Lanterna Rally

Author: Bill Johnston

Publisher: S.N. Publishing Company

Published: 2012-01-01

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 9780988199002

New Mexico history scholar and license plate expert Bill Johnston has written the first and only detailed history of New Mexico motor vehicle license plates. His recently published book documents the period from 1910 through 1955, and covers every type of license plate issued in both the pre-state (1910-1912) and state (1912 and later) eras. Also included are descriptions and photographs of some additional types extending well beyond 1955, to as late as 2013. This meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated work is documented with more than 435 citations of original source material. In the process, the author has put to rest countless myths about New Mexico license plates. Every student of New Mexico license plates, for example, knows that the New Mexico Territorial Legislature passed a law in 1905 requiring the licensing of motor vehicles... Except that it never happened. The author shows that there was no such law, nor was there any Territorial law that made any reference whatsoever to motor vehicles. And those ubiquitous 1932 "Guest" license plates? There was no statutory requirement to either purchase or display them. They were sold for a dollar apiece by the motor vehicle department to tourists, strictly as souvenirs. That is, unless you were an out-of-state salesman, in which case you did have to buy one. These and hundreds of other intriguing facts and figures will bring the reader back time and again for many hours of fascinating reading. The book is in encyclopedia format, arranged alphabetically by license plate type, such that the user can quickly find any subject of interest. This is an unparalleled reference work which will remain the gold standard of New Mexico license plate history for decades to come. Hard cover, 50 chapters, 330 pages. Over 765 color photographs of license plates, plus numerous black & white period photos.