OCTOBER 12 • 2023 | 77
J
N

Looking Back

From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History 

accessible at thejewishnews.com

Cars from the Past
L

ast month, the Detroit Auto Show, or using its formal 
name, the North American International Auto Show 
(NAIA), was held on Sept. 13-24. While no longer the 
largest auto show in America, it is still one of the oldest, per-
haps the oldest, in U.S. history. 
The roots of the NAIA can be traced to 1899. Local auto-
motive pioneer William E. Metzger displayed a few cars 
at a sporting goods show held at the Detroit Light Guard 
Armory that year. Afterward, auto shows were 
held in various venues in the city, such as the 
Amory, local convention halls and the Michigan 
State Fairgrounds. In 1965, the show moved to 
Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) where it has been held ever 
since. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people attend the show, 
and get their first glimpses of new cars and trucks, along with splashy 
displays, take test drives and collect automaker giveaways.
As an avid cruiser of the historic pages in the William Davidson 
Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History, however, I noticed that a few Detroit-
based auto and truck brands were missing at this year’s show. I thought you should 
know.
If you are looking to purchase a new truck, I am sorry to report that two makers 
were missing. One, the Handy Truck. Obviously, if you own a business that requires 
transportation, then the Handy Truck will interest you: “Wholesalers Can Tell You 
How the ‘Handy Truck’ Makes Profits Bigger” (July 4, 1919, Chronicle). Perhaps you’d prefer a 
Graham Brothers Truck? Its ad claims that “World Leadership Justifies Still Lower Prices” (Jan. 8, 
1926). Good news for buyers.
If you wish to support Jewish auto entrepreneurs, then consider the Grabowsky Motor Vehicle 
Company’s product. Brothers Max and Morris designed a one-cylinder truck that is believed to be 
the first in Detroit. Today, we know its ancestor as General Motors Corporation’s GMC Division.
Are you just looking for a new family car? Consider the Hudson. It had a new body in 1925, the 
“Brougham,” for only $1,595 (I wish I could get a new car for that today!). Its claim is “Custom-
built Quality at a Quantity Price,” or as its ad modestly states, the “World’s Greatest Value” (May 
29, 1925). Hard to resist that pitch! And you could buy your Hudson at Jewish-owned Aaron 
DeRoy Motor Car Company in Detroit.
Need something a bit less costly? Consider the Essex, the Hudson Motor Company’s economy 
brand (July 23, 1926). The new Essex “6” boasted an “
All-Steel, Bolted and Riveted Clear Vision 
Body.” Is this a see-through body?
Maybe you’d like a car with a bit more luxury? The Graham-Paige Company of Michigan might 
be an option. Established by the three Graham Brothers — Joseph, Robert and Ray — who began 
their auto careers with the above-mentioned Graham Trucks, Graham-Paige’s were “
Abreast of the 
Times” (Jan, 18, 1929). And you could see one at “Our Showroom and the Automobile Show.” 
By the way, on this same page is an advertisement for the Peerless Motor Co., Detroit. It is a bit 
on the brusque side: “Listen Auto Buyers! A big new model Six-61 at $1195 [See it at the Auto 
Show!]” says L.R. German, company president.
Hope this helps you shop for a vehicle … in the 1920s and 1930s! 

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN archives, available for free at thejewishnews.com.

Mike Smith
Alene and 
Graham Landau 
Archivist Chair

