Chicago 2020 - History Exhibit

Tucked away against the far wall of the North Floor side of McCormick Place is a nice display on the history of the Chicago Auto Show. Even in the EV Dark Ages (1930-1990) they could be found at the CAS apparently. The CitiCar photos are from 1974, and you can catch a glimpse of two more CitiCars in the photos from the 1981 show as well. Down at the bottom, you can find the Lotus Esprit submarine from the “Spy Who Loved Me” which is now owned by Elon Musk. Enjoy!

“A variety of basic transportation was displayed at the 1974 Chicago Auto Show by GB Enterprises. On the stand is the Vanguard Electric CitiCar. It carried two passengers and was said to cruise at 28mph and have a range of 50 miles. Also in the confines are Vespa and Lambretta motor scooters as well as a couple of mopeds.”

“Several types fo electric vehicles are in this scene on the lower level, behind a park bench with a sign that promotes electric cars as being capable of 85 mph with a range up to 150 miles. In the foreground is a green Electric Leopard, converted from a mini-size Renault.”

“On display at the 1981 Chicago Auto Show are several types of electric vehicles. A sign on a pillar promotes the Electric Car Co. In the foreground is a white USA-1 sport coupe, intended for operation on either gasoline or electric power.”

“Two very different vehicles are in this booth that contains both electric and ‘classic’ cars. The car in the foreground is a Lafer MP, a replica of the 1952 MG-TD produced by Lafer Auto Sales of North Hollywood, California. Designed for a Volkswagen chassis, this kit car used a reinforced polyester monobody body. The kit was produced in Brazil. To the rear is an EVA Electric, converted from an ordinary station wagon.”