making vintage cars a focal point of our show not only celebrates these amazing automobiles, but also celebrates our history right here in Oklahoma,” Hodges said.
For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.okcautoshow.org. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online until March 7. Buy one get one free coupons are available at your neighborhood 7-Eleven stores and Solid Rock Basketball.