Handsome black and silver National Auto Show decal/sticker, promoted both the New York and Chicago events for 1926. Embossed metallic Mercury with a grip on a steering wheel continues as the show symbol for both cities. Industry consolidation continues as only 49 automakers have wares at the show. New name at show this year -- Pontiac, and Rickenbacker boasted that their cars had 100 horsepower and could reach 90 miles per hour.
A number of the auto manufacturers kept their vehicles covered under sheets until the official opening of the 26th annual show. Unlike earlier shows, closed automobiles now dominating the scene, and open cars are promoted as sport models. The Chicago show was called a “mecca for automobile industry,” by the Chicago Tribune.
A main attraction in the 1926 Chandler exhibit was the Metropolitan four-door sedan. A small sign on the windshield advertised the Cleveland-built car for a price of $1,895. The car came powered by a six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, and rode on 33-inch-by-6-inch balloon tires. Closed models came with dome light, sun visor and rear-view mirror.