The Autocar Archive: A Journey Through 130 Years of Automotive History

Introduction

For over a century, Autocar has been at the forefront of documenting the history of automobiles. Now, with the launch of the new Autocar archive, car enthusiasts and historians can delve into almost 130 years of automotive history. This fully searchable archive, comprising more than 5900 issues dating back to 1895, provides a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of the automotive industry and its impact on society. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Autocar archive and how it offers a window into the past.

A Historical Record

The Autocar archive serves as an important historical record of the automotive trade and industry’s social history. From the first public demonstration of cars in 1895 to iconic moments like the launch of ‘The Mini’ in 1959 and the arrival of the Ford Fiesta in 1976, Autocar has been there to document every significant event in automotive history. With the new archive, these moments are preserved and made accessible to digital readers worldwide.

Accessing the Archive

Subscriptions to the Autocar archive are available to both individuals and libraries around the world. In addition to the archive, digital subscriptions also include access to ongoing weekly issues that feature thought-provoking editorials, authoritative car reviews, and news that leads the global agenda. This comprehensive offering ensures that subscribers stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the automotive industry while also having access to a wealth of historical content.

The Autocar archive was developed in partnership with digital publishing services platform Exact Editions. The platform’s advanced search function enables subscribers to search, share, and cite every news piece, article, and review from the publication. The interface and high-quality images bring new life to issues published more than a century ago, providing a rich and immersive experience for car enthusiasts and historians alike.

Exploring Automotive History

The Autocar archive offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how the car industry has evolved over decades gone by. Whether you are interested in the early days of automobile development or want to explore the impact of iconic cars like the Volkswagen Beetle or the Jaguar E-Type, the archive provides a treasure trove of information and insights. By studying the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and make informed predictions about the future of the automotive industry.

Publicly Available Articles

If you want to get a sneak peek of the Autocar archive, a selection of articles from specific issues is publicly available until the end of Friday, 21st July 2023. These articles offer a glimpse into some of the most significant moments in automotive history:

• 2 November 1895 – The first public demonstration of cars in Britain and the beginning of Autocar.
• 13 April 1928 – Autocar invents the road test, featuring the influential Austin Seven.
• 10 February 1939 – Germany unveils the Volkswagen, a future global force.
• 28 August 1959 – The arrival of the Mini, a revolutionary small car.
• 24 March 1961 – The Geneva Motorshow, where the iconic E-Type was unveiled.
• 24 June 1966 – Ford breaks Ferrari’s domination at Le Mans.
• 17 July 1976 – The arrival of the Ford Fiesta, a British favorite for decades.
• 14 October 1987 – The introduction of the Ferrari F40, an era-defining wonder.
• 4 September 1996 – Our first drive of the Boxster, the car that saved Porsche.
• 30 May 2007 – A group test featuring the Bugatti Veyron, the fastest car of its time.

These articles provide a taste of the rich content available in the Autocar archive and are sure to pique the interest of automotive enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Autocar archive is a valuable resource for anyone interested in automotive history. With its extensive collection of issues dating back to 1895, the archive offers a comprehensive view of the industry’s evolution and its impact on society. Whether you are a car enthusiast, historian, or simply curious about the past, the Autocar archive provides a fascinating journey through 130 years of automotive history. Subscribe today to gain access to this unique and invaluable resource.