MOTORBOOKS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

We celebrate 60 years of great reading, thanks to Motorbooks.

“Well, LA Car hasn’t been around QUITE that long, but we sure have reviewed—and thoroughly enjoyed—a whole shelfull (is that a word?; it really should be in this case) of neat books from this great publisher,” says Doug Stokes, LA Car’s chief book reviewer and arguably their biggest fan. “They have so advanced and enhanced our global understanding about the wonderful world of motorized vehicles.”

By The Editors

Wed, May 14, 2025 10:00 AM PST

Featured image above: A sampling of the most recent books published by Motorbooks. Motorbooks celebrates its 60th anniversary (Zack Miller photograph).

Even if LA Car hasn’t quite been around for 60 years (by the way, LA Car WILL be celebrating its 30-year anniversary soon), we have reason to believe our staff has collectively reviewed approximately 60 Motorbooks books over the course of our publication, with Doug Stokes having reviewed 50 of those 60.

Zack Miller's Motorbooks — *Above: Motorbooks filling two rows of Motorbooks Group Publisher Zack Miller's bookcase (Zack Miller photograph).*

“I actually have 49 Motorbooks-published books on my bookshelf at present, excluding three or four I presently have out on loan," says Stokes. “Needless to say, I've read all of the above—some more than once—and a week hardly goes by that I don't find myself looking something up in one or more of them. And the above tally does not count the five new copies of Joe Scalzo's classic "City of Speed" here "in stock" in my back-bedroom office.”

In The Beginning

For six decades, Motorbooks has been the go-to source for car, motorcycle, and motorsports enthusiasts, offering exceptional insight, breathtaking images, and solid, authoritative content. Here’s now Quarto Group Senior Marketing Manager Steve Roth tells the story of how it all began:

“In 1965, transplanted Englishman and lifelong car guy Tom Warth launched a modest mail-order business selling automotive books from his humble Minneapolis, Minnesota, garage. Initially selling transportation titles, many of them imported from England, Warth was soon publishing books. Motorbooks quickly developed a reputation for high-quality, authoritative content with leading automotive authors and photographers.”

Since then, Motorbooks has been publishing the full spectrum of automotive publications. From coffee-table books by leading transportation writers and photographers, to a catalog that features an array of titles officially licensed by major partners such as NASCAR, Harley-Davidson, Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler, in addition to magazines like Hot Rod, Cycle World, and Motor Trend. “These partnerships have allowed Motorbooks to bring enthusiasts closer to the heart of their favorite brands,” says Roth.

More of Zack Miller's Motorbooks — *Above: Two more rows of Motorbooks from Motorbooks Group Publisher Zack Miller's bookcase (Zack Miller photograph).*

"Over the past sixty years, Motorbooks has become a staple in the lives of transportation enthusiasts worldwide," says Zack Miller, Group Publisher." Our commitment to quality and our passion for all things on wheels have driven us to deliver exceptional books that educate, inspire, and entertain our readers."

Motorbooks Milestones

Over the years, there have been some important milestones for Motorbooks. In 1973, Warth began publishing his own books under the Classic Motorbooks title, while still making available books from other publishers around the world. In 2007, Motorbooks became a part of the United Kingdom-based (and USA-domiciled) Quarto Group. The Quarto Group creates and sells books across 50 counties and in 40 languages.

To celebrate the 60-year milestone, the folks at Motorbooks say they are planning a series of special events and promotions throughout the year. “Fans can look forward to exciting new titles, and exclusive promotions paying homage to the rich history and exciting future of transportation publishing,” says Roth.

“Motorbooks' success would not be possible without the unwavering support of its readers, authors, photographers, and partners,” says Miller. “As we commemorate our diamond jubilee, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who wrench, drive, race, ride, and read with us on this incredible journey.”

“These great people have been true stalwarts in the business for over a half a century and are intent on continuing that great tradition,” says Doug Stokes. Doug’s relationship with Motorbooks actually precedes his involvement with LA Car.

Doug Stokes' Motorbooks — Above: Doug Stokes' massive Motorbooks collection. "I've read all of the above—some more than once—and a week hardly goes by that I don't find myself looking something up in one or more of them." (Doug Stokes photograph)

“In my years managing Autobooks (the unique bookstore located in Burbank, California) we sold thousands of Motorbooks titles and hosted a wide range of author signing events featuring Motorbooks authors,” says Stokes. “In my ‘book’, they're a stalwart company that understands us. They really strive to publish quality books that bring us closer to our love of interesting motorized vehicles.”

Happy 60th Motorbooks! And many, more more! - Your faithful fans at LA Car / LACar.com

To view the vast array of books available at Motorbooks, click here.