The primary purpose of the Society is to encourage research, preservation, recording, compilation and publication of historical facts concerning the worldwide development of the automobile and motor vehicle industry, plus closely-related subjects. The Society publishes the bimonthly SAH Journal, which carries short articles, book reviews and news of members. It also produces the Automotive History Review, published twice a year (as a peer-reviewed journal), which features articles on automotive history, the majority of which are based on original research.

A number of publication awards are presented annually by the SAH. These include the Cugnot (for the best book in the field of automotive history published during the previous year), the Benz (for the best periodical article or series), and the Brigham (for the magazine with the best treatment of automotive history over all issues during the previous year).

INFORMATION ON THE 2008 STUDENT AWARD:

In order to encourage research and writing effort among university students in the area of automotive history, the Society in 2008 will confer its annual award for the best student paper in the auto history field. Persons submitting papers must be enrolled at educational institutions (upper-class undergraduate or graduate level) at the time of submission. This competition is international in scope, but papers must be in the English language. Papers already published or scheduled for publication will not be accepted.

Manuscripts should not exceed 10,000 words, and should be double-spaced. An abstract is requested. Submissions should emphasize in-depth research, with adequate citations of the sources utilized. Originality of ideas is important. Diagrams, graphs, or photographs may be included. Submissions may be electronic in Word 1997-2003 format only to the e-mail address below, or if mailed hard copy, five copies to the mailing address below.

Possible subjects include but are not limited to historical aspects of automobile companies and their leaders, regulation of the auto industry, financial and economic aspects of the industry, the social effects of the automobile, highway development, environmental matters, and automotive marketing, design, engineering and safety.

Submissions will be judged using the criteria of research, organization, writing style and documentation. A cover letter should be included stating the student’s address, school, program, advisor, and stage in studies. The student should indicate how the paper submitted will relate to his or her professional future. Submissions must be postmarked by June 10, 2008. All papers submitted will be acknowledged.

The winning paper will be published in the Society’s Automotive History Review. The winner will be notified in late August, 2008. The award will consist of a plaque and a cash prize of $500.00.