13 Vintage Car Accessories That Are Weirdly Expensive Now

When you think of vintage cars, the first thing that might come to mind is the classic design or the thrill of driving a piece of history. But there’s another side to vintage car culture that’s just as fascinating: the accessories. Some of these old car parts and decorations, once overlooked or discarded, are now fetching surprisingly high prices. Whether it’s a piece of dashboard hardware or an antique tool, certain items are becoming rare treasures for collectors. What makes these accessories so valuable today? It’s not just their age, but the stories they tell about car culture and craftsmanship from decades ago.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Classic Hood Ornament Figurines

Classic hood ornament figurines from 1920s and 1930s cars now sell for high prices among lovers of old car art. These metal figures were once a sign of pride for car owners and often featured animals or elegant human forms. Today, original pieces in good condition can reach close to $1200 or more at auctions. Collectors value the way they reflect design tastes of their time and how they show the personality people gave their cars.

Many rarer models were made by small metal shops and have become hard to find in original finish. Restored versions may be cheaper but original surface quality remains the most desired. Displayed on shelves or in personal collections, these ornaments carry a visible charm that many modern items lack. Their prices keep going up because interest remains strong and surviving pieces are limited.

Vintage Car Radios

Old car radios from the 1950s and 1960s draw attention from hobbyists interested in historical sound gear. A working vacuum tube radio from a famous brand can fetch around $900 or more among buyers. Radios that still have original dials and push buttons attract people who enjoy the look and feel of technology from years ago. Many of these units were designed to fit tightly into classic dashboards and reflect the design priorities of their era.

Because these radios are delicate and need careful handling, ones in good working condition stand out in markets. Some collectors will spend time adjusting them so they play old AM stations or connect to modern speakers without harming original parts. The appeal of owning a piece of audio history rises with the rarity and condition of the unit. People who refurbish old cars often look for these radios to give their vehicles an authentic atmosphere.

Vintage Car Horns

Old horns from classic cars are increasingly valued by those who appreciate sound gear from an earlier time. Bulb horns and mechanical horns from the 1920s and 1930s can bring about $700 at collector events. These horns have shapes that seem like small sculptures on their own, with curves and metal finishes that show style of their age. People like the idea of hearing the sound once more and often attach these horns to restored vehicles for demonstration purposes.

The way they were made tells a story of old metalwork and simple mechanical sound production. Well cared for originals with intact rubber bulbs carry the highest price tags. Because they are not just decorative but can operate as intended, interest remains high. Finding one in good shape becomes harder as years pass, pushing demand upward.

Old Leaded Glass Light Covers

Leaded glass light covers that went on tail lamps and signal lights of old cars now attract collectors who enjoy antique glass work. These colored glass pieces reveal patterns and production methods used before mass plastic took over. A set from a rare car model might sell for around $1000 because of their age and fragile nature.

Many of these pieces were hand cut and show air bubbles and texture that speak of old glass making processes. Collectors like displaying them in cabinets where light shines through the colors, creating a nostalgic glow. Because they break easily, complete sets are hard to find and worth more. Some people incorporate them into period theme rooms where they become conversation pieces. Their place in automotive history adds to their interest.

Early Car Thermometers

Thermometers that clipped to period dashboards are now objects that draw serious attention from collectors who like old motoring tools. These accessories often had metal bodies and glass tubes that measured outside temperature while driving. A well preserved example from the 1930s can reach close to $480 on specialty sales. People enjoy the simple idea of monitoring weather while on the road in an era before modern climate instruments.

Many of these have original paint and fonts that show lettering styles of the day. They fit well into displays of dashboard accessories where they show how drivers once engaged with their machines. Original packaging can add to the value since it shows how the item was sold long ago. Because few survived intact, prices have risen over time.

Vintage Car Seat Belt Buckles

Seat belt buckles from early safety belt models have turned into collector objects that bring interest beyond their original purpose. These buckles often carry branding and shapes that reflect the approach to safety in the 1960s and 1970s. An original set with metal pieces intact might fetch around $360 among buyers who restore old cars.

