Bring back some good or bad memories


ADVERTISEMENT

January 5, 2026

Practical Motorist: The Bible For the Hands-On Driver

First published in 1934 by George Newnes, British car magazine Practical Motorist became an essential guide for generations of car owners who preferred the “do-it-yourself” approach to vehicle maintenance.

At a time when motoring was transitioning from a luxury hobby to a daily necessity, the magazine provided invaluable technical advice, ranging from simple engine tuning to complex bodywork repairs. Its pages were filled with detailed diagrams, step-by-step tutorials, and ingenious “hints and tips” that empowered the average driver to save money and understand the inner workings of their machine.

More than just a technical manual, Practical Motorist captured the spirit of post-war motoring culture, fostering a community of enthusiasts who took pride in the grease under their fingernails and the reliability of their well-maintained vehicles.

Below is a collection of photos showing Practical Motorist covers from the 1950s.

Practical Motorist magazine cover, July 1954

Practical Motorist magazine cover, May 1954

Practical Motorist magazine cover, November 1954

Practical Motorist magazine cover, December 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, February 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, January 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, July 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, March 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, November 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, October 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, September 1955

Practical Motorist magazine cover, December 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, February 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, January 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, July 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, June 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, May 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, October 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, September 1956

Practical Motorist magazine cover, April 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, December 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, February 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, January 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, July 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, March 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, November 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, October 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, September 1957

Practical Motorist magazine cover, April 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, August 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, December 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, February 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, January 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, June 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, March 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, May 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, November 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, October 1958

Practical Motorist magazine cover, April 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, January 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, June 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, March 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, May 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, November 1959

Practical Motorist magazine cover, October 1959

1 comment:

  1. Full issue, Australian issue.
    Practical Motorist January 1957
    https://archive.org/details/Practical_Motorist_January_1957

    ReplyDelete




FOLLOW US:
FacebookTumblrPinterestInstagram

CONTACT US



Browse by Decades

Popular Posts

Advertisement

09 10