Internal-Combustion Excellence

Internal-Combustion Excellence

Ashley Whitlock

Wood grain, leather, and steel dominated the 630,000 square foot Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 19-27. Recognized by the industry as one of the top shows in the country, the Philadelphia Auto Show put more than 700 vehicles on display for auto and design enthusiasts alike. The annual show featured dozens of manufacturers and included a variety of classic, luxury, pre-production and exotic models. If you didn’t leave the show itching to get behind the wheel, you probably don’t have a pulse.

        Not glamorous enough for you? Think again. The show kicked-off with the annual “Black Tie Tailgate” event, where ritzy and glitzy high-rollers paid big bucks to scope out this year’s models. The menu? Designed by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr. Starr knows how to wine and dine his clientele.  Even better yet, the “Black Tie Tailgate” benefitted a good cause. Proceeds from the event were donated to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

            While the Philadelphia Auto Show has been welcoming car-lovers since 1902, it still manages to bring something new to the table every single year. This year, Ford and General Motors went head-to-head in the first ever “Face-off Challenge.” Mustang lovers and die-hard Camaro fans got to battle it out to become the 2013 champion. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, the Ford Mustang took home the trophy and lead by just 345 votes.

            Not a car person? That’s O.K., you don’t have to be. Anyone with an interest in design can appreciate the ideal balance of form and function. And who knows, you might just change your mind.