Mile of Cars
Encyclopedia
Located in National City, California
, between San Diego and the border of Mexico
, the Mile of Cars Association is one of the largest and most successful automotive associations in the United States. The historical, mile-long stretch of National City Boulevard currently comprise 21 new car franchises and continues to grow.
's most prominent citizens bought the first motor car in the city. The vehicle travelled on the dirt road carved by Spanish missionaries, from Mexico
to the north. The first dealership opened later that year. Sales were slow but increased over time, fuelled by an ad for the Ford Model T
in The Saturday Evening Post
. The $850 vehicle had the streets buzzing.
Over the decades, more and more businessmen opened dealerships in the prosperous area. Chrysler Crown Imperial sedans arrived in 1941. Chrysler Town and Country
convertibles, trimmed with wood, arrived shortly after. In 1955, the Ford Fairlane Sunliner arrived, advertised for $2,764. At this time, the region took the name: "Mile of Cars" and was the center of California
's thriving car culture.
In 1960, muscle cars arrived. There were twenty car agencies competing for attention. By 1970, more than one million dollars in vehicles were sold on the "Mile". By 1978, the Mile of Cars showcased cars from around the world, from Suzuki
to Alfa Romeo
to Toyota.
National City, California
National City is a city in San Diego County, California. The population was 58,582 at the 2010 census, up from 54,260 at the 2000 census. National City is the second oldest city in San Diego County and has a historic past.-History:...
, between San Diego and the border of Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, the Mile of Cars Association is one of the largest and most successful automotive associations in the United States. The historical, mile-long stretch of National City Boulevard currently comprise 21 new car franchises and continues to grow.
History
Crowds gathered in 1904 when Ralph Granger, one of National CityNational City, California
National City is a city in San Diego County, California. The population was 58,582 at the 2010 census, up from 54,260 at the 2000 census. National City is the second oldest city in San Diego County and has a historic past.-History:...
's most prominent citizens bought the first motor car in the city. The vehicle travelled on the dirt road carved by Spanish missionaries, from Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
to the north. The first dealership opened later that year. Sales were slow but increased over time, fuelled by an ad for the Ford Model T
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company from September 1908 to May 1927...
in The Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post is a bimonthly American magazine. It was published weekly under this title from 1897 until 1969, and quarterly and then bimonthly from 1971.-History:...
. The $850 vehicle had the streets buzzing.
Over the decades, more and more businessmen opened dealerships in the prosperous area. Chrysler Crown Imperial sedans arrived in 1941. Chrysler Town and Country
Town and Country
- Locations in the United States :*Town 'n' Country, Florida*Town and Country, Missouri*Town and Country, Washington*Town & Country Village , California- Other uses :...
convertibles, trimmed with wood, arrived shortly after. In 1955, the Ford Fairlane Sunliner arrived, advertised for $2,764. At this time, the region took the name: "Mile of Cars" and was the center of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
's thriving car culture.
In 1960, muscle cars arrived. There were twenty car agencies competing for attention. By 1970, more than one million dollars in vehicles were sold on the "Mile". By 1978, the Mile of Cars showcased cars from around the world, from Suzuki
Suzuki
is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
to Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
to Toyota.