Five favourite classic and ground-breaking vehicles for their time at the New York auto show

Amid the flashy new vehicles that were revealed at the 2025 New York International Auto Show is a priceless collection of mint-condition vintage vehicles – all designed to mark the 125th anniversary of the auto show in the Big Apple. Here are five of our favourite classic, iconic vehicles on the show floor:

1. 1955 Packard Caribbean

American luxury car company Packard introduced this luxury performance convertible, the Packard Caribbean, back in 1953. Redesigned in 1956, it was an instant hit embodying the best of Packard with elegance, style and exclusivity at its heart. This 1955 Packard Caribbean convertible was a show-stopper with innovative features including a drop-off roof, three-tone paint scheme, massive chrome bumpers, a self-levelling torsion bar suspension system and a push-button Ultramatic transmission, which was way ahead of its time. To compliment its larger-than-life open-air good looks, it had a powerful V8 engine. It’s a rare gem today. In 1956, only 276 of these convertibles were built.

2. 1909 Cadillac Model 30 Demi Tonneau

Even before entering the auto show floor, this stunning 1909 Cadillac Model 30 Demi Tonneau greets you. Not only is it breathtaking in design, it had a unique claim to fame when it was built. It was the first mass-produced vehicle with interchangeable parts; it revolutionized the auto manufacturing process making it more efficient and faster to assemble vehicles. Adorned in brass accents from the wheels and circular headlights to the side-view mirrors and steering wheel, it looks luxurious and strong. Powered by a 30-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, it offered the best of both worlds with its open-air design that was practical, yet elegant.

3. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe

Nothing screams American-made like the iconic Corvette – it was the pinnacle of American vehicles back in the day and still remains one of the most recognizable and sought after rides ever made. Designed by Bill Mitchell, this 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe marked the debut of the second-generation Corvette (C2). It was futuristic and unlike anything else on the road. While the split rear window was only produced for one year, it still remains a symbol of muscle cars adored by car enthusiasts worldwide. It wasn’t only a vision of beauty, it was a powerful coupe with a 327-cubic-inch V8 engine, which delivered up to 360 horsepower – groundbreaking in its day.

4. 1958 Buick Limited

Back in the 1950s, the Limited was Buick’s flagship model. Stunning in its appearance with elaborate rear fins, a massive grille, quad headlights and chrome accents plastered along its body, it was built to take on other Detroit luxury brands such as Lincoln and Cadillac. Unfortunately, 1958 was the final year of the Limited nameplate, marking an end to a treasured vehicle. With sweeping lines and an opulent interior filled with intricate design details and refined materials, it was built for comfort and luxury. Its long body and low stance also gave the car presence on the road. But parking it must have been challenging given its enormous size.

5. 1925 Mack AB

Brothers Gus and Jack Mack started their first Mack Trucks factory in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1900. Shortly after, they rolled out big trucks like the Mack AB, which was produced from 1914 to 1936. It was the first high-volume Mack truck ever built. This pristine 1925 Mack AB on display had a 34-horsepower four-cylinder gas engine mated to a four speed transmission. By the end of production, horsepower increased to 60 ponies. During its run, it had massive 36-inch front tires and a fifth wheel at the back. One hundred years later, countless derivatives of Mack trucks followed and still rule the road today.