7 replies to this topic

[Flat Black 84]

Any of y'all know when Speed Age published its first and final issues? Thanks.

[Oscarphone]

Any of y'all know when Speed Age published its first and final issues? Thanks.

I found this reference "Aug 19, 1909 - Cover of Speed Age magazine, claiming to show the start of first Indianapolis 500 race; the event depicted was in fact the start of a 5-mile race on August 19 , 1909.
From 1911 Indianapolis 500 at AllExperts - Related web pages
en.allexperts.com/e/0/1911_indianapolis_500.htm"

That's the oldest reference to Speed Age I could find.

[Oscarphone]

Any of y'all know when Speed Age published its first and final issues? Thanks.

Looks like my 1909 reference was a little premature. eBay is selling a first issue of Speed Age and it is dated May 1947.

The seller says: "Speed Age May 1947 This is volume 1, #1, the very first issue!

Complete, but worn, poor condition. Tattered top edge. See photo. This is the only example I have ever seen in 25 years of selling back issue car magazines. How many can be left in the entire world?. Satisfaction guaranteed. I've been selling back issue automotive magazines for 25 years."

[Flat Black 84]

Yeah, May of '47 sounds about right. Thanks.

Now I wonder when it went kaput? Late 70s? Early 80s?

PS--Actually, based upon Ebay listings it looks like SA was published through 1959, disappeared for a long period of time, and then recommenced in '87 and on into '88. Curious.

Edited by Flat Black 84, 26 May 2010 - 21:11.

[helioseism]

There were three incarnations of Speed Age:

1) First Issue May 1947, last issue December 1959. There were no issues covering January-May 1954, otherwise monthly. The last five issues (August-December 1959) cover many types of speed, primarily space travel, not just automobiles.

2) First issue May 1969, last issue December 1969. Previously "Drag Strip" magazine.

3) First issue May 1987, last issue March-April 1988. Only four issues published in this run: May, July, September 1987 and March-April 1988.

Edited by helioseism, 26 May 2010 - 21:14.

[fbarrett]

There were three incarnations of Speed Age:

1) First Issue May 1947, last issue December 1959. There were no issues covering January-May 1954...

Thanks very much for the info. Now I can cross those early '54 issues off my "want" list and feel smug that I have a complete set--after a mere 30 years of searching!

Frank

[Flat Black 84]

Yes, now I can begin collecting in earnest as well. My lone issue of SA dates from 1951 and features Cliff Bergere on the cover. I was impressed by the quality of this magazine, and the writing in particular.

[Ted Walker]

I have a comlpete set but would think it hard to compile one now.