What is Automobilia?
If it publicizes or endorses automobiles, then it’s considered automobilia
Anything that is related to or promotes automobiles is considered automobilia. This includes signs, literature, promotional products, glassware, models, toys, stamps, clothing, decals, pins, bumper stickers, license plates, clocks, posters, prints, photos, paintings and postcards. Even old tools, vintage spark plugs, and product display holders fall into this category. If it has a car or an automotive-related symbol or name on it, or promotes automobiles in any way, shape or form, it’s considered automobilia.
Where can automobilia be found? Well, just about anywhere. While collector-car swap meets like Hershey, Carlisle, Pate, AutoFair, Springfield, Rhinebeck, Turlock, Chickasha and Iola are the obvious go-to places where collectors do their searching, you can find vintage automobilia at places like antique stores and flea markets and garage sales. Newly minted automobilia can also be found at your local hobby store and even Hobby Lobby. Although the more vintage the item is, in most cases, the more desirable and valuable it may be.
Here are just a few examples of collectible automobilia items for you to add to your collection.
Promotional Items: Back in the day when the premiere of new cars were all the rage come September, once the windows were stripped of their brown paper or thick coat of glass wax, the new models were there to be viewed in all their new-styled glory. Besides seeing and sitting in the new models, promotional models were given away to the little tykes to keep them quiet while dad inspected the engines and kicked the tires. Although the plastic promotional models were the most desirable give-a-way, dealers also gave away rulers. Made of wood, and usually 15-inches in length, the rulers would either have the brand of the car the dealer was selling, or the rulers would be a marketing tool for the dealership themselves with their name, address and phone number printed on them. When Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle as well as some of their other models, they handed out these plastic models at all the major auto shows throughout the world. Each has a hole on top as they are actually pencil holders. Mini gave away “Bigger, Bolder Chewing Gum” when they introduced the larger Mini Countryman. Even little old Austin-Healey gave away this promotional item, although for the life of me, I truly don’t know what it is; maybe it’s a coin holder? No matter, I like it and it doesn’t take up much space in my display cabinet.
Memorabilia from automotive events make interesting collectibles, too. At Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada, when I attended in 1995, they issued glass Coke bottles with their name imprinted on them, and also sold plastic coffee mugs with their logo. Coffee mugs are ideal automobilia items as you can actually use them. In 1997, when I was a judge at Corvettes at Carlisle, this bottle of white wine was gifted to all the judges. And in 2007, when I helped a fellow Triumph owner with a problem he was having with his Spitfire, he brought me this bottle of Spitfire Chardonnay. Although I wonder how tasty the wines will be after all these years, don’t ever plan on finding out.
How about this 4-inch tall clock featuring a Citroen on the 1959 Monte Carlo Rallye? Clocks are one of those collectibles that have practical value, but perhaps the most popular automobilia item are signs. Traffic signs, porcelin automotive and oil signs, and even cardboard signs such as this Peking to Paris sign make ideal wall coverings. They really are a form of artwork.
OilZum signs are one of the most popular brands of oil signs. I bought this sign in September 2002 when I was in Burlington, Vermont. I walked into a used book store looking for car books, when the store owner asked what my interests were. He wanted to know if I was also interested in car signs, too. When I told him yes, he brought out this metal OilZum sign that was still in its original box and wraped in wax paper; it was brand new. Measuring 14 X 34 inches, and dated 9-70, I was fortunate to buy it for a mere $65. Score! It now hangs in my office where I enjoy admiring it every day. Truly, you never know where you might automobilia.