Scott Bailey, Automobile Quarterly founder, dies at 87

Scott Bailey founded Automobile Quarterly in 1962. The hardbound publication became a respected voice on all subjects automotive and an important chronicle of automotive history. While the story of the automobile is often more folkloric than factual, Bailey's belief in scholarship helped forge a solid, reliable record that might otherwise have been lost. In the pages of Automobile Quarterly, this record was presented in a compelling, entertaining and enthusiastic fashion.

Born on Sept 4, 1924, in New York City, Bailey grew up in Middleton, Ohio. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. Bailey enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1941 and served in World War II, earning the Submarine Service Commendation Medal. He met his wife, Peggy, while attending Miami University in Ohio. The two were married in 1947 and settled in upstate New York, where Bailey worked for the Boy Scouts of America.

His love for classic cars led him to the Antique Automobile Club of America, where he served as executive vice president and director of public relations. He also served as editor of the The Antique Automobile Magazine.

Publishing Automobile Quarterly was to be the passion of his professional life. With the help of his wife, Bailey founded the magazine and stood at its helm from 1962 until 1986, when it was sold to the Columbia Broadcast System Publications. Under Bailey, the magazine was frequently recognized for outstanding writing, design and illustration. Bailey was a craftsman whose efforts produced products of remarkably high quality. Back issues of Automobile Quarterly and several books published by the Automobile Quarterly team remain collectible today.

After selling Automobile Quarterly, Bailey lived with his wife in the English countryside, where he painted portraits and continued to write

He is survived by his wife; his daughter, Meg; son, Douglass; and two grandchildren, Alexander and Hannah.

By Rory Carroll