Car Shows – The Backbone of car culture

Car shows & gatherings have been a part of American culture for over a century. The first major U.S. auto show was held on November 3, 1900 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It showcased the latest in automotive innovation. Back then, these events were more about convincing people that cars (aka “the horseless carriage”) were the future rather than celebrating them.

But fast-forward to the post-WWII era… 

And suddenly, cars weren’t just for the wealthy. They were for everyone! By the 1950s, the automobile had become a symbol of freedom, identity, style, and fun. Teenagers were cruising Main Street, gearheads were building wild machines in their backyards, and car meets/cruise-ins became the social glue of entire communities & generations. These weren’t just casual gatherings anymore – they were an American movement.

In particular, hot rod culture exploded, with young enthusiasts modifying cars for more speed, style, & attention. What started as informal hang-outs in parking lots and drive-ins… grew. And it laid the foundation for modern car shows, races, and competitions. From local meets to high-end expos, car events became a way for enthusiasts to share ideas, show off their rides, and push automotive culture forward.

Why America Loves Cars…

The U.S. has always been a car-heavy nation, and there’s a good reason for it. Our country is massive. And in the 1950s, the Interstate Highway System made long-distance travel easier than ever. Suddenly, the automobile wasn’t just a mode of transportation – it was our ticket to experience the world. To travel, explore, and seek adventure. At local levels, cruising became America’s passtime. Drive-ins, & diners (with car-hop service) became the spots where the community congregated.

Car culture became more than just cars… 

For the young generation, your car was your profile pic so to speak… and your status update. You wanted to be seen (get views), so it was only inevitable for the youth to start customizing their rides. Expression, ego, grit, danger, intrigue, rebellion… that all came with it. It was about modifying, racing, customizing… and creating something that reflected your personality. And car shows? That’s where ‘the influencers’ would go to see, be seen, swap stories, and get ideas. 

Car Meets Today: More Than Just a Parking Lot Full of Cars

Some people think car meets today are the same thing over & over again. They’re not wrong. But they’re also missing the point. These events inspire people – young & old, hardcore enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike. I’ve personally seen people with no interest in cars be converted after attending an event. Here’s an idea in the spirit of car culture: If you think everything’s the same, how ‘bout you build something that’s actually different?

Take events like Hot Import Nights, NOPI Nats, Good Guys, Jeep Beach, Skottle and Bottles, TSP Slam, Riverside, Import Alliance, & Southrnfresh (just to name a few). They aren’t just about showing up & parking. They bring different aspects of car culture together and offer something you can’t get from scrolling through Instagram or YouTube videos. Seeing cars in person, and getting all the sights/sounds/smells… it hits different. It gives you that goosebump moment. And for a lot of people, this is where the passion/obsession begins.

As I’m sitting here at Caffeine and Octane…

Watching people move between cars, I can’t help but think about how important events like this really are. Today, I brought-out a luxury car I’m selling for my uncle’s company… not to brag, but to make a point. Over the years, I’ve brought everything from rare/quirky JDM imports, to lifted trucks… and everything in between. And every time, at least one person connects with the car in some meaningful way.

Today was no different… 

Several people told me they aspire to own the car I brought, or that their kids dream of it. So I let them sit in it, check it out, and enjoy the moment. That’s the kind of thing car meets do: They spark excitement & inspiration. They create moments & memories. And they have a way of turning a passing interest into a full-blown passion.

I’ve run car shows, organized events, and worked at them. I’ve seen firsthand how these gatherings bring people together, create lifelong friendships, and introduce new generations to the world of cars.

The Future of Car Culture…

Sanctioned racing – whether it’s drag racing, endurance racing, rally, etc – has always pushed technology & innovation forward. A lot of the performance AND YES EVEN safety & efficiency features we take for granted today… started on the track. But now in today’s world, car culture is under attack by people who don’t understand it (go figure; what isn’t). They see racing as reckless, dangerous, annoying, and/or wasteful… and want to shut it down. 

But car culture isn’t the bad guy here… 

Sure it’s edgy, fast, and even has elements of danger. But car culture also inspires the most human qualities – like passion, innovation, and expression. It creates livelihoods – like mechanics, engineers, designers, and dreamers. When the Karens & crybabies of the world try to stomp-out car culture, in essence, they’re stomping on a world of expression, innovation, engagement, creativity, competition, and excitement. A world which they ultimately benefit from. And that’s frankly just un-American. Do you really wanna end up with 50 shades of gray, cookie-cutter vehicles… with interiors that look like IKEA made ’em? Does that sound familiar? Do you want whatever the hell happened to McDonalds… to happen to the automotive industry? Nah, not me.

Article by David S. Windsor