What is the value of a 1948 vol 1 no 1 issue of hot rod magazine?

If it is the actual original and not one of the two reprints in good condition it is worth between $1,200. and $1,600. or more in better condition.

If it has 3 staples and is approx. the size of a piece of printer paper it is a reproduction.

If it has 2 staples and is about 12 1/4" X 9 1/4" (If memory serves me right)

then it is an original. An original sold on ebay in the past few weeks for $1,250.00

According to CARS.com programming aired 9/24/2012:

"DICK MESSER Executive Director of the Peterson Automotive Museum: "A pristine HOT ROD magazine 1948 Jan (1st/ 1st) is worth $5000 today. There were 5000 copies printed and were all sold out." Any trouble finding a buyer? and I'd suggest trying the Peterson Automotive Museum...