In 1965 Thomas Warth began a modest automotive book retail business, then known as Classic Motorbooks, in his home because he was unable to find quality car, motorcycle and racing books.

In 1973, Motorbooks began to publish auto-related books of its own, which it distributed along with those of leading publishers from around the world. In 1976, Motorbooks relocated to Osceola, Wisconsin.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the company continued to grow, expanding its own publishing program of books and calendars into the areas of military and aviation titles, providing the highest quality products to enthusiasts in the United States and around the world.

In 2000, Motorbooks was acquired by Flagship Partners, Inc. and a new phase of growth began. The publishing offices and headquarters were moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the publishing program further expanded.

Zenith Press was launched in 2004 to focus on military and aviation titles, continuing our tradition of military history and aviation publishing.

The Quarto Group Inc. acquired Zenith Press in 2007 and the offices were moved to Minneapolis in early 2008.