A Night of Comedy, Crystal and Cars

Billy Crystal once again puts the pedal to the metal for Comic Relief, this time as honorary host of a “Private Preview Night” at the 1996 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which will benefit the charity.

Preview-night attendees will get the first look at more than 1,000 new and concept cars, parked in every available space indoors and under tents at the L.A. Convention Center. The preview is Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $50 for a private VIP reception with Comic Relief stars. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information, call (310) 201-5033.

More than 40 auto manufacturers from around the world will be represented at the auto show, which runs through Jan. 14. There are also products, a display of race cars and autos from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Every domestic auto maker will have vehicles on display. Among this year’s special attractions is the “Yugo Next,” a wild art show from New York’s School of Visual Arts, constructed from failed economy cars.

Public hours for the auto show are Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; weekdays 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Admission: $6 (seniors, $4 on weekdays); children 12 and younger, free. Parking at the convention center, $6; nearby parking on the weekends, $3, includes free shuttle service. Valet parking, $15. (213) 741-1151.