In the formative years of Classic and Sportscar, the magazine team would regularly head over to Isleworth to visit much-missed automotive book specialist Chater & Scott. Lunchtimes would be stretched on the pretence of ʻfeature researchʼ as we explored the three packed floors, which included a level storing old magazines dating back to Edwardian issues of The Autocar. The shop was a magnet for enthusiasts and, thanks to founder Frank Stroud, the atmosphere was always friendly. He never minded me browsing expensive books I clearly couldnʼt afford.
Frank started out with a motorcycle and sidecar delivering library books in the 1950s. Then, from a van with a blanket laid out in the Goodwood paddock, the business branched out to a Chiswick base before shops opened at the main UK race circuits. Frank also became a publisher, as Transport Bookman, and, together with historian Chris Nixon, produced a superb range of titles including Mon Ami Mate and the definitive Mercedes-Benz racing history, Quick Silver by Karl Ludvigsen.
The internet eventually forced the storeʼs closure, so it developed into a mail-order business with Frankʼs son Clive at a new base near Hook. The web is fantastic for tracking down books, but I miss the interaction in Chater & Scottʼs old shop. I vividly recall hero Nick Mason arriving in his Daytona, but me being too shy to approach him for a chat about his racing exploits at Monaco. My colleague Mike McCarthy, however, invited him for a pint at The London Apprentice, and we were subsequently very late back to the office.
The last of Londonʼs specialist car bookshops was Motor Books in Cecil Court, just off St Martinʼs Lane, which closed in 2013. As a lad I pestered my dad to visit, but, as tempting as the stock was, the small shop never had the friendly atmosphere of Chater & Scott. This was mostly due to dour Australian manager John Lelo, who was a fixture for decades.
Today, the pop-up shops that appear at premier events create a focus for enthusiasts, none more so than Ben Hortonʼs stylish stands, while publisher Philip Porter has launched an inspired literary event combining art and books. But I do miss permanent shops.
The oldest surviving car bookshop must be Autobooks-Aerobooks, which was established in 1951 as a race-accessory specialist in Burbank, California. From its first stocks of manuals and imported English magazines, the
