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Collectible Automobile is an award-winning bi-monthly classic automobile magazine published in Lincolnwood, Illinois by Publications International, Ltd.
Collectible Automobile garnered instant acclaim from readers when the first issue was released in May 1984, and has since won a tremendous loyal following. After just a few years in circulation, it quickly became a benchmark of excellence among automobile magazines, gaining recognition as a collectible in its own right, and has consistently earned high praise for its insightful in-depth expert writing and top-quality photography. While the vehicles that have been reported on over the years have largely been ones that have commonly been regarded as collectible in the strictest sense of the word (Duesenbergs, Ford Mustangs and 1955-1957 Chevrolets, for instance), the magazine has acknowledged from the beginning that what makes a vehicle collectible (or at least desirable) is always subject to individual opinion, operating under the belief that while some cars are naturally more highly esteemed than others, for any car that comes to mind, there is always somebody who would like to own one.
Feature Articles
editFeature articles in Collectible Automobile have focused primarily on vehicles of 1930s and later vintage built in the United States, but those of foreign origin and earlier years have appeared occasionally. Most of the articles concentrate on cars of a particular make or series built within a specific time frame (i.e. 1949-1952 Plymouth, 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird, 1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaro), but other topics such as cars of a particular model year or body style (wood-bodied station wagons and convertible sedans, for example), concept cars, experimental cars, and automotive trends of great significance (such as automatic transmissions and wraparound windshields) have also been covered from time to time, as have such miscellanea as 1960 compact cars, the competition between Ford and Chevrolet in the 1930s, and "cars we're glad never got built".
These articles relate the history behind the vehicles under discussion and their influence on their manufacturers and the industry as a whole, with a behind-the-scenes look at the people involved in their development, marketing and promotion. Yearly modifications in styling, standard and optional equipment, engineering developments, etc., are explained in full detail along with prices, engine specifications, production figures and other data. Contact information for related classic automobile clubs is usually provided as well.
Illustrations generally include color photographs of restored and well-preserved original examples of the articles' subjects, as well as original factory photographs. In many cases, photographs of the cars as clay models in the design development stages are also seen.
Departments
editDepartments regularly appearing in Collectible Automobile include:
Calendar of Events--a listing of upcoming auto-related shows and attractions in specified locations
Collectible Comments--letters and e-mails from readers expressing their comments and opinions on recently published material
Word One--a message from the editor-in-chief
Photo Features--two four-page spreads in each issue that place the spotlight on one particular car, with photographs accompanied by a brief historical background.
Collectible Commercial Vehicles--pickups, fire engines, buses, delivery and other collectibles in the truck category
Car Spotter--photographs taken by readers of old vehicles that they have encountered during their travels. Some are abandoned, others are driven; some are found in salvage yards, others along roadsides or on the street.
Collectible Scale Automobile--an exhibition of dealers' showroom promotional models, plastic kits and diecast models of the featured vehicles
Collectible Literature--a look at print advertisements, showroom sales catalogs and brochures, postcards, mailers and other promotional items relating to the vehicles discussed within a given issue
Future Collectibles--a speculative section featuring current and recent models that the magazine editors and staff believe are likely to be sought by collectors and enthusiasts in years to come
Cheap Wheels--featuring older vehicles that may or may not be or become collectible and generally are not in great demand, but give enthusiasts something that is different and can be bought for a modest price
Personality Profiles--accounts of important figures in the automobile industry--some of which are interviewed by the magazine staff--and their contributions therein. Most of these are auto designers and stylists, but racers, engineers, executives and others have also been profiled.
Museum Pass--tours of automobile museums across the country in words and pictures
Value Guide--estimates and assessments of current and future sales values of all featured vehicles
Chris Poole was Collectible Automobile's first editor-in-chief, succeeded by Duane Mackie in 1987. Since 1995, the position has been held by John Biel.
References
editCollectible Automobile, various issues