Paris Motor Show 2012 (8065362715).jpg by Nan Palmero
Almost as soon as cars were invented, car shows became a staple in the automotive industry. In 1898, automobile owners descended upon the terrace of the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris for the world’s first International Automobile Exhibition. In order to ensure that only quality automobiles were entered into the show, the Automobile Club de France stipulated that “no car would be presented at the exhibition if it had not accomplished, beforehand and in the presence of an official authority, a ride from Paris to Versailles and back, using its own means.” For well over a century, the Paris Motor Show has been thrilling enthusiasts with the best cars in the business. From expensive to technology-loaded, these autos are built to please. Even more exciting are the concept cars submitted by auto companies showcasing their imaginative engineering. Concept cars have become a crowd favorite, offering a chance to see designs that can only be viewed once in a lifetime at the exhibition, as they will likely never be mass produced for public transportation.