Hot Rod Empire details Robert E. Petersen’s creation of Hot Rod Magazine in the 1940s and the Petersen Publishing empire that grew to the mainstream juggernaut we know today.
The end of World War II marked the release of pent-up war-years energy and the desire to live. For many this meant indulging in long-denied purchases, like a new car. For another group, including young vets, it meant a return to car building and racing. Money, exciting new cars, and speed parts all flowed freely in post-war America.
Robert Petersen, a young SoCal-based photographer and Army Air Corps vet, noted the rapidly growing hot rod scene in and around Los Angeles. His first move was to organize the Los Angeles Hot Rod Exhibition in 1948. His second, and brilliant, move was to launch at the same event the first edition of Hot Rod magazine. From this launch pad, Petersen Publishing Company would grow to become the most influential enthusiast publisher in America.
Petersen’s magazines were rallying points for all aspects of the car, truck, and motorcycle hobbies, well as nurturing and promoting all aspects from car building to racing to show events. Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Car Craft, Motorcyclist, Off-Road and Four Wheel Drive and some 75 other enthusiast titles dominated magazine racks and provided substantial influence over transportation and numerous other hobbies.
Hot Rod Empirecelebrates the birth and explosive growth of the transportation hobby under Petersen’s watch.
From the Publisher
Content of Hot Rod Empire: Robert E. Petersen and the Creation of the World’s Most Popular Car and Motorcycle Magazines
Chapter 1 Meet Pete—A Star Is Born
Pete was a leggy young man. He’s seen here with his trademark Speed Graphic view camera, the shooter’s weapon of choice long before 35mm roll film cameras became prevalent or popular. The large 4×5 negative gave unmatched sharpness, but these cameras were heavy and cumbersome to use. Note the heavy-duty tripod in lower right of frame. Petersen Foundation collection
Chapter 2 Petersen Publishing Company Goes from 0 to 60Petersen and Lindsay worked hard to fill their first Hot Rod Exposition with some of Southern California’s better rod and race cars, and this photo proves that they did. The car front left became the cover subject of Hot Rod issue 1-1, and the rest of the photo shows an interesting combination of the different hot rod and race car styles that were already setting the trends in 1948. Wonder where they all are today?
Chapter 3 The Swinging ’60s and the Hot Rod King Finds a Queen‘TV Tommy’ Ivo and his Buick Nailhead V-8 x 4 powered show dragster not only made a frightfully loud noise ripping through the quarter miles, but due to its all-wheel drive, could burn rubber for 1,000 feet with no problem, yet tons of smoke. Eric Rickman bagged this December 1961 cover shot, and the headlines (see cover on page 78) covering tech stories, photo features, a new engine from Buick, and Bonneville were typical of the era. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network
Content of Hot Rod Empire: Robert E. Petersen and the Creation of the World’s Most Popular Car and Motorcycle Magazines
Chapter 4 Into the ’70s, ’80s, and Beyond— Petersen People, Places, and Things
The absolute zenith of midcentury muscle came in 1970, as the engines were bigger, the compression ratios and horsepower ratings were higher, and the cars were faster than ever before. Just as the original Detroit muscle car era reached its peak, though, it began a precipitous slide down the same mountain. Every car on this September 1969 Hot Rod cover is now a highly sought-after model. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network
Chapter 5 Planes, (No Trains), Automobiles, and Other Personal PursuitsMr. and Mrs. Petersen on the driveway of their elegant Beverly Hills home with some of their cars, bikes, and other motorized toys. We’re not sure of their connection to the Gary Gabelich racing car at left, but you’ll note Mr. P.’s prized Lamborghini Espada, a dune buggy, several motorcycles, and a customized camper van conversion (never forgetting what outdoorsy types the Petersens were), with Mrs. Petersen’s Mercedes-Benz 450SL roadster in the background. Judging from the model years of some of the cars, and Mr. and Mrs. P.’s clothing and hairstyles, we estimate this photo was taken in 1973 or 1974. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network
Chapter 6 The Petersen Automotive Museum— The Final Gem in the Petersen CrownAnother famous Petersen driveway photo of Mr. P. with some of his cars. The Ghia 450SS still belongs to the museum, but the Mercedes-Benz 600 was sold off. We’re not sure of the current ownership status of the Shelby GT350, Charger, Jeep, or Pontiac also seen in this photo. Petersen Automotive Museum photo, courtesy Kahn Media
Publisher : Motorbooks (September 25, 2018)
Language : English
Hardcover : 208 pages
ISBN-10 : 0760360693
ISBN-13 : 978-0760360699
Item Weight : 1.95 pounds
Dimensions : 8 x 0.95 x 9.55 inches
