In 1896 the first gasoline driven vehicle cruised the streets of Detroit. It was Charles Brady King's experimental wagon, driven by the inventor himself. The same year thirteen cars were manufactured by Duryea Motor Wagon Company, marking the first time more than one automobile was reproduced from the same design in America.

The Golden Jubilee celebrated the 50th anniversary of these landmark events. Innovators like Duryea and King, along with others such as Kettering, Nash, and Ford, were honored as automotive pioneers during the Golden Jubilee. Their names were scribed onto enormous obelisks which lined Woodward, and the Antique Automotive Exposition was held from June 3rd to 9th at Convention Hall.

The exposition featured each of the newest 1946 models. It was, however, the rarities and antiques of the automotive era that were the stars of the show.

On display were early cars such as the 1896 Duryea "37", American milestones such as Henry Ford's 1902 "999" Racer, and other early models from Detroit companies ranging from Packard to Pontiac.

Side by side, the triumphant evolution of the Automobile in every stage inspired nostalgia among those who remembered the old horseless carriages, and mirth and wonder among those too young to have lived in the era of ubiquitous Model T's.

above left: Convention Hall, the site of the Antique Automotive Exposition. The Exposition drew a crowd of 175,000 people.

right: Henry Ford's famous '999' racer with a replica of racecar driver Barney Oldfield at the wheel.