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Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding

1929 New York

December 1, 1929 – December 7, 1929

Introduce

The 1929 New York Auto Salon was held from December 1 to 7 in the Grand Ballroom and main lobby of the Hotel Commodore, a landmark venue directly connected to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. Designed to appeal to an elite audience, the Salon focused exclusively on high-end motorcars and bespoke coachwork, showcasing the artistry and innovation of both American and European manufacturers. Unlike broader trade shows, this event emphasized the automobile as an object of design and luxury, positioning it within the realm of fine craftsmanship and status.

Among the custom coachbuilders featured were LeBaron, Willoughby, Brewster & Co., Waterhouse, Hibbard & Darrin, and Weymann. They presented bodies on prestigious chassis from Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Stutz, Isotta Fraschini, Bugatti, and Duesenberg, offering examples of what was termed “the supreme achievement of design engineering.” The du Pont Model G returned to the Salon with new custom configurations, representing American refinement with a powerful straight-eight engine and tailored bodywork. European entries also stood out, notably the Bugatti Type 44 with Bogan-built limousine bodies and a dramatic Stutz limousine by Weymann. Particularly distinguished was the Lancia Dilambda Sport Royal Coupé by Carrozzeria Castagna, combining Italian elegance with technical sophistication.

Held just weeks after the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, the Salon defied economic uncertainty by maintaining its focus on exclusivity and excellence. The opulent setting of the Commodore, with its Italian courtyard-style lobby and expansive exhibition halls, reinforced the event’s prestige. The 1929 Auto Salon remains a notable expression of interwar automotive culture in New York, marking a period when vehicles served not only as transportation but as highly individualized works of art. It would be one of the last grand shows of its kind before the Depression reshaped the luxury automobile landscape.

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