In the early twentieth century, there were other "motor cities" in the country and around the world, so why did Detroit emerge above the rest? Detroit became the Motor City because of its Industrial leaders and innovators, established industries, access to resources & capital, manufacturing ability and serendipitous relationships. Detroit’s auto industry began in the 1890s with tinkers like Charles Brady King, and dedicated manufacturers like R.E. Olds, the “schoolmaster” of Detroit’s auto early auto industry.

From its early hand-built horseless carriages to the innovation of the moving assembly line, visitors learn about the Detroit entrepreneurs who came together to cement Detroit as the Motor City, as well as the many different aspects of modern car development, including design and marketing. 

The popular Cadillac "body drop," taken from the Clark Street assembly plant when it closed in 1987, is the showpiece in this section of the exhibition. Visitors can watch it lower a Cadillac body on to its frame every twelve minutes.

By the 1910s, an influx of workers from around the world came to Detroit to work in high paying factory jobs. They, along with native Detroiters, organized in unions to fight against unfair labor practices, and the UAW was born. As the 20th century progressed, the shape of the city changed.  New neighborhoods sprang up around new factories in outlying communities. 

Displays and information examine how Detroiters — and Americans in general — view their cars as extensions of their personalities. From bumper stickers to custom paint jobs to elaborate home garages, our cars have become part of our collective American culture.