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Collecting books about automobiles was very straightforward in the 1950s. A few small specialty book shops in California, New York and London would advertise in car magazines such as "Road & Track", "Motor Trend" and "The Motor". At the local department store there might be a book section. The pharmacy and dime (5- and 10-cent) store might have had some softbound books alongside the magazine rack.

Floyd Clymer, Trend and Fawcett each published series of titles that covered racing, antiques, sportscars, hot rods and annual new car reviews. For a few dollars each month a car enthusiast could accumulate a comprehensive collection after a few years. Many of us did and we considered ourselves "experts" in the hobby. After all, we had everything that was available!

In the 1960s, with the growth of the antique and sportscar market, new titles came out so rapidly that it was hard to keep up financially for fanatical collectors who wanted it all. Classic Motor Books, Bentley Books, and others, printed large ads with lists of titles in magazines. Journalists who wrote articles were now authors of impressive hardbound books. "Automobile Quarterly" scored big with its' broad format of topics that gave us insight into subjects that were previously unknown. Our book shelves became book cases and reading everything was a challenge.

The explosion of titles that began in the 1970s has only gained momentum over the last 30 years. No longer would anyone contemplate putting together an all-inclusive book collection. In the 1950s and 1960s we learned a lot about all forms of motorsport and individual makes. Today we specialize in one or two subjects and just a few (or maybe only one) makes. A racing enthusiast would still have a difficult time keeping up with all of the racing books. Popular makes like Ford or Ferrari have so many in-print and out-of-print titles that a collection of all the works on either make would line all the shelves on the walls of one room.

Even if you are not up to the challenge of collecting all the books on a certain subject or make, having access to enough information to help you decide what antique or classic you wish to own (or just admire) is more than just satisfying. It will be rewarding in the end. If you enjoy today's racing, an out-of-print book will take you on a journey into the past that will open your eyes to exciting events over the last 100 years. Restoring an old car and need technical information? Maybe a history of Chevrolet or Porsche? For a list of out-of-print automotive books go to:

www.mclellansautomotive.com/lit/bytype/outofprint/index.shtml