Mike McNessor is a leading automotive journalist and editor at Hemmings Motor News, specializing in classic car restoration, collector markets, and vintage vehicle culture. With a career spanning over two decades, his work combines technical expertise with engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Based in the United States, McNessor continues to shape Hemmings’ coverage of the classic car world, offering readers a blend of practical advice and cultural commentary. His profile can be accessed via Hemmings’ author page, which features his latest articles on auctions, restorations, and industry trends.
Mike McNessor is a seasoned automotive journalist and editor at Hemmings Motor News, where he has spent over two decades documenting the intricacies of classic car culture. His work blends technical expertise with narrative flair, offering readers insights into restoration, collector markets, and the stories behind iconic vehicles. McNessor’s career reflects a deep commitment to preserving automotive history while engaging a community of enthusiasts, restorers, and traders.
McNessor began his journalism career in local newspapers, honing his skills in storytelling and investigative reporting. His transition to automotive journalism was fueled by a lifelong passion for vintage vehicles, particularly American muscle cars and off-road icons like Jeep. Joining Hemmings Motor News in the early 2000s, he quickly became a pivotal voice in the publication’s coverage of restoration techniques, auction trends, and collector profiles. As editor, he oversees content strategy while continuing to contribute long-form features that bridge technical detail and cultural commentary.
This personal essay intertwines McNessor’s decades-long fascination with Jeep Wranglers and the broader cultural legacy of off-road vehicles. He recounts his first encounter with a CJ7 in the 1990s, using it as a springboard to explore Jeep’s evolution from military workhorse to lifestyle symbol. The article blends memoir with historical analysis, highlighting how Jeep enthusiasts prioritize mechanical simplicity and rugged durability over modern luxuries. McNessor’s firsthand account of purchasing a 2024 Wrangler underscores the brand’s enduring appeal, making this piece a standout example of automotive storytelling that resonates with both casual readers and die-hard gearheads.
In this auction report, McNessor dissects the sale of a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird at Mecum’s Houston event, which fetched $480,000. He contextualizes the car’s rarity—only 135 Hemi-powered Superbirds were built—and its significance in NASCAR history. The analysis extends beyond the price tag, examining how aerodynamic designs from the “winged warrior” era continue to influence modern motorsports. By interviewing bidders and restorers, McNessor reveals the emotional and financial stakes of high-end collector auctions, offering a nuanced look at market dynamics.
This feature spotlights a modified 1969 Camaro built for track racing, emphasizing the intersection of vintage aesthetics and modern performance upgrades. McNessor interviews the owner-builder, detailing the challenges of retrofitting a classic chassis with a turbocharged LS engine and advanced suspension. The article serves as a practical guide for enthusiasts seeking to balance historical authenticity with contemporary speed, reflecting McNessor’s knack for making technical content accessible.
McNessor frequently highlights hands-on restoration stories, such as his coverage of a 1969 Camaro track build. Pitches should emphasize innovative methods for preserving or upgrading vintage vehicles, particularly cost-effective solutions. For example, a pitch about 3D-printed replacement parts for rare models would align with his interest in merging tradition with technology.
His Superbird auction analysis demonstrates how historical narratives enhance market reporting. Successful pitches might explore the provenance of a specific vehicle or interview collectors specializing in underappreciated eras, such as 1970s “malaise-era” cars.
McNessor’s Jeep article underscores his focus on enthusiast communities. Pitches about grassroots car shows, off-road rallies, or charity drives involving classic vehicles will resonate, especially if they include participant testimonials and vivid imagery.
He rarely covers electric vehicles or autonomous driving technology. Pitches tied to contemporary industry shifts should instead reframe topics through a historical lens—e.g., the evolution of safety features from 1950s cruisers to modern sedans.
Articles like “Chevrolet's Track Day Terror” use detailed photography to showcase mechanical upgrades. Pitches should include access to high-quality images or video content, particularly for rare or visually striking builds.
As editor of one of the oldest and most respected automotive publications in the U.S., McNessor has elevated Hemmings’ coverage of niche markets and technical restoration topics. Under his guidance, the magazine has expanded its digital presence, offering video tutorials and interactive buyer’s guides that cater to a new generation of collectors.
“The inside of my garage looked like an improvised explosive device made of used tools and parts had detonated in the center of it. Full stop. Every other stupid project went on hold until I could get reorganized.”
This quote from McNessor’s Jeep article exemplifies his ability to blend self-deprecating humor with relatable insights, a style that has solidified his connection with readers.
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