They have simple mechanical parts that show how designers wanted them to function and feel. Collectors often show them alongside old manuals and paperwork to tell a story of old safety gear. Some pieces have chrome plating that shines even after decades if they were cared for. Because they are part of the car history and show early thinking about safety, they remain items people want. Their price reflects interest in original components from classic interiors.

Rare Gas Caps

Rare gas caps from luxury cars of the 1930s can sell in collector circles for around $950. These metal caps often carried detailed engravings and unique emblems that identified the car make and model. People who display classic auto parts value these gas caps because they show design work that went beyond mere function.

Some have decorative jewels or etched patterns that make them feel like small works of decorative metal. Condition plays a large role in price since dents and missing emblems reduce appeal. Many collectors mount these caps in display frames or on shelves that highlight their shapes. Because original versions from less common models are hard to find, prices remain high. A gas cap like this can set the tone for a collection of fuel system accessories.

Antique Rear View Mirrors

Antique rear view mirrors from the 1920s and 1930s have drawn attention for their mix of old glass and metal frames. An original mirror with intact reflective surface can go for about $780 or higher. These mirrors were made with artful shapes and metal housings that show the design aesthetics of their time.

Some have elaborate frames that look more like jewelry than simple utility parts. People like placing them on walls or in show settings where their form can be admired up close. The glass often shows age marks that tell a story about use on open roads long ago. Because these mirrors are fragile and often replaced with modern pieces, originals are uncommon. Price reflects interest from people who want authentic parts or decorative pieces with history.

Old Carburetor Badges

Carburetor badges from well known brands have become collectible as markers of old performance gear. A badge removed from an old racing carburetor can fetch around $660 when offered in good condition. These pieces were cast metal and carried the branding that enthusiasts recognized even then.

Badge shapes vary from simple rectangles to stylized shields that reflect brand identity. Collectors enjoy showing them on boards where they compare designs from different years. The badges remind people how people once cared about mechanical performance and brand reputation. Because many were lost when carburetors were replaced or scrapped, surviving pieces are limited. This scarcity pushes price upward in enthusiast markets.

Vintage Wheel Spinners

Vintage wheel spinners from classic cars are now items that draw strong interest at sales. These decorative pieces went on wheel hubs and had unique shapes and shiny metal finishes. An original pair in good shape might go for about $830 among buyers. They add visual appeal to old wheels and reflect the style choices owners made long ago.

People collect these spinners to complete the look of restored wheels on prized vehicles. The way light plays off their surfaces makes them stand out when shown together. Because many were damaged or thrown away over time, only a few remain intact. This makes them items that collectors compete for when they appear for sale.

Classic Dashboard Clocks

Classic dashboard clocks from mid century cars have become objects people pay high sums to own. These mechanical time pieces once helped drivers keep time on long trips. A unit in working order with original face and hands might bring around $900. Their round shapes and metal bodies show the style of instrument design from decades ago.

Many have brand names that link them to specific car lines and years which adds to interest. People who appreciate old mechanical devices enjoy hearing the ticking and seeing the movement work. Because they are small and can be shown off easily, they appear in many collections. Their combination of function and style drives interest in these clocks today.

Vintage Tire Chains

Vintage tire chains used for winter driving are now items that draw attention from collectors of old car equipment. These metal chain sets once wrapped around wheels to provide traction in snow and ice. A full set from a well known brand can fetch about $650 when in good condition. People value the way the links and hooks show historic forging methods.

Chains that still come with original bags or instructions are especially wanted. Some collectors hang them on garage walls where their patterns create visual interest. Because many were thrown away after wear or rust damage, original sets are fewer than expected. Their presence in a collection brings a feel of historic travel challenges.

Early Car Door Handles

Early car door handles that show the design style of past decades have become items people spend significant amounts on. These metal handles often have shapes and finishes that reflect the tastes of their time. A pair in good condition can sell for around $770. Collectors like to show them alongside other trim pieces from the same period.

The way they fit in the hand and the curves on their edges tell a story about design priorities long ago. Many have original plating that shines even after years of care. Because they were replaced often when cars were restored, originals are rare. Their presence in a collection brings a tangible piece of daily interaction from past cars.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.