Hemmings Motor News to be Acquired by American City

Hemmings Motor News, known as the "bible" of the old car hobby, will be acquired by American City Business Journals Inc., Charlotte, NC, from the family of Hemmings' late publisher and editor, Terry Ehrich. Mr. Ehrich died in January after serving as publisher and editor of the monthly publication for 33 years.

Also included in the sale, which is expected to close by May 1, are affiliated publishing assets of Hemmings including two smaller magazines and a unit that publishes books, calendars, and other publishing products featuring old cars. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hemmings, which has a circulation of 223,000, is the leading monthly publication for hobbyists and collectors of antique, vintage and special interest cars. Hemmings' brown kraft paper cover and tissue-thin advertising pages are distinctive features of the publication. The publication provides its readers with 650 to 750 pages of advertising each month for collector cars and parts, restoration services and tools, literature and car shows and rallies.

"Hemmings is the crown jewel among publications serving the collector car market," said Ray Shaw, Chairman and CEO of American City. "We're gratified that we were chosen to carry on Terry Ehrich's unique legacy of service to the collector car hobby. Terry Ehrich made Hemmings one of the most trusted names in this business."

Mr. Shaw noted that he first became acquainted with Hemmings more than a decade ago when he began collecting old cars. "I found a restoration shop for my '55 MG through Hemmings and I've bought parts for my '54 Chevy, '32 Ford and '56 Ford pickup from ads in the magazine."

Mr. Shaw said Hemmings and its allied businesses, which together employ 115 people, will continue to be based in Bennington.