The end is near for Hot Rod Magazine

Hot Rod Magazine's heyday was from the mid 50s to the late sixties. And during this time, it was the best-selling automotive magazine in the world. They had access to all the latest developments in Detroit, including not just high performance production cars, but also experimental engines including hemi and overhead cam stuff. They had access to the top engine builders/suppliers. In depth technical articles. Covered not just drag racing, but also Indy, Bonneville and Pikes Peak. And Editor Bob Greene loved motorcycles (had a monthly column called "Up on Two Wheels"). Publisher Ray Brock bought a 59 Plymouth Fury new. The magazine fielded a supercharged 392 hemi equipped 57 Plymouth (named "Suddenly" for the 57 Plymouths ad slogan "Suddenly it's 1960"). Chevies and Fords, yes, but also strong Mopar coverage.

It gradually went downhill. Slide probably began in the late sixties, but accelerated in the seventies. I have every Hot Rod Magazine from January 1950 to December 1980. Nothing after that interests me.