Automotive Restoration Technology Resources: History

The automobile as we know it was not invented in a single day by a single inventor. The history of the automobile reflects an evolution that took place worldwide.

Tapes and transcripts of interviews with automotive designers conducted by David Crippen of the The Henry Ford Archives staff during the late 1980's.

Overview of the history with color photos and extensive references.

Detroit Public Library digital collection of photographs of auto factories and their products.

The Old Motor is a comprehensive online vintage automobile magazine that is updated daily.

Several hundred photomechanical reproductions from the pages of motor vehicle (automobiles and some trucks) manufacturers' catalogs from 1909, in the first decade of the automobile industry. Primarily monochrome, interspersed with surprisingly lavish color plates, the images include parts diagrams, engine works, and model inventory.

Also known as Lycoming Manufacturing.

Automobile Quarterly features articles on significant automobile marques and interesting individual cars, biographies of famous people in automotive history, competitive vehicles and races, as well as automotive art and collectibles. The magazine is noted for the use of both original full-color photography and rare black-and-white photos. Its hard-cover format sets it apart from all other automotive publications. The Madigan Library has this publication from the very first volume. Back issues are kept on the second floor compressed shelving.