Who We Are
McLellan's Automotive History (MAH) is a 47-year-old independent supplier of original automotive literature (brochures, dealer albums, out-of-print books, magazines and memorabilia) for individuals and businesses who need or want information on antique and classic automobiles, trucks, ambulances, hearses, limousines, coachbuilders, sports and recreational vehicles, industrial vehicles, police cars and taxi cabs.

What We Do
MAH purchases collections of original automotive literature from individuals who obtained the literature when it was new. Currently 100,000+ items of inventory make for a veritable treasure hunt for enthusiasts and growing, as hundreds of new hand-picked items are added each month. Thousands of collectors have found their lucky "pot-o'-gold" at MAH through the years.

There are a number of steps that go into selecting literature that is offered for sale. First and foremost, we require it to be in pristine condition. That means we carefully examine each and every item to make sure that it is complete and relatively unblemished (for its age, rarity, etc.). If it is very old and rare, but has a minor imperfection, we make a statement to that effect in the description.

After an item passes inspection, it is cataloged and filed numerically in a clear archival quality protective envelope. It is preserved at a constant temperature, housed in our two-story, 2,000 sq. ft. truss system, climate-controlled storage facility — a bug-free, dust-free and moisture-free environment with no windows. With our advanced computer system and innovative filing, we can tell a customer in seconds if an item is in stock, and discuss it with them in a matter of minutes.

All of our orders are shipped in boxes — even an order consisting of a single sheet of paper (which usually means it's rare) is packed in one of these boxes to protect against damage during shipment. (Have you ever seen what the postal service can do to a padded envelope?) In addition, the literature is first put into a plastic bag to protect it from water damage if the box is left outside on a rainy day and the customer's credit card receipt is taped to your invoice — so that the staple doesn't scratch the literature.

We purchase additional inventory on an on-going basis and at the present time have over 100,000 items, with detailed descriptions, photographs and prices, on our web site. The 1,000+ pages of cataloged offerings that can be browsed at our site represent only a small percentage of our inventory.

Where Is Our Literature Sold?
All a person has to do is look at the magazine section of any major bookstore to realize that collectible old cars are a viable marketplace in the U.S. Our experience is that the international market for old cars is just as strong and at the present time, with international currency strong against the U.S. Dollar, foreign sales are good.

Our sales are strictly mail order and walk-in. We do not buy or sell at swap meets because condition is important to us. Really old items may be hard to find without some light wear or aging, but the value is reflected in the quality of the items. Poor condition decreases the value rapidly. Missing pages or water damage can make literature worthless. Literature obtained at swap meets deteriorates quickly from handling and the weather. The fellow who just looking at a brochure was handling a crankshaft a few minutes earlier. McLellans buys only from collectors who obtained the literature when it was new and preserved it properly.

Why Would Anyone Be Interested?
There are many different types of individuals and businesses who need or want the literature that we have to offer. These include collectors, restoration shops, museums, owners and hobbyists. Each category has specific needs which we are set up to cater to. Collectors, museums and hobbyists are looking for rare and/or unusual items of literature to add to their collections. Our company sends e-mail notifications to them each month to let them know what we have found that is new and may be an exciting addition to their collection.

Restoration shops and car owners need paint and upholstery albums to use in restoring vehicles to their original condition. If the individual intends to exhibit a car at shows authenticity is critical and the only way to get exact matches is to have original samples.

About 95% of our customers are male; however, we have also developed a good relationship with women who call to find gifts for their husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, bosses, etc.

The staff of McLellan's Automotive History are always available to answer your questions and assist you in any way we can to make writing articles about our company and our product as quick and easy as possible. The preceding is intended as general answers to frequently answered questions. We know that you often need filler. It's here. Writing articles about automotive literature and our company is easy. All you have to do is cut-and-paste or import. We provide all the written information and photographs that you need. And, if you are in the Houston area, we will be happy to roll out the red carpet for a personalized tour of our facilities.

Please feel free to e-mail, FAX or call us for answers to your specific questions.

Sharon McLellan, Editor-in-Chief, "The Automotive Chronicles"
E-MAIL: Sharon@AutomotiveChronicles.com
FAX: (713) 772-3285
PHONE: 713-772-3285

Robert McLellan, Technical Editor, "The Automotive Chronicles"
E-MAIL: Robert@AutomotiveChronicles.com
FAX: (713) 772-3285
PHONE: 713-772-3285

Mona Nath, Director of Public Relations
E-MAIL: Mona@AutomotiveChronicles.com