The American Car Since 1775
The Most Complete Survey of the American Automobile Ever Published
by The Editors of Automobile Quarterly
Time was when no automotive enthusiast’s library would dare be without a copy of this book for it was—and in a sense still is—an entire reference library of and unto itself bound between hardbound covers. It has no index nor is one needed for each chapter or segment is so clearly titled one knows precisely what type of information will be found where just from the table of contents.
For such a comprehensive and handsomely presented history, hardbound at that on excellent stock, copies on the aftermarket are surprisingly inexpensive—meaning if you don’t already have a copy on your shelves it is a shame to deny yourself. In some instances shipping will be as much (or more) than you’ll pay for the book, depending, of course, on condition.
This tome was followed a decade later by the volumes of Standard Catalog of American Cars first published in 1985 by Krause Publications with additional marque-specific catalogs since. Likewise there are now standalone reference volumes focusing on European and British makes such as The Complete Catalogue of British Cars 1895–1975 first published in 1974 and updated/reissued by Veloce in 1997, as well as others that are marque- or make-specific.
It could be observed that the title of this The American Car Since 1775 is a tad misleading in that there are chapters covering “The Neighboring Industry; Growth of the Motorcar in Canada” and “Cars of Both Worlds; The American Influence in Foreign Automobiles” to name but two. There are also two chapters focusing on trucks: “Wheels for Commerce” and “Titans of the Road.”
Obviously inspired by this AQ book and those Standard Catalogs, but approaching compiling information from an entirely different perspective utilizing sales and advertising data and factory literature, are the books written by John F. “Kelly” Flory, published by McFarland. Thus these books augment and expand on what’s offered in those Standard Catalogs by focusing on options and other detail not covered or mentioned in those earlier references.
This AQ book also covers coachbuilders in words and photos; the licensing of motorcars which differed by state; and those museums then in existence organized by the state in which they are located. A perusal of this list is instructive especially to those with the preconceived—but erroneous notion—that a museum means a forever institution, Of the over 80 listed on these pages only 22 still exist today but that’s offset by how many others have formed and opened their doors welcoming guests for however long each continues to exist.
The most pages, just shy of 150, are devoted to listing the 5000 marques and are not limited to gasoline-powered vehicles but integrate steam- and electric-powered ones as well just as they were and have been intertwined throughout history. There is even a chapter devoted to the companies that had engaged in some stage of developing or announcing a motorcar intended to be built but that “Never Turned a Wheel.”
A number of the historical sections are bylined by different of the leading automotive writer/historians of the day; names that still resonate with many. Other chapters are group efforts hence that all encompassing author credit of “The Editors of Automobile Quarterly.”
Even though much has happened automotively in fifty-some-odd years since 1971, given the sheer amount of information across nearly 200 years of transportation history in this one volume–whether you’re seeking some specific detail or simply wishing to immerse yourself in those earlier days and times—having a copy of this book at hand will permit fulfillment of either or both desires.
Copyright 2025 Helen V Hutchings (speedreaders.info)
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