13 Old Dealership Signs and Service Station Items That Are Worth a Fortune

Old dealership signs and service station items are more than just nostalgic pieces of history. For collectors and enthusiasts, these vintage treasures offer a glimpse into the past, often evoking memories of a time when service stations and car dealerships were central to communities. From neon signs to porcelain displays, these items are not only beautiful but also valuable. Their unique designs and historical significance have made them highly sought after in the world of automotive memorabilia.

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Vintage Chevrolet Neon Sign

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Neon signs from classic car dealerships, especially ones that showcase iconic brands like Chevrolet, are highly sought after by collectors. The distinctive glow of these vintage signs has a nostalgic appeal that connects people to the golden age of the automotive industry. Many of these neon signs, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s, were produced with durable materials that have stood the test of time. Some were mounted outside dealerships, while others were displayed inside service stations.

The neon lights themselves, with their vibrant colors, have made these pieces rare finds in the world of automotive memorabilia. A well-preserved Chevrolet neon sign in original working condition can fetch as much as $4,000 to $6,000, depending on its age and condition. Their desirability has only increased over time, as they bring a piece of history into a home or garage. As a result, these signs are prized by both car enthusiasts and collectors of neon art.

Shell Gasoline Service Station Sign

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Shell has been one of the most recognizable names in the fuel industry for decades. Vintage signs from Shell stations are in high demand, especially those featuring the company’s iconic red and yellow color scheme. These signs, typically made of porcelain, were designed to withstand the outdoor elements, which has helped them endure over time. Collectors value them not only for their historical significance but also for their aesthetic appeal.

Signs from the early 1900s are particularly valuable, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the sign’s size, rarity, and condition. The enduring popularity of vintage service station signage means that these Shell pieces often appreciate in value over time, making them excellent investments for collectors. Their presence in an automotive-themed collection can evoke memories of a time when service stations were an integral part of American culture.

Mobil Oil Pegasus Sign

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The Mobil Oil Pegasus sign is one of the most iconic symbols in the history of American service stations. Known for its distinctive flying horse, the sign has captured the imagination of car lovers and collectors for decades. First introduced in the 1930s, the Mobil Oil Pegasus sign became synonymous with the brand and its association with service stations across the United States.

These signs were often large and made from metal, painted in the brand’s signature red and white colors. A rare, original Pegasus sign can bring in anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000, depending on its age and condition. The unique design, combined with the historical significance of the Mobil Oil brand, makes this item a highly coveted piece in the world of vintage service station memorabilia.

Sinclair Oil Dinosaur Sign

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The Sinclair Oil Dinosaur sign, featuring the green dinosaur mascot, is another beloved icon in the world of vintage service station items. First introduced in the 1930s, the dinosaur logo has been a mainstay in Sinclair’s advertising for decades. The sign itself, often made from porcelain or metal, was once a common sight outside Sinclair gas stations across the country. Its nostalgic appeal has grown over the years, and it is now a highly collectible piece for fans of vintage gas station signage.

A well-preserved Sinclair Dinosaur sign can fetch between $3,500 and $8,000 at auction, with some rare versions reaching even higher prices. The combination of its playful design and historical significance ensures that this item will remain a top contender for collectors looking to complete their vintage gas station collections.

Texaco Star Sign

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Texaco has long been one of the major players in the fuel industry, and its vintage signs are some of the most collectible in the world. The Texaco Star sign, with its bold white star against a green background, became an iconic symbol of the brand throughout the 20th century. Originally made from porcelain, these signs were often displayed prominently at Texaco service stations.

Over time, they have become highly sought after by collectors of oil and gas memorabilia. Depending on the age, size, and condition, these signs can sell for anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. Texaco signs with unique variations, such as those featuring older logos or advertising promotions, can command even higher prices. The Texaco Star sign remains a cornerstone of American automotive history and continues to be a prized collectible today.

Vintage Gas Pump Globe

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Vintage gas pump globes, which were once used to display the brand of gasoline at service stations, are highly collectible today. These glass globes, often illuminated from within, were an essential part of the gas station experience in the 1920s and 1930s. The globes featured bright, colorful logos of various fuel brands, including popular names like Gulf, Texaco, and Shell.

