Autocar: The Chronicle of Automotive Excellence
Charting the evolution of the automobile and the world's oldest car magazine, from its inception in 1895 to its enduring influence.
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Introduction
The World's Oldest
Autocar, stylized in all caps, is a distinguished weekly British automobile magazine. Published by Haymarket Media Group, it holds the esteemed title of being the world's oldest car magazine, with its inaugural issue dating back to November 2, 1895. This publication has consistently served as a vital chronicle of the automotive industry, documenting its innovations and cultural impact.
Circulation and Reach
As of the period spanning January to December 2023, Autocar reported a circulation of 14,366 copies. This figure underscores its sustained relevance and readership within the automotive enthusiast community and professional circles. The magazine is a key publication within Haymarket Media Group's extensive portfolio.
Origins and Foundation
Founded in the United Kingdom, Autocar was initially launched as The Autocar by Iliffe and Son Ltd. Its inception was driven by a specific purpose: to champion the burgeoning field of "mechanically propelled road carriages." This foundational mission positioned the magazine at the forefront of documenting and promoting the early automotive revolution.
Historical Trajectory
Early Days and Editorial Vision
Established in 1895, Autocar emerged during a nascent period for the automobile. Henry Sturmey, the first editor, played a pivotal role in shaping the magazine's early direction. Historical analysis suggests Sturmey may have established the magazine as a platform to advocate for Harry J. Lawson, a significant figure in early automotive development and a journalist for the publication. Sturmey concluded his tenure as editor in 1901.
Pioneering Road Tests
Autocar proudly claims the invention of the automotive road test, a practice it initiated in 1928 with a comprehensive evaluation of the Austin 7 Gordon England Sunshine Saloon. This innovation set a precedent for objective vehicle assessment, establishing a benchmark for automotive journalism that continues to influence the industry today.
Evolution and Consolidation
Throughout its history, Autocar has maintained a consistent weekly publication schedule, with only minor interruptions attributed to strikes in the 1970s. The magazine officially shortened its name from The Autocar to Autocar at the commencement of 1962. A significant milestone occurred in 1988 when Autocar absorbed its long-standing rival, Motor. This consolidation led to a period where the magazine was published as Autocar & Motor, before reverting to its singular title, Autocar, in 1994.
Landmark Performance Figures
Autocar has a distinguished history of securing exclusive and independent performance tests for groundbreaking vehicles. Notable examples include the first independent figures for the Jaguar XJ220, McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, and the Bugatti Veyron, published in its May 31, 2006 issue. In 2023, the magazine achieved another significant milestone by digitizing its entire archive, making 128 years of content accessible online through the Autocar Archive for subscribers.
Regular Features
News and Scoops
The "News" section provides timely updates, often featuring exclusive "scoop" photographs and insider information regarding future vehicle models that have yet to be officially revealed.
First Drives and Group Tests
"First Drives" offer concise initial assessments of new models. "Group Tests" provide comparative analyses, evaluating a vehicle's performance and features against its direct competitors, offering valuable insights for consumers.
Motorsport Coverage
Dedicated to the thrill of competition, the "Motorsport" segment summarizes current racing news, with a particular focus on major disciplines such as Formula 1 and rallying.
In-Depth Road Tests
The core of automotive evaluation, "Road Tests" deliver thorough, detailed examinations of individual new models. Traditionally, the issue closest to Christmas features a road test of a more unconventional vehicle, showcasing the magazine's versatility and willingness to explore diverse modes of transport, including historical examples like Concorde and HMS Ark Royal.
Market Insights
Sections covering "Used Car News," "Long Term Car Tests," and "New Car Data" provide essential information for consumers navigating the automotive market, offering guidance on pre-owned vehicles, extended ownership experiences, and comprehensive specification details.
Contributors
Notable Past Writers
Over its extensive history, Autocar has been graced by the contributions of many influential automotive journalists. Among them are John Cooper, who served as sports editor in the 1950s; Russell Bulgin; Chris Harris; and the well-known television presenter James May. May's tenure famously included an acrostic prank in the 1992 "Road Test Yearbook," which led to his temporary dismissal from the publication.
Current Editorial Team
The magazine continues to feature a robust team of experienced writers. Current contributors include Richard Bremner, used car specialist James Ruppert, Editor at Large Matt Prior, and Editor in Chief Steve Cropley. The current editor, Mark Tisshaw, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as deputy editor, news editor, and reporter for the magazine.
Editorial Leadership
A Legacy of Editors
The leadership of Autocar has been shaped by a succession of distinguished editors since its founding. The editorial lineage includes figures such as Henry Sturmey (1895โ1901), Herbert Walter Staner, Harold Carlisle Lafone, Maurice Armstrong Smith, Peter Garnier, Ray Hutton, and Bob Murray. More recent editors include Michael Harvey, Patrick Fuller, Rob Aherne, Chas Hallett, Jim Holder, and the current Editor-in-Chief, Mark Tisshaw, who assumed the role in 2017.
International Presence
Global Editions
Autocar's influence extends far beyond the United Kingdom. The magazine's content and brand have been licensed to publishers worldwide, resulting in international editions. Currently, Autocar is published in sixteen countries outside the UK, including prominent markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, demonstrating its global appeal and reach in the automotive media landscape.
References
Source Material
The information presented on this page is derived from the cited sources, providing a factual basis for the historical and editorial details of Autocar magazine.
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References
References
- Kettlewell, Mike. "Cooper: Forerunner of the Modern Racing Car", in Northey, Tom, editor. World of Automobiles (London: Phoebus, 1974), Volume 4, p. 430.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice Regarding Content
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system for educational and informational purposes. The content is based on data extracted from publicly available sources, specifically the Wikipedia article on Autocar (magazine), and reflects the information available at the time of processing. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, this content should not be considered definitive or exhaustive.
This is not professional automotive journalism. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consulting official publications like Autocar itself, engaging with professional automotive journalists, or seeking expert advice on automotive history or trends. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original sources and consult with qualified professionals for any specific inquiries or analyses.
The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. The dynamic nature of the automotive industry means that details may evolve over time.