In the sprawling world of automotive history, few names resonate as deeply with classic car enthusiasts as Hemmings. More than just a brand, Hemmings embodies a legacy that began with a simple auto parts store and blossomed into a cornerstone of the classic car community. For those in pursuit of authentic Hemmings Classic Car Parts, understanding the roots of this iconic name enhances the appreciation for the quality and heritage they represent. This journey starts in Quincy, Illinois, with a visionary named George Hemmings.
George Hemmings, a seasoned auto mechanic with two decades of experience under his belt, sought new horizons beyond his West Virginia home in 1920. His move to Chicago to work for the American Gear Company was a stepping stone, but it was the company’s relocation to Jackson, Michigan, that spurred him to take a leap of faith. In 1923, Hemmings made a pivotal decision, opting to plant his own roots by opening an auto parts store in Quincy. His son, Ernest, in an interview with Hemmings Motor News, recounted his father’s insightful reasoning: recognizing a gap in the market for a comprehensive auto parts supplier in a strategically located city between major hubs like Chicago and Paducah, Kentucky.
Hemmings established “Standard Auto Parts” at 1036 Hampshire Street, cleverly using the upper level as his family residence. His inventory was meticulously curated to cater to the burgeoning demand for replacement parts for popular early models like the Ford Model T and Model A. Beyond standard components, Standard Auto Parts also stocked specialized items such as Rusco Brake Lining and performance-enhancing gear sets. Notably, Hemmings’ store was a pioneering venture in the region, quickly becoming a vital resource for customers within a 75-mile radius of Quincy. To meet the expanding needs, he soon brought on board a traveling salesman to broaden his reach and a mechanic for the in-house machine shop, underscoring his commitment to comprehensive service. Standard Auto Parts distinguished itself with a customer-centric approach, promising 24-hour delivery on out-of-stock parts and attractive “liberal discounts.”
As Standard Auto Parts flourished, its physical space needed to evolve. In 1928, Behrensmeyer and Haftner Architects were commissioned to redesign the store, a testament to its growing clientele and prominence. The Quincy Herald-Whig, in its January 22, 1928, edition, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “This new building is a testimonial to both the advantages of Quincy as a center of automotive industry and to the foresight of G.E. Hemmings, who left Chicago five years ago to start an untried adventure in Quincy.” Hemmings was not just a businessman but also a forward-thinking advocate for automotive safety. Responding to the increasing number of accidents, often attributed to early cars’ design and road conditions, he launched a public safety campaign. One of his advertisements for Rusco Brake Lining directly addressed driver responsibility, questioning, “Do you know you may be called upon any day to demonstrate to the police that your brakes are in good working order and will stop our car within a certain number of feet?” This proactive approach further cemented his reputation as a responsible and community-minded business owner in the automotive sphere.
Over the subsequent two decades, Standard Auto Parts became a haven for both men and an increasing number of women who were eager to embrace car ownership and maintain their vehicles. As the automotive culture in Quincy grew, other auto parts businesses emerged, reflecting the city’s transformation from horse-drawn carriages and bicycles to the age of automobiles – what many historians recognize as the 20th century’s most transformative invention.
George and Ida May Hemmings welcomed their son, Ernest, in Quincy in 1926. Ernest grew up immersed in the family business, working at Standard Auto Parts from a young age. After serving in the Korean War, he returned to Quincy in 1952 and rejoined the family business. Tragedy struck in 1954 with George’s passing, leading the 27-year-old Ernest Robert Hemmings to assume ownership of Standard Auto Parts.
The automotive landscape was rapidly changing, with manufacturers introducing new models boasting diverse designs and features, rendering the original Ford Model T and A cars increasingly outdated. While Ernest updated his inventory to cater to contemporary vehicles, he also recognized the value in his father’s original stock of parts for older models. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Ernest sought a market for these vintage components. He placed an ad in Motor Trend, a niche but nationally circulated magazine, and the response was overwhelming. A wave of nostalgia and a burgeoning appreciation for the automobiles of yesteryear had created a passionate community of enthusiasts keen on preserving classic cars.
Ernest Hemmings astutely recognized this burgeoning market for classic car parts. He decided to directly cater to these enthusiasts, leveraging a manual typewriter and mimeograph to create a four-page catalog named Hemmings Motor News. The initial print run of 600 stapled copies was mailed to those who responded to his Motor Trend ad, with additional copies distributed to local customers. He fostered a community spirit by allowing subscribers to place free ads in his magazine, charging a nominal 50 cents for an annual subscription. As the sole employee, Ernest filled the magazine pages with his own articles, hand-drew the logo, and developed a unique system for managing subscribers.
By 1959, Hemmings Motor News had expanded to a 24-page publication, bound with a spine and easily pocketable, reaching 3,000 subscribers nationwide. By April 1966, its subscriber base exploded to 25,000. However, the market was evolving, with larger mail-order companies entering the auto parts sector. Ernest Hemmings sensed the need for strategic change. Publishing the monthly magazine had become a full-time endeavor, alongside managing Standard Auto Parts.
In 1968, Terry Ehrich, a Harvard graduate and classic car aficionado, led a group of investors to acquire Hemmings Motor News. Ehrich spent a year in Quincy, learning the publishing intricacies directly from Ernest Hemmings before relocating operations to Bennington, Vermont. Following the magazine’s sale, Standard Auto Parts moved to 601 South 22nd Street in Quincy, and Ernest continued to serve customers for two more decades, offering a wide array of automotive components for both classic and modern vehicles. Hemmings Motor News, however, continued its meteoric rise, achieving a global circulation of over 200,000, becoming the world’s largest classic car publication. Its related publications, including Hemmings Muscle Machines, Hemmings Classic Cars, and Hemmings Sports & Exotic Cars, further expanded its reach to over half a million readers, a remarkable milestone in specialized magazine publishing.
Ernest Hemmings’ passing in 2015 marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures. His New York Times obituary aptly described Hemmings Motor News as “a bible for car collectors.” Today, Hemmings remains synonymous with classic car parts and the vibrant culture of automotive restoration. Whether through its magazines or its extensive marketplace, Hemmings continues to be the go-to resource for enthusiasts seeking to preserve and celebrate automotive history. The story of Hemmings is a testament to vision, adaptation, and a deep understanding of the enduring passion for classic cars and the essential parts that keep them running.
