Los Angeles is a place where style, innovation, and automobiles go hand in hand. When you step into a modern car exhibition, you see not only the latest vehicles but also the professionally trained auto show models who bring them to life. These auto show models are more than just a backdrop. They are part of a rich legacy that began in the earliest days of the automotive industry.
Early Car Shows and the First Auto Show Models
The first major auto show in the United States was held in 1900 at Madison Square Garden in New York, attracting more than forty-eight thousand visitors and introduced many to the concept of motorized travel. Early shows in New York and Chicago during the 1900s featured models, but they were often everyday car owners or families who could speak positively about this new way of transportation. Doctors were among the first targeted buyers, as they required dependable vehicles for house calls.
As the car industry grew through the 1920s and 1930s, auto shows became essential stages for manufacturers to reveal new models. These exhibitions began blending art, fashion, and performance, with streamlined vehicle designs echoing the elegance of contemporary clothing. For example, Packard Motor Co. hired the Marion Morgan Dancers in 1927 to perform around its convertible, a creative move that marked the rise of presentation and performance-driven marketing.
Activists and Early Promotional Tours
The use of women to promote cars stretches back further than many realize. In 1916, suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson were given a Saxon roadster and a cat called Mascot to drive from New York to San Francisco. Their cross-country journey combined political activism and brand promotion, proving that women drivers could attract attention while showing how easy the Saxon was to handle. The Saxon Motor Company leveraged their story for marketing, establishing that narrative-driven promotion could sell cars—a concept still used by automotive brands today.
1930s to 1950s: Glamour and Hood Ornaments
By the 1930s, the use of women to draw attention to cars was firmly established. At the LA Auto Show, car show models appeared as early as the 1930s and became a beloved tradition. By 1939, performers would “spin and grin” beside the cars, merging entertainment and marketing.
Automakers also began incorporating female-inspired motifs into hood ornaments, symbolizing beauty, motion, and progress. During the 1950s, car presentations became increasingly glamorous, General Motors’ Motorama events showcased futuristic cars, dazzling lights, and elegant showgirls in evening gowns. At these shows, models were expected to exude sophistication and style, though they rarely spoke about the cars themselves.
1960s and 1970s: Changing Expectations
The 1960s introduced new aesthetics and attitudes. At the Detroit Auto Dealers Association show, models’ outfits ranged fromAudrey Hepburn-inspired looks to cowgirl and homemaker costumes, e. ach chosen to complement a car’s character. California’s rising hot rod culture also reshaped auto show themes.
Yet, despite the glamour, auto models were often expected to remain silent until the late 1970s, serving primarily as decorative figures. That began to shift as more women entered the car-buying market and societal norms evolved. By the 1980s, trailblazing agencies and advocates pushed for professional respect and equality, helping to redefine auto show culture. Books like Sirens of Chrome document this transformation and remain important references for understanding the evolution of automotive brand representation.s
Birth of the Product Specialist
By the 1980s and 1990s, auto show models had evolved into product specialists—professionals valued for their expertise and communication skills, not just appearance. These specialists could explain features, discuss technology, and represent the brand’s personality.
Becoming a product specialist requires rigorous training. Many study for weeks, learning driving techniques, vehicle specs, and safety details. Some even come from engineering, acting, or marketing backgrounds. Their role includes engaging audiences, answering questions, and translating technical jargon into customer-friendly language. This evolution mirrored the industry’s demographic shift from being male-focused to family-oriented, with women influencing the majority of car purchases.
LA Auto Show Models Today
Today’s LA Auto Show models combine glamour with intelligence and brand expertise. Continuing a tradition that began in the 1930s, these professionals act as brand ambassadors who enhance presentations through charisma and knowledge. These influencers interact with photographers, influence social media coverage, and ensure every presentation runs smoothly.
Runway Waiters, a leading event staffing agency in Los Angeles, often provides model staff with both high-fashion and hospitality training, perfectly suited for premium events like the LA Auto Show. Their professionals embody style, professionalism, and product knowledge, helping brands connect authentically with their audiences.
Chicago Auto Show Models and Product Specialists
The Chicago Auto Show, the largest consumer auto show in North America, highlights this transformation. Every major manufacturer employs trained product specialists who can answer detailed questions and guide visitors. Although vehicles are not for sale at the show, these specialists direct potential buyers to local dealerships.
In earlier decades, Chicago auto show models were primarily decorative, but today’s specialists are expected to be knowledgeable communicators. Many work year-round on training and presentation skills. This nationwide evolution marks the shift from “booth babes” to credible, educated brand representatives.
The Role of Auto Show Models in Modern Events
Auto show models and product specialists now play a central role in automotive storytelling. In the social media age, their interactions, professionalism, and appearance become part of a brand’s digital identity. They represent more than style, they embody innovation, sustainability, and luxury, depending on the brand’s message.
Shows like the LA Auto Show have adapted to feature electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and eco-conscious designs. Product specialists now serve as educators and storytellers, guiding visitors through futuristic concepts and digital displays.
Their roles also include audience engagement, feature demonstrations, interactive coordination, and multilingual communication. They stand for hours, maintaining energy and enthusiasm while ensuring that every visitor leaves informed and inspired.
Style, Substance, and the Future of Auto Show Models
Auto show models have come a long way, from silent figures in gowns to skilled professionals representing cutting-edge technology. They began as families promoting vehicles, evolved into glamorous icons of the mid-twentieth century, and now stand as trained product specialists who understand both automotive engineering and marketing psychology.
Today’s LA auto show models and Chicago auto show models embody the diversity, intelligence, and sophistication of modern car culture.
If you are planning an automotive event or luxury brand launch in Los Angeles, partner with a staffing agency that values training, presentation, and professionalism. Runway Waiters offers expertly trained auto show models, brand ambassadors, and product specialists who know how to engage guests and elevate your brand presence
Visit the Runway Waiters Event Staffing page to see how their team can help your event shine and leave lasting impressions.