1933 Chicago World’s Fair Luxury Cars Reunite at 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, will feature a historic reunion of four legendary vehicles originally displayed at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

These cars—a Duesenberg, Packard, Cadillac, and Pierce-Arrow—were designed as rolling billboards to showcase the pinnacle of luxury automotive design during the Century of Progress International Exposition.

Four Iconic Cars from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair

Each of these four vehicles represents a masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship and innovation from the Classic Era:

• Duesenberg Arlington Torpedo Sedan
  Designed by Gordon Buehrig and built by Rollston
  Based on a long-wheelbase Model J chassis with a supercharged straight-eight engine
  Price: $20,000 (nicknamed “Twenty Grand”)
• Packard Sport Sedan by Dietrich
  Displayed in the Travel and Transportation building
  Powered by a second-generation V-12 engine
  Nicknamed “The Car of the Dome”
• Cadillac Aerodynamic Coupe
  Designed by Harley Earl’s GM Art and Color Section
  Featured a streamlined body and Cadillac’s 368 cubic-inch V-16 engine
  One of only 20 production models built
• Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
  Designed by Phil Wright
  Radical, avant-garde bodywork with a V-12 powertrain
  Considered the most distinctive of the quartet

Enduring Legacy of Classic Era Elegance

“These star cars made a lasting impression on automotive design,” says Concours Chief Judge Chris Brock. “They defined the elegance of the Classic Era.”

Despite the Great Depression, when unemployment exceeded 25%, these luxury vehicles captivated millions of visitors. As noted in a Hagerty Media article, prices ranged from $9,000 to $20,000—far beyond the reach of most Americans at the time, with a Ford Model 40 Tudor costing just $460 and a Chevrolet four-door priced at $495.

Don’t Miss the Reunion at Pebble Beach

The 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, August 26. This rare gathering of four automotive icons from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair promises to be a highlight of the event.