OVERVIEW:
Speed Mechanics was a bi-monthly East coast magazine published by Hobby Publications (later Harle Publications) from
1953 to 1965.
The initial tag line was "proven pointers for better car performance", and the magazine had a fair
amount of hot rod and custom content. It was advertised in Auto Craftsman as the only magazine "devoted 100% to
clearcut, completely illustrated, detailed procedures on improving your car's appearance and performance". But by 1962 the content shifted
more to drag racing and performance factory cars, and the tag line was changed to "the magazine for hot rodders".
Some covers are real hot rod illustration classics such as issues #1, #8 and #11. A similar illustration to issue #1 can be found on the April, 1951 Motorsport cover.
OWNERSHIP:
The first publishers were Joseph Hardie and Ray Kelly, with offices at 1140 East West Highway, Silver Springs, Maryland.
Griffith Borgeson and Eugene Jaderquist were West coast editors.
Hardie and Kelly managed several other titles including Motorsport, Auto Craftsman, Custom Craft and Soup-Up.
In mid 1961, Lee Sparacio purchased the company (including other titles besides this one) and became the publisher with Frank Coggins was the editor. Sometime in 1963, publishing duties were handled by Frederick Gardener, and Mr. Sparacio became the editor in chief. This may have been done to ensure a smooth transition to the new owner.
The table of contents, if available, can be seen by clicking on the 
icon.
PUBLICATION DATA:
The publisher provided net paid circulation data to N.W. Ayer for the years 1956 through
1963. Depending on the year reported, annual print volumes ranged between 90,222 to 184,100.
CONTENT COMPLETENESS:
A total of 69 issues was printed from January, 1953 through May, 1965. All cover images are complete.
Alternate cover
Last Issue
