A sharp slice of late-50s car culture: this is the March 1959 issue of Motor Life, packed with road tests, Detroit debate, and period ads that feel like mini posters.
The cover story asks the big question—“Are imports better than U.S. cars?”—and inside you’ll find features on the Edsel, Studebaker Lark Wagon, Ford Ranchero, plus two Russian cars road-tested. It’s also loaded with mid-century advertising (Lucky Strike, Winston, Rambler, and more) that makes it a great display piece for garages, offices, or collector shelves.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Vintage magazine / periodical
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Size: 11 × 8 inches
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Material: Paper magazine, staple-bound (as pictured)
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Color: Full-color cover; black-and-white and color interior ads/features
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Origin or Maker: Not provided
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Year or Era: March 1959
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GENRE: Automotive History Magazine
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Language / Pages: English / 82 pages
Design & Features
Cover price: 35¢ (visible on cover)
Issue details: Volume 8, Number 8, March 1959 (visible on contents spread)
Cover highlights (visible):
- “Are imports better than U.S. cars?”
- “30 Imported Car Road Tests Reviewed”
- “Two Russian Cars Road Tested!”
- “Candy Color Painting—The latest trick in customizing and how they do it”
Photo-verified interior features (from contents page):
- Imported car road test review (p. 20)
- Edsel road test (p. 50)
- Studebaker Lark Wagon test (p. 52)
- Ranchero road test (p. 64)
- Two Russian cars road tested (p. 72)
- Plus camping/outdoors features (pickup campers, Pullman camper test report, camping coaches)
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Period advertising (visible examples): Lucky Strike, Rambler, Mileage Minder, Winston cigarettes (great for framing/display)
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: Noticeable vintage wear to cover (edge/corner wear, surface scuffs, and creasing/handling wear visible). Spine shows wear; pages show age-toning typical of 1950s magazines. Still a solid, complete-looking vintage reading/display copy based on photos.
- See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks/toning.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
About Motor Life
Motor Life captured the anxieties and excitement of American driving in the 1950s—when imports were rising, Detroit was pivoting, and road tests were the language of truth for car lovers.
Perfect for the person who likes their automotive history with real road tests—and ads you’ll want to frame.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
∙Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
