Original founders join forces as Octane finds a new home

Hothouse Media, a UK independent publisher, has acquired both the monthly classic car magazine Octane and their own Awards event to rejoin the original founders and create a bigger publishing house helping to secure the future of both brands.

Together, Octane and the Historic Motoring Awards have joined forces with Hothouse Media’s Magneto magazine, The Concours Year book, the iconic Concours on Savile Row event, and their contract publishing division to create a powerful presence in the international classic and collector car industry.

Hothouse Media’s acquisition also brings back the original founders of Octane – namely, Robert Coucher, Sanjay Seetanah, Geoff Love and David Lillywhite. Their reunion is one I hope that will keep the interest and variety of the brands in an industry that is struggling. In a release recently, co-owner and editor of another high-class print magazine sited financial pressures of adverting revenue and sales dropping for their deferring the print of their December edition to March. It seems we continue to consume more online than ever before.

The four founders of Octane, who were already experienced in the classic car market, started the publication in 2003. It quickly became known for its exceptional writing, photography, and design, as well as its esteemed columnists including Jay Leno, Sir Stirling Moss, Rowan Atkinson, Nick Mason, Derek Bell and Stephen Bayley. Over time, Octane solidified itself as a reputable and enjoyable read in the upper echelons of the classic car world. Even after 248 issues, it remains highly influential with licensed editions in The Netherlands, France, Germany and Japan and a circulation exceeding 30,000 copies per issue.

Geoff Love, Managing Director of Hothouse Media, expressed excitement about acquiring both Octane and the Historic Motoring Awards. He believes these additions will only strengthen their presence in the classic and collector car market, providing commercial partners with various opportunities to reach passionate and influential enthusiasts.

“Octane is a fantastic brand that has been delighting audiences for over 20 years. As we take stewardship of the publication once again, we’re looking forward to working with James Elliott and the Octane team to ensure that the magazine has the investment and support it needs to thrive in the coming years.”

Commenting on the sale, Julian Lloyd-Evans, Executive Director at Autovia, said, “We are really pleased to be able to find a fitting home for Octane and the Historic Motoring Awards. Hothouse Media have proved with their portfolio that they understand the classic car media business and we know that the brands are in safe hands and will flourish under their new ownership.”