Collectors particularly prize globes from smaller, regional brands, as these tend to be rarer and harder to find. The condition of the globe and its original hardware significantly affects its value, with some fetching up to $10,000 or more. The combination of age, brand recognition, and rarity makes these globes a must-have for enthusiasts of vintage automotive and service station memorabilia.

Ford Dealership Signs

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Ford has a long and storied history in the automotive world, and vintage Ford dealership signs are among the most desirable items for collectors of dealership memorabilia. These signs, which were typically displayed outside dealerships, often featured the iconic blue oval logo and the brand’s name in bold letters. Ford dealership signs from the mid-20th century are particularly valuable due to their historical significance and the popularity of the Ford brand.

A well-maintained, vintage Ford dealership sign can sell for between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on its age, size, and condition. Special edition or regional signs that were produced in limited quantities can command even higher prices, making them valuable finds for collectors and enthusiasts.

Vintage Firestone Tire Service Sign

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Firestone tire service signs are a favorite among collectors of automotive memorabilia, thanks to their rich history and association with the development of American road culture. These signs were once prominently displayed at Firestone tire dealerships and service stations, advertising tire sales and repairs.

The vintage signs often feature bold graphics and the well-known Firestone logo, and many were made from porcelain or metal for durability. Given Firestone’s long legacy in the tire industry, these signs have become highly collectible. Depending on the rarity and condition, a vintage Firestone Tire Service sign can be valued anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. Special designs or limited-edition signs can increase the value even more, making them a prized piece for any collection.

Mobilgas Pegasus Globe

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The Mobilgas Pegasus globe is a standout item for collectors of gas station memorabilia. The iconic red Pegasus logo, which has been a symbol of Mobil for decades, is featured prominently on these globes. Originally, these globes would have been placed atop gas pumps, illuminated from within to catch the attention of passing motorists.

The globes were made of glass, and many of them are now incredibly rare, especially those from the mid-20th century. Well-maintained examples of the Mobilgas Pegasus globe can fetch anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, with certain versions reaching even higher prices. Collectors often seek out these globes for their historical value and the brand recognition associated with Mobil, one of the most famous names in American gasoline.

Vintage Texaco Star Globe

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Texaco’s vintage star-shaped globes have long been a sought-after item for collectors. These glass globes, which were originally placed on top of Texaco’s service station pumps, feature the bold red and green Texaco star logo. The Texaco brand is one of the most iconic names in the oil industry, and its vintage signs and globes often fetch high prices at auctions.

Depending on the size, age, and condition, a Texaco Star globe can range in price from $2,000 to $8,000. Special versions or early production pieces can demand even higher prices. These globes, with their nostalgic design, continue to capture the attention of collectors looking to add a piece of vintage Americana to their collections.

Shell Motor Oil Porcelain Sign

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Shell has been a major player in the oil industry for over a century, and vintage Shell motor oil porcelain signs are highly prized by collectors. These signs were once a common sight outside gas stations, promoting Shell’s motor oils and lubricants. The signs, which feature bright colors and bold logos, were designed to be durable enough to withstand the elements.

A well-preserved vintage Shell motor oil sign can fetch between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on its condition and rarity. The eye-catching design and historical importance of the Shell brand make these signs particularly valuable for collectors of vintage oil and gas memorabilia.

Chrysler Dealership Sign

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Chrysler, one of the Big Three American automakers, has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. Vintage Chrysler dealership signs, particularly those from the mid-1900s, are prized by collectors for their historical significance. These signs, which often featured bold, neon-lit designs and the Chrysler logo, were a familiar sight at dealerships across the U.S.

Today, these pieces are highly collectible, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on their age and condition. Signs from early Chrysler dealerships or those associated with the brand’s most famous vehicles, such as the Chrysler 300, can command even higher prices, making them a valuable addition to any vintage car collection.

Esso Motor Oil Sign

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Esso, which later became Exxon, has been a major name in the oil industry since the early 20th century. Vintage Esso motor oil signs, particularly those featuring the brand’s famous tiger mascot, are highly collectible. These signs, which were originally displayed at service stations across the U.S., were made from durable porcelain and metal.

Prices for a vintage Esso motor oil sign can range from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on its condition, rarity, and design. Rare versions of these signs, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s, can fetch even higher prices. These signs are not only valuable for their historical significance but also for their striking design and vibrant colors.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.