For those who remember the golden era of automotive culture on the internet, Street Source was a staple. And now, I’m excited to share that I’ve been working on bringing back an archive of the legacy Street Source Digital Magazines to the site.
I’ve experimented with different ways to make this happen without having to build an entirely new section on Street Source. Since I don’t plan on bringing back the online magazine as a monthly publication, I wanted a way to offer this legacy content in an accessible and simple format. The best part? It’s completely free! So, if you ever wanted to check out the magazines but never had a subscription back in the day, you’re in luck.
Looking back at these digital magazines from the early 2000s is like stepping into a time capsule of the custom automotive world. The trends, the builds, and the stories captured during those years still resonate today, and it’s incredible to see how much has evolved while some aspects remain timeless.
My Lifelong Passion for Automotive Magazines
Ever since I was a little kid—probably before I even started kindergarten—I’ve had an affinity for automotive magazines. My mom worked in automotive print advertising, which meant I had a virtually unlimited supply of magazines covering everything from street rods to rock crawlers. This early exposure definitely shaped my appreciation for automotive culture. Unlike some enthusiasts who focus on one specific niche, I’ve always loved all facets of the scene, from lowriders to lifted trucks, from imports to classic muscle. At the core of it all, I just appreciate good craftsmanship.
The Legacy of Street Source
When I first stumbled upon Street Source years ago, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. At the time, Kris and Garrick had no idea that they were pioneering the future of automotive media. With the decline of print publications, there are only a handful of magazines still standing today, but back then, Street Source was ahead of the curve.
If you had told me back then that one day I would own Street Source, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But now, here I am, with the opportunity to preserve and share this piece of automotive history.
While I was cleaning up some old clutter in my basement, I stumbled across an old binder that I printed the first issue of Street Source I was able to see from my first subscription. I always had a subscription to Truckin' too until it ended.
Did anyone else make binders like these for their builds? I would take pictures of the products and designs to make a plan. It was the one way to make college projects more interesting.
A Bigger Vision for the Future?
One dream I’ve always had is to create an online library of every automotive magazine ever published, making them available for everyone to see. Think about it—decades of automotive history, knowledge, and culture in one digital archive. Maybe this is just the first step toward making that dream a reality?
For now, I’m excited to bring the Street Source Digital Magazine Archive back to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer discovering these magazines for the first time, I hope you enjoy this blast from the past.
Stay tuned for updates on how to access the archive. I'll announce when the first issue will be published for the archive this month. I am finalizing how and where the content is going to be published, and as always, keep building, keep creating, and keep the passion alive!
What do you think? Do you have a favorite automotive magazine from back in the day? Would you like to see a broader digital archive of automotive magazines? Let me know in the comments!
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