Automobile Culture in the Mexican Press, 1896-1936

Objective/context: This article studies how depictions of automobile culture changed over time in the Mexican press. Publications sponsored automobile-oriented events, which garnered widespread popularity. Although most Mexicans could not afford to own a car and automobility remained a pastime mainly for the middle and upper classes, its portrayal in the Mexican press allowed more people to imagine their country’s emergent car culture. Methodology: This article draws on news reports, advertisements, and images related to automobility in the Mexican press; the author applies social, cultural, and gender history methodologies to examine the topic. Originality: This work makes an original contribution to the literature by drawing a through line between two distinct historical eras and connecting this history to a broader global understanding of the origins of automobilism in Mexico. It also suggests that interest in motorsport emerged much earlier than commonly believed. Conclusions: The Mexican press played a crucial role in promoting automobility to Mexican audiences and organizing racing events and other spectacles for public participation.