Mack Trucks will display a historic Mack AB tractor at the New York International Auto Show, April 18-27, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Mack and the New York Auto Show are both commemorating their 125th anniversary.

The Mack AB tractor will be in the Javits Center’s Crystal Palace, where the auto show will display motor vehicles that debuted during the last 125 years. 

“Mack’s 125-year legacy is legendary in the trucking industry, and Mack is so proud to be one of the first companies to exhibit in the New York Auto Show,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “In our 125 years, Mack has never rested on its laurels. We’ve continued to develop new technologies to advance the trucking industry, while also benefitting our customers. On April 8 in Brooklyn, New York, where the Mack brothers started our company, we will introduce our newest innovation that will be a game-changer for the industry.”

The first New York Auto Show opened in November 1900 to celebrate the “horseless carriage.” That year, the automobile was primarily owned by the wealthy. But mass production changed all that, and between 1910 and 1920, it became a necessity for the general public.

“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Mack Trucks to this year’s New York Auto Show,” said Mark Schienberg, the show president. “Celebrating just one 125-year anniversary is a feat unto itself, but we are fortunate to have two at this year’s event, where today’s innovation and yesterday’s heritage collide.”

1904 Mack Brothers Bus 

In 1904, Mack Trucks founders Gus and Jack Mack publicly displayed their first Mack Brothers bus—the Manhattan—during the annual Madison Square Garden automobile show. The Manhattan drew outstanding reviews from the automotive press attending the show because of its stylish body and solid construction. 

The Mack AB Model

The Mack AB model, the first standardized high-volume Mack truck on display at this year’s auto show, was built in 1925. Mack said it exemplifies the dependability of Mack vehicles by celebrating its 100th anniversary of introduction. 

Produced between 1914 and 1936, the Mack AB model was equipped with a 30-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Eventually, the engine’s horsepower was increased to 60 horsepower. 

“The fact that the New York Auto Show and Mack share the 125-year anniversary proves our infatuation with the automotive industry,” said Doug Maney, Mack Museum curator. “As vehicles increased in popularity, their use expanded to require larger vehicles to transport goods. Mack led the way in the transition from light-duty vehicles to heavy-capacity trucks. Mack has consistently been an innovator in the industry by offering industry-leading designs across all aspects of heavy-duty trucks. The long list of patents issued to Mack through the years as incorporated into dependable, long-lasting vehicles have established their position as a world-renowned icon.”