Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA Dork
3/23/16 10:59 a.m.

Scored myself a nice part-time gig at the iconic Autobooks /Aerobooks store in Burbank, CA. Back in the day, every major automotive publication carried their ad listing titles covering the most arcane automotive subjects from flathead carburetion choices to the history of Formula 1 Tyrells to the care and feeding of your Borgward. The store is your one stop shop for all auto-and-aircraft-related periodicals too. It's one of the first places I visited when I moved to the area in 1989. There's even a used periodical section with mags dating back into the '50s.

The store is world-famous. While I was there yesterday, a group of Australians indulged their automotive periodical fix, grabbing titles unavailable Down Under. Owner Tina Van Curen is a former SCCA racer and Alfa-Romeo fanatic with lots of stories and a FIAT 500 Abarth with a proper 5-speed in the parking lot.

So if you find yourself in the LA area, stop by and say hello. I've never met another GRM forum member so that would be a treat. You can satisfy your jones for the latest copy of Y-Block Monthly (an actual publication). Or you might get lucky and find a coveted back issue of GRM that even World Headquarters doesn't stock. It'll only cost a buck too.

Pushrod
Pushrod New Reader
3/23/16 11:21 a.m.

Through the haze of (good-natured) jealousy I can only say - congratulations, Jerry! Working there would have to be a blast.

Nick (LUCAS) Comstock
Nick (LUCAS) Comstock UltimaDork
3/23/16 11:33 a.m.

Sounds like a cool place.

OldGray320i
OldGray320i HalfDork
3/23/16 11:43 a.m.

Very cool. You might have to do the occasional post about what's new in publication.

Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA Dork
3/23/16 11:49 a.m.
OldGray320i wrote: Very cool. You might have to do the occasional post about what's new in publication.

I was thinking about that. There is a beautifully-shot mag showcasing Formula 1 engineering that dives deep into engines, suspensions, aero, etc of various current cars at a fairly esoteric level. That's one I'd like to write about.

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
3/23/16 12:04 p.m.

Congratulations!

fasted58
fasted58 UltimaDork
3/23/16 12:08 p.m.

like a kid in a toy store

congrats

paranoid_android74
paranoid_android74 Dork
3/23/16 1:29 p.m.

Very cool indeed- congrats on the new gig Jerry!

Joe Gearin
Joe Gearin Associate Publisher
3/23/16 1:58 p.m.

Congrats! We always make a point to stop there when in L.A.

Say hello to Mr. Leno the next time he stops in...... which will probably be soon, as he's been known to go there frequently. Awesome place-- should be fun to work there!

2002maniac
2002maniac Dork
3/23/16 2:30 p.m.

I lived in Burbank until I was 8 and my Grandparents lived there until their passing about a decade ago.

Whenever I visit now I try to stop at Autobooks and Santoros Sub sandwich shop nearby.

The San Fernando valley has some awesome car culture.

EvanR
EvanR Dork
3/23/16 2:43 p.m.

I'm planning a trip to the Petersen museum. Is your store far?

Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA Dork
3/23/16 5:52 p.m.
EvanR wrote: I'm planning a trip to the Petersen museum. Is your store far?

Around 10 miles away depending on the route. Here's a map: https://goo.gl/maps/P6tNntrdrno www.autobooks-aerobooks.com

KyAllroad
KyAllroad UltraDork
3/23/16 6:10 p.m.

Congrats on the new gig, it sounds like a cool place.

The0retical
The0retical Dork
3/23/16 6:59 p.m.

Hmm I need a free weekend now to come see you to scoop up some rotary material.

2002maniac
2002maniac Dork
3/23/16 7:28 p.m.
Jerry From LA wrote:
EvanR wrote: I'm planning a trip to the Petersen museum. Is your store far?
Around 10 miles away depending on the route. Here's a map: https://goo.gl/maps/P6tNntrdrno www.autobooks-aerobooks.com

10 miles? LOL, you make it sound deceptively close! I would say 30 minutes to an hour would be about right. Driving in LA is fun

Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA Dork
3/23/16 7:28 p.m.

In reply to The0retical: I'm only working weekdays.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
3/23/16 10:47 p.m.

Congratulations! Yes, it's a very cool store.

Jerry From LA
Jerry From LA Dork
3/24/16 12:32 a.m.

In reply to 2002maniac:

Oh yes it's ten miles but more like 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.

EvanR
EvanR Dork
3/24/16 1:58 a.m.
Jerry From LA wrote: In reply to 2002maniac: Oh yes it's ten miles but more like 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.

And... this is why I avoid LA at all costs. Average speed, 12 MPH.

DuctTape&Bondo
DuctTape&Bondo Dork
3/24/16 2:07 a.m.

congrats!

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