As you know, the March weather in Atlanta can be a little dicey for outdoor car shows. Though indoors at the Georgia World Congress Center – Building C, it was a horse of a different color.
From March 17th to 20th, the Congress Center was home to the Atlanta International Auto Show. This annual show is the largest and longest-running public event held at the award-winning 1.5 million-sq-ft venue.
The 40th annual event showcased over 500 new and pre-production vehicles with thousands of people attending. Among those on display were domestic cars, light trucks, vans, sports utility vehicles, luxury, and economy cars.
One of the significant show advantages is seeing a solid cross-section of new vehicles from various manufacturers all in one spot. In addition, of course, there was a small army of eager dealer representatives on hand to answer questions and wipe off fingerprints.
Building C was also perfect for the manufactures Ride & Drive event during the show. Those who wished to take a test drive merely had to sign up in the lobby and then go outside to visit their brand of choice.
Unfortunately, the latest editions from Bowling Green remained static and locked tighter than a drum. Much to the chagrin of the many who repeatedly tried and failed to open the doors.
Interestingly, the Arctic White Z06 convertible came with stanchions, an accomplished spokesperson but no Monroney window sticker.
A Side Serving Of History
By now, you know we’re never one to pass up a side serving of history when researching a story. Apparently, Asa G. Candler was instrumental in bringing the first auto show of this type to Atlanta in 1909.
Among Asa’s many accomplishments were founding the Atlanta Automobile Association and being Mayor of Atlanta from 1916 to 1919. He was also prominent in the local business community and managed to find time to be the founder of the Coca-Cola Company.
The first Atlanta Auto Show was in 1909, with 67 automakers applying for a spot on the 64,000 square foot display floor. The show had the distinction of being the first of its kind for the entire Southeast.
Only two shows occurred during the early 1900s, one in 1912 and the other in 1917. Unfortunately, after 1917, it would be 65 years before another manufacturer’s auto show would return to the capital of Georgia.
Today’s 40th annual show is the largest event of its kind in the Southeast. The Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association hosts the event, which comprises more than 130 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout Metro Atlanta.
Full Efx Autotechniques
The prominence of Caffeine & Octane continues its upward ascension in the national car culture. So none were surprised to see a healthy portion of the sprawling show floor devoted to C&O.
To their credit, C&O delivered a diverse selection of stunning show cars that drew the interest and admiration of many. However, given our natural propensity for Corvettes, there was a distinctive Zeus Bronze C8 that grabbed our attention and wouldn’t let go.
That head-turning eighth-generation Corvette belonged to Clifton Downie, the owner of Full Efx Autotechniques.
Those who follow the local car scene are familiar with his distinctive creations. Recently, he has trained his considerable talents on taking the eighth-generation Corvette to the next level.
The results are both aesthetically sublime and visually engaging. Additionally, Clifton’s “Lady Dragon” C8 graphically showcases his ability to deliver on his creative construct.
We’re not sure how many are already standing in line for Clifton’s services. We just know we should be one of them.
Old-School Civility
Reminiscent of a middle school dance, automotive vendors were up against the showroom walls waiting nervously to be asked to dance. The goods and services they were hawking went from “free” vacation weekends to race-inspired paraphernalia.
We usually pass quickly by these all-too-eager dance partners while averting our gaze lest we make eye contact. That is until we happened by Haley and the Guardian Garage Floor booth.
Unlike everyone else who was eager to shove multi-colored paper our way, Haley just smiled and said hello to everyone who passed by.
Naturally, we were completely disarmed by this brazen form of old-school civility.
Granted, we were already contemplating turning our garage into a YouTube backdrop. And yes, a new floor covering would go a long way to achieving the “Feng Shui meets the Hard Rock Cafe” motif we envisioned.
But Haley’s genuine smile, product knowledge, and helpful demeanor snagged us from the wandering masses. We were seriously contemplating Guardian Garage Floors for our future garage/sound stage floor a half-hour later.
If Haley is any indication of their customer service, you should consider Guardian Garage Floors.
Not A One-Trick Pony
On the surface, you might assume the 40th Annual Atlanta International Auto Show is a one-trick pony. You could be forgiven for thinking that its entertainment value rests solely with the new cars on display.
The truth is that the organizers have added layers for the whole family. For example, Subaru sponsored a pet petting/adoption area for the children and young at heart.
Through the #SubaruLovesPets initiative, Subaru of America and its retailers have helped more than 230,000 animals find homes. So while the parents might not drive home in a new car, there’s a good chance a new furry family addition might have left with them.
To ramp up the energy, Brian Fox, the owner of FOX BMX Stunt Show, had some of the best trick bicycle riders in the country wowing the crowds. Brian is an XGames medal winner and is currently competing for a position on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Georgia Institute of Technology was on hand with their GT Solar Racing nonprofit, student-run team. The 100 undergraduate and graduate members design and build solar-powered race cars for track and cross-country competitions worldwide
Last summer, the race team drove their car, SR-3 Endurance, over 900 miles from Independence, MO, to Las Vegas, NM, for five days on solar power alone.
When you looked at this car show in its totality, there was a lot to explore at the 40th Annual International Auto Show.
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