Showtime on Paper: The International Championship Auto Show Postcards
In the golden age of custom car culture, the International Championship Auto Show (ICAS) stood as the ultimate stage for craftsmanship, creativity, and chrome. These dazzling events, organized by Promotions, Inc., brought together the most imaginative builders and the wildest automotive creations of the era.
At the heart of it all was Robert E. Larivee, Sr., the visionary promoter who turned indoor car shows into a nationwide phenomenon. His book “Showtime” (ISBN 0-87358-278-0) chronicles the story from its inception in 1959 through 1980, capturing what enthusiasts fondly remember as the glory days of the custom car hobby.
This set of 32 black-and-white postcards, produced by Promotions, Inc., preserves a tangible link to that era. Each card features a custom car from the ICAS circuit, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship that made these shows legendary.
Together, these postcards stand as a quiet tribute to Larivee’s vision and to the builders whose imaginations turned ordinary automobiles into works of art. They remind us that even in monochrome, the spirit of the custom-car movement shines just as bright.
Now part of the Merrick Auto Museum’s permanent collection, these postcards continue to preserve and share the history of the International Championship Auto Show with future generations of automotive enthusiasts.
