Models rev up auto show crowds
One thing all auto shows seem to have in common these days are scantily-clad spokesmodels showing off the cars. But using sex appeal to sell cars dates back nearly as far as the car itself.
Since the 1920s, auto-show models have been hawking cars -- giving gear heads a little extra enticement.
Since the 1920s, auto-show models have been hawking cars -- giving gear heads a little extra enticement.
In 1927, the Packard Motor Co. enlisted members of the Marion Morgan Dancers to promote the 1927 model Packard 343 Series Eight. The troupe danced around the car around the United States at various auto events.
Three Toyota "Toyopet" models made their debut -- alongside models in kimonos -- at the 1959 Chicago Auto Show.
In the early 1960s, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association posed a group of auto show models, each dressed specifically to enhance the car they were assigned to, before the show doors opened.
A model wearing a skimpy version of an auto mechanic's uniform posed together with the exposed engine and chassis for a Dodge truck at the 1963 Chicago Auto Show.
Two female models, wearing mini dresses and white go-go boots, pose in front of a Dodge D300 pickup truck at the Dodge Truck display space at the 1970 Chicago Auto Show.
A model at the 1973 Chicago Auto Show poses as a living hood ornament.
Fashion models added eye candy during the debut of the Mitsubishi SST concept at the 1998 Chicao Auto Show.
The 2012 Detroit Auto Show, which officially kicks off Jan. 13, is no exception, as seen by this model showing off a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited on the final press preview day for the show on Jan. 10.
Of course, the more models you surround a car with, the better, as seen here with a pair of models at the Audi display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
Mazda clearly subscribes to that idea, using a troop of models to show off their Mazda 3.
Big name beauties -- like Miss Universe here -- bring out the crowds.
Jaguar goes with sleek, sparkly models at the Tokyo Auto Show.
Some companies try to keep things classy, like Chevrolet did at the Detroit Auto Show.
... Some don't.
The ugliest cars can get some major attention with a pretty model.
Even cars that will likely never see the road get their own models.
Even tiny cars look better with a model -- even if she can't fit inside.
Some automakers stick to a theme. This Jeep model seems to be sticking to the frostbite theme.
At the 2011 Essen Auto Show in Germany, Audi eschewed any police theme, instead choosing to stick with scantily clad female models when showing off its Audi R8 police car.
This body-suited Audi model is sticking to a futuristic theme.
This model seems to be going for the pants-less soccer mom theme.
And some automakers are all business.
