The Autocar archive, which covers almost 130 years of automotive history, is now accessible online through web and app platforms. This extensive archive consists of over 5900 fully searchable issues dating back to 1895. It serves as a valuable historical record of the automotive trade and the industry’s social history.
Since 1895, Autocar has been at the forefront of documenting significant events in automobile history. From the first public demonstration of cars to the iconic launch of “The Mini” in 1959 and the introduction of the Ford Fiesta in 1976, Autocar has chronicled these milestones.
Subscriptions to the Autocar archive are available to individuals and libraries worldwide. In addition to access to the archive, digital subscribers can also enjoy weekly issues featuring thought-provoking editorials, authoritative car reviews, and news shaping the global automotive agenda.
The development of the Autocar archive was made possible through a collaboration with digital publishing services platform, Exact Editions. The advanced search function provided by Exact Editions allows subscribers to easily search, share, and cite articles, news pieces, and reviews from Autocar’s extensive publication history.
The Exact Editions platform enhances the user experience through its interface and high-quality images, breathing new life into issues published over a century ago. This provides a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts and historians to reflect on the evolution of the car industry over several decades.
To access the complete Autocar archive, individuals and institutions can visit the following links:
For a sneak peek into the archive, the following articles from specific issues are publicly available until the end of Friday, July 21, 2023:
- 2 November 1895 – The first public demonstration of cars in Britain and the beginning of Autocar.
- 13 April 1928 – Autocar introduces the road test, featuring the influential Austin Seven.
- 10 February 1939 – Germany unveils the Volkswagen, which later becomes a global force.
- 28 August 1959 – The arrival of the Mini, an “incredible new breed of small car,” that delights many hearts.
- 24 March 1961 – The unveiling of the E-Type at the Geneva Motorshow.
- 24 June 1966 – Ford ends Ferrari’s dominance at Le Mans during the golden age of sports car racing.
- 17 July 1976 – The debut of the Ford Fiesta, which becomes Britain’s favorite car for decades to come.