The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Philadelphia International Auto Show Offers Hundreds of New Vehicles

31 December 1998

Philadelphia International Auto Show Offers Hundreds of New Vehicles, Special Appearances, Exotic Cars and More

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 31 -- More than 700 new cars, trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles will roll into the Philadelphia Convention Center for the Philadelphia International Auto Show on Saturday, January 9 through Sunday, January 17, 1999. With every automobile manufacturer in the country participating, this automotive extravaganza has quickly become one of the premier automotive events on the East Coast.

Show-goers will be among the first in the country to see many of the newest vehicles being unveiled for the 1999- and 2000-model year. The 2000 Audi TT Coupe, 2000 Buick LeSabre, 2000 Chevrolet Impala, 2000 Neon, 2000 Jaguar S-Type, 2000 Lincoln LS, 1999 Porsche Carrera 4 and 1999 Volvo S80 are some of the North America introductions happening at the Show. Plus, the World Premier Car Salon will feature Cadillac's first sport-utility -- the 1999 Escalade, and the 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The 1999 Philadelphia International Auto Show promises auto fans nine days of spectacular entertainment featuring exciting vehicle displays, exotic cars, concept vehicles, special appearances, Kids Day, giveaways and more.

Race fans won't want to miss special appearances by two of the hottest names in the racing circuit. Jeff Gordon, three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion will be appearing for a special question and answer session on Monday, January 11 from 12:15 to 1 p.m. As driver of the Hendrick Motorsports #24 DuPont Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Gordon experienced his best season to date with 13 victories, 7 poles and 36 top-five finishes. Ernie Irvan, Winston Cup driver of the #36 SKITTLES(R) Pontiac Grand Prix, will greet fans on Saturday, January 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Irvan is best known for his dramatic comeback to NASCAR after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a 1994 accident.

Especially for hockey fans, NHL all-star Eric Lindros, center for the Philadelphia Flyers, will be on hand Sunday, January 10 with scheduled appearances at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

A favorite display for sports car buffs is the awe-inspiring exotic car display of rare and priceless vehicles from Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. Also popular are the many concept vehicle displays, which offer attendees a look into the next millennium of automotive design. Designed to spark feedback from visitors, this year's Show will feature the following concept vehicles: Dodge Sidewinder, Jeep Wrangler Ultimate Rescue, Chevrolet Astro Low Rider, Jeep Icon, Chevrolet Monte Carlo Intimidator and the Mazda/Troy Lee Dual Sport Truck.

Family fun is always integrated into the Philadelphia International Auto Show. Friday, January 15 is American Express Beanie Day at the Auto Show. On this day, one complimentary Ty(R), Inc. Beanie Baby will be given to the first 1,000 box office ticket holders entering the Show. Sunday, January 17 is Kids Day at the Show. On Kids Day, children under the age of 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Additional Show features include the 1998 CART Fan Fest interactive display showcasing the high-tech sport of Champ Car racing, the REACTOR motion simulation theater demonstrating the twists and turns of an Indy Car and the Micro-Reality Race Track, a miniature NASCAR race track.

From a classic 1966 Ford Mustang to a rare Porsche 928S, William J. Avery, Chairman and CEO of Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc., has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cars for a special live auto auction. The auction is set to take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 16 at the Philadelphia International Auto Show. All proceeds raised from the live auto auction will benefit the local non-profit organization PhAME -- Philadelphia Area Accelerated Manufacturing Education.

The Philadelphia International Auto Show is presented by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and produced by Liberty Productions, Inc.

The Philadelphia Convention Center is located at 1101 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When traveling to the Pennsylvania Convention Center take I-95 to Route 676 West via Exit 17, or take I-76 to Route 676 East via Exit 38. Travel on Route 676 to the Broad Street exit, turn left onto Vine Street, then turn right onto 12th Street. The Convention Center is located at the next traffic light on Race Street.

The 1999 Philadelphia International Auto Show will be open to the public Saturday, January 9 through Sunday, January 17, 1999. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays. Admission is $8.00 for adults (13 and over), $5.00 for children (7-12), and free for children six and under. Senior citizens (62 and over) will receive a special admission price of $5.00 on weekdays only. Discount coupons are available at participating new car dealerships. For more information visit the official Auto Show website at http://www.autoshowusa.com.