The Georgia Tech Auto Show is back, bringing car lovers together once again on Saturday, March 29. This long-running campus tradition has been a celebration of automotive passion, uniting students, faculty, and alumni for over two decades.
A Campus Tradition Fueled by Passion
What started in 2003 as a casual gathering of car enthusiasts has grown into a signature event on campus. Sterling Skinner, a laboratory manager at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and David Lynn, then a master’s student in Industrial Design, saw an opportunity to bring together Tech’s many gearheads. The idea? Get them out of their garages and into a shared space where they could display their vehicles and talk shop.
With Georgia Tech’s deep engineering roots and automotive history—embodied by the beloved Ramblin’ Wreck and the school’s involvement in motorsports—it didn’t take long for the event to take off. “Georgia Tech being so engineering-heavy lends itself to many people enjoying all things mechanical, and I don’t know that there’s any better example of a mechanical object than a car,” Lynn said.
From Vintage Classics to Cutting-Edge Concepts
One thing that sets the Georgia Tech Auto Show apart is its variety. The event draws an eclectic mix of vehicles, including classic restorations, cutting-edge prototypes, modified daily drivers, off-road beasts, and even unfinished student projects. No two years are ever the same.
Lynn, who has spent years designing race cars and has seen his work compete at Le Mans, admits he’s still surprised by what shows up each year. “I’ve been to all the car museums and car shows, but every once in a while, something rolls onto campus that I’ve never seen before. That’s what makes this show special,” he said.
A Bumpy Ride Back to the Road
Like many events, the Georgia Tech Auto Show hit a roadblock during the pandemic. The event shifted to a virtual format for two years, followed by a full-year hiatus before making its comeback in 2024. Organizers credit strong community support and social media engagement for keeping interest alive and helping revive the event.
Now, in 2025, the show is evolving. Instead of being solely run by volunteers, the School of Industrial Design will oversee operations. This transition is expected to provide more resources and stability, ensuring the tradition continues for years to come.
What to Expect and How to Join
The show will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of Georgia Tech’s campus. Participants will park their vehicles along the walkways surrounding the East and West Architecture Buildings, Koan Plaza, and Texas Instruments Plaza.
For those interested in showing off their rides, vehicle registration remains open until Friday. The event welcomes a wide range of vehicles, including:
- Classic antique cars
- Late-model modified vehicles
- 4×4 off-road trucks
- Hot rods
- Alternative-powered cars (electric, fuel cell)
- Race cars and prototypes
- Kit cars and motorcycles
Attendance is free, making it a great opportunity for anyone who loves cars to come see what Georgia Tech’s community has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or just curious to see some unique rides, this event is bound to have something that catches your eye.
