The automotive enthusiast community is abuzz with the recent announcement that Hemmings Classic Car magazine, a long-standing and beloved publication, will cease its print edition. The February 2025 issue is slated to be the final one for this esteemed magazine, marking the end of an era for classic car aficionados who have cherished its pages for years.
Subscribers to Hemmings Classic Car are being offered options to transition to Hemmings Motor News, another publication under the Hemmings umbrella. According to the announcement received with the January 2025 issue, subscribers will receive a subscription to Hemmings Motor News that corresponds to the remaining duration of their Hemmings Classic Car subscription. For those already subscribing to Hemmings Motor News, like the author of the original announcement, an extension will be added to their existing subscription. Alternatively, subscribers can opt for a refund for the unused portion of their subscription.
This news arrives at a time when the print media landscape is undergoing significant transformation. The rising costs associated with printing and postage, coupled with a decline in print subscriptions, are impacting numerous magazines across various niches. While some publications are shifting towards online-only or digital PDF formats to adapt to these challenges, Hemmings Classic Car is apparently facing complete consolidation into Hemmings Motor News.
The exact implications of this “consolidation” remain somewhat unclear. While the announcement suggests a merging into Hemmings Motor News, the future content strategy is still a question mark. Will Hemmings Motor News expand its coverage to incorporate features and columns previously found in Hemmings Classic Car? Or will it maintain its current format, primarily focused on classifieds and automotive news, with the Hemmings Classic Car content being discontinued altogether?
The original author speculates that Hemmings Motor News, already a substantial publication, might not significantly expand its editorial content. This leaves the fate of the unique content and perspectives offered by Hemmings Classic Car columnists and features in question. For dedicated readers who have enjoyed Hemmings Classic Car for its specific focus and in-depth articles on classic vehicles, the end of its print run is undoubtedly a significant loss.
The final issue cover of Hemmings Classic Car Magazine, a renowned publication for enthusiasts of vintage and classic automobiles, announcing its consolidation into Hemmings Motor News.
The discontinuation of Hemmings Classic Car is symptomatic of broader trends affecting the print magazine industry. However, it also underscores the evolving media consumption habits of automotive enthusiasts. Whether this consolidation will ultimately benefit or detract from the classic car hobby remains to be seen. The coming months will reveal how Hemmings will integrate, or not integrate, the legacy of Hemmings Classic Car into its remaining publications and online platforms. For now, readers and subscribers are left to reflect on the contributions of Hemmings Classic Car and contemplate the future of classic car media in a digital age.
