Editor’s note: If there’s anything that even comes close to rivaling my love of cars, its my love of reading. And when it comes to places to shop for books and other reading materials about cars, as well as automotive collectibles and memorabilia in general, the store I’m about to tell you about is second to none, in terms of both quality and quantity of merchandise offered for sale. If you don’t believe me, ask some of the big-name patrons I talked to.
by Tom Anderson
Historically speaking, we car enthusiasts haven’t exactly gotten most business owners tripping all over themselves to better cater to our literary interests. In fact, Autobooks-Aerobooks is the only known bookstore in the United States that specializes in automotive titles.
And Chet Knox, a retired automotive performance parts manufacturer who bought the store in 2001 after being a customer since day one, has continued to make sure that the store has something for every gearhead by expanding its selection of items on display and for sale.
Over the years the store has added videos, vintage sales brochures and press literature from auto manufacturers; calendars, toys and models; and seemingly every English-language periodical having anything to do with cars, motorcycles and aircraft. Knox also publishes the “Automotive Calendar of Events” each month that lists upcoming car-related happenings throughout California and the Southwest.
Keep in mind that all that is on top of the mind-boggling array of books and technical manuals they have boasted since virtually day one.
When Autobooks fist opened in 1951 in Burbank, founder Harry Morrow saw to it that the shop was stocked with a treasure trove of auto-related books, mostly ones originating in Europe.
Some years later a nearby bookstore specializing in aviation-related titles was going out of business, and the operation was consolidated with the automotive arm to become Autobooks-Aerobooks (though most still refer to it as Autobooks for short).
One of the unusual things about Autobooks that Knox is quick to point out is how all of the books and most of the other publications sit on the shelves with their covers facing outward rather than their spines. They take up more room like this, but Knox confirms that it makes it much easier to get a feel for what the book is about and makes it easier to spot sections devoted to the particular subject you’re interested in.
But the fun doesn’t stop with the merchandise. Every Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. Autobooks holds its weekly cruise-in. Complimentary coffee and pastries are provided and almost anything with at least two wheels and an engine is welcome to participate.
Occasionally the cruise-in is augmented by the people and vehicles from a club, or those from a rally or tour that is making a stop at or starting from Autobooks.
“It’s a meeting place,” said Knox.
Automotive authors, artists, journalists, racing drivers and other famous figures often visit on Saturdays, as well, to sell and autograph their latest works. One such figure is Max Grundy, a man who calls himself a “modern propaganda artist.” His work, which appears on large art prints and on clothing, is probably best described as a fusion of 1950s counterculture, Cold War paranoia and tongue-in-cheek humor.
However, he says, the great thing about Autobooks is that it is so adept at catering to gearheads of all persuasions, not just people who are into the same subgenres of the hobby that he’s into.
“It’s just a nice place,” Grundy said. “They’ve got stuff for everything you’re into.”
Arguably the most recognizable member of the regular crowd is “The Late Show” host and car guy extraordinaire Jay Leno.
“I came here first, then found a place to live,” Leno said, maybe or maybe not jokingly on the same day Grundy was visiting.
The comedian also pointed out that the store has stuff that can be appreciated and enjoyed by even casual fans, as well as hardcore enthusiasts like himself.
“Someone who’s just getting into [the car hobby] can find stuff here too,” he said.
Of course, all dyed-in-the-wool car guys (and car gals) who are now frequent visitors to Autobooks had to start out as first time visitors at some point.
Even on the occasion of his first visit, custom road wheel and steering wheel magnate Alan Budnik knew he was in for something special.
“If you’re into cars or racing, it’s the place to be,” he said.
So if you even think you or someone you love might have a soft spot for motorized contraptions, Autobooks-Aerobooks is definitely worth putting on your “Places to Visit in Southern California” list.
Steer your browser over to www.autobooks-aerobooks.com for more information, including directions, hours of operation, upcoming events and photos of past events and customer cars.
Tom Anderson
