The Glidden Tour was an annual automobile endurance and reliability contest that was first held in 1904. The event was sponsored by the Glidden family, prominent varnish moguls, The tour was one of the most prestigious and challenging events in the early years of the automobile industry, and it helped to popularize automobile travel in America.

In 1946, the Glidden Tour was revived after a hiatus during World War II. The event was organized by the Antique Automobile Club of America and was open to all makes and models of automobiles that were at least 25 years old. The tour covered a distance of about 1,400 miles and took place over a period of seven days. The route began in Springfield, Massachusetts, and traveled through New England, New York, and Pennsylvania before ending in Washington, D.C.

The 1946 Glidden Tour was notable for its focus on promoting the restoration and preservation of antique automobiles. Many of the participants were members of the newly formed Antique Automobile Club of America, which was dedicated to the preservation of early automobiles. The tour also attracted a great deal of media attention, and helped to raise an awareness of the historical significance of early automobiles and hobby of classic car collecting.