Stéphane Dumas recently sparked a debate about the cover choices of Collectible Automobile magazine, noting the absence of 1980s cars. This observation prompted an in-depth analysis of the magazine’s cover trends over the past eight years, encompassing 50 issues from August 2016 to August 2024. The findings reveal fascinating insights into the magazine’s editorial preferences, potentially highlighting a bias towards specific eras and automakers.
The Dominance of the 1950s: A Golden Era on the Cover
The most striking trend is the overwhelming dominance of cars from the 1950s, particularly the latter half of the decade. A full 14 covers showcased vehicles from this period, doubling the representation of any other decade. This era’s popularity is undeniable, marked by iconic designs and a flourishing American automotive industry.
A stunning 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible graces the cover of Collectible Automobile, exemplifying the magazine’s penchant for this iconic era.
Interestingly, 1958 stands out with four cover appearances, despite being considered a low point for American car design by some. This raises questions about the magazine’s criteria for selection, potentially prioritizing historical significance or reader interest over aesthetic appeal.
The Curious Case of the Missing Decades: 1962-1964 and the 1980s
While the first half of the 1950s secured a respectable 10 covers, certain periods were conspicuously absent. The years 1962-1964 were entirely ignored, despite offering a plethora of historically significant models. This omission is perplexing, especially considering the magazine featured articles about cars from this era.
The sleek 1969 AMC Javelin, featured in a Collectible Automobile issue, exemplifies the kind of intriguing models from the latter half of the 1960s that could diversify the magazine’s cover choices.
Even more glaring is the complete absence of cars from the 1980s and 1990s. This is particularly noteworthy given the rise of innovative designs, technological advancements, and performance vehicles during these decades.
General Motors Takes the Lead: A Breakdown of Automaker Representation
Analyzing automaker representation reveals further insights into Collectible Automobile‘s preferences. General Motors leads the pack with 17 covers, constituting 34% of the total. Chrysler secures a strong second place with 12 covers, while Ford lags behind with a mere 9, despite being a larger automaker at the time.
A classic 1939 Packard graces the cover of Collectible Automobile, highlighting the magazine’s appreciation for historically significant luxury brands.
This discrepancy raises questions about potential biases. Is this a reflection of the availability of suitable photographic material, or does it hint at a deeper editorial preference? The significant gap between GM and Ford, in particular, warrants further examination.
Independent Automakers and Foreign Cars: A Struggle for Recognition
The analysis reveals a concerning trend: the underrepresentation of independent American automakers and the almost complete exclusion of foreign brands. American Motors, a pivotal player in automotive history, garnered a single cover featuring a 1955 Hudson.
Meanwhile, the rise of import car sales, particularly during the late 1960s and beyond, is entirely ignored. The absence of iconic models from brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, or Datsun further points towards a potential bias towards American classics.
Beyond Nostalgia: Expanding the Definition of “Collectible”
Collectible Automobile‘s cover choices, while visually appealing, raise concerns about a potential disconnect between editorial direction and the evolving landscape of car collecting. The overrepresentation of certain eras, the exclusion of others, and the limited recognition of independent and foreign automakers suggest a narrow definition of “collectible.”
Expanding this definition to encompass the diversity and innovation found in later decades could attract a wider readership and spark new conversations within the automotive enthusiast community.
The Future of Collectible Automobile: Embracing Inclusivity and Evolution
While respecting the magazine’s dedication to automotive history, a shift in perspective could enhance its relevance and appeal to a broader audience. Including cars from often-overlooked eras, showcasing the contributions of independent automakers, and acknowledging the impact of foreign brands would paint a more comprehensive and inclusive picture of automotive history.
By embracing diversity and challenging established norms, Collectible Automobile can ensure its continued success as a respected voice in the ever-evolving world of car collecting.
