14 Vintage Car Dealer Promo Items That Are Pricier Than They Look

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Vintage Car Dealership Service Signs

These vintage car dealership service signs, often found hanging in the back of a garage or service station, can be highly valuable to collectors. Many of these signs were created in the mid-20th century, featuring colorful logos and eye-catching designs meant to grab the attention of drivers. Collectors are drawn to the historical significance these signs hold, as they evoke nostalgia for a time when cars were a symbol of freedom.

Some of the more sought-after signs are those from dealerships that no longer exist, adding a layer of rarity. Condition plays a significant role in determining their value, with well-preserved examples fetching high prices at auctions. Depending on the size, age, and rarity, these signs can be priced anywhere from $250 to $3,000. A sign featuring the Chrysler or Ford logo, for example, may command a higher price due to the brand’s iconic status.

Promotional Matchbooks from Vintage Car Dealerships

Matchbooks from classic car dealerships might seem like a small and inconsequential item, but they have become surprisingly valuable to collectors. These matchbooks, typically handed out as free promotional items, feature the branding of the dealership and sometimes even images of cars. Over time, they’ve gained a unique appeal due to their association with a specific era, evoking memories of roadside service and car culture.

The rarity of the matchbook is often tied to the dealership’s prominence, with matchbooks from now-defunct or long-established dealerships being especially coveted. Although they may seem like inexpensive souvenirs, some can fetch anywhere from $50 to $1,500 depending on the rarity and condition. A pristine matchbook from a luxury brand like Rolls-Royce, for instance, can be quite valuable to the right collector.

Vintage Car Showroom Brochures

Car dealership brochures from the 1950s and 1960s, especially those from major automakers like Chevrolet or Cadillac, can be valuable collector’s items. These brochures were often produced in large quantities to advertise new models, but due to their delicate paper and limited storage options, few have survived in good condition. The appeal lies not only in the vehicles themselves but in the art and design featured within these pamphlets, showcasing the car culture of the time.

Depending on the year, model, and rarity of the brochure, collectors are willing to pay a premium for items that showcase a vehicle no longer in production. Some rare brochures can go for as much as $500 or more, especially if they feature classic models such as the Corvette or the Mustang. Even the less iconic brands have their place in history, with certain brochures fetching up to $200.

Vintage Car Dealer Keychains

Keychains given out by car dealerships during the 1950s and 1960s are often more valuable than they appear. These small promotional items, which were typically handed to customers after a purchase or as a part of a giveaway, featured the dealership’s logo and often had small, metal accents or plastic designs.

While many of these keychains were mass-produced, their age and the association with vintage car culture have made them a desirable item. Some keychains feature rare or discontinued logos from long-gone car brands, which makes them especially prized by collectors. Depending on their condition and design, prices for vintage car dealer keychains range from $50 to $1,000, with certain rare versions fetching even higher.

Classic Car Dealership Bumper Stickers

Bumper stickers from vintage car dealerships have become surprisingly valuable over time, especially those featuring colorful designs or slogans that speak to the car culture of a particular era. These stickers, often handed out to customers or used as advertising in the 1960s and 1970s, feature slogans like “Chevy Power” or “Ford Country,” and showcase vintage car brands and logos.

The condition of the bumper sticker, especially if it is unused and still in its original packaging, plays a major role in its value. Some rare bumper stickers, such as those from long-defunct dealerships or special edition models, can command prices ranging from $100 to $500. Collectors are especially drawn to the novelty and historical significance of these items.

Vintage Car Dealer Calendars

Promotional calendars from vintage car dealerships have become a niche collectible in the car enthusiast community. These calendars were typically given away for free to customers and often featured images of cars, advertisements for the dealership, and important dates related to the dealership’s events.

The calendars from the 1950s and 1960s, especially those from now-defunct dealerships, have grown in value over time due to their historical and nostalgic appeal. A rare calendar featuring a classic car model, or one from a famous dealership like Cadillac or Pontiac, can sell for several hundred dollars. With prices ranging from $50 to $800, the condition and the era of the calendar greatly influence its value.

Vintage Car Dealership Promotional Pens

Vintage promotional pens from car dealerships are another unexpected collectible that has become highly valued over time. These pens, typically given away as part of dealership events or during car purchases, often feature the dealership’s name and logo. While they may seem like inexpensive souvenirs, many collectors are willing to pay a premium for pens that were issued by famous or rare car dealerships.

Certain pens, especially those with unique designs or limited runs, can fetch up to $100 or more. Though most pens from the 1960s and 1970s are priced between $20 and $100, the rarity of the dealership and the condition of the pen can influence the price.

Vintage Car Dealer Magnets

Magnetic promotional items from car dealerships are a fun and affordable collectible for vintage car enthusiasts. These magnets were once popular items given to customers as part of dealership promotions, featuring car models, dealership logos, and slogans. The appeal of these vintage magnets lies in their playful nature and their association with an era of car culture that is no longer prevalent today.

Certain rare magnets, especially those from well-known dealerships or from the golden age of American automotive history, can be priced anywhere from $50 to $300. Some rare designs featuring early 20th-century car brands or special events are considered highly valuable among collectors.

Vintage Car Dealership Mugs

Vintage car dealership mugs, often given to customers at events or as part of a purchase, have become a sought-after item for collectors. These mugs often feature the dealership’s logo, sometimes in vibrant colors or with vintage car imagery, making them nostalgic and valuable to car collectors.

The mugs from the 1950s and 1960s, which are often made from ceramic or glass, are especially prized for their durability and unique designs. Some mugs that feature logos from major brands like Buick or Dodge can fetch up to $100 or more, especially if they are in excellent condition or have a unique design. Pricing for most vintage mugs ranges from $25 to $100, depending on the rarity and condition.

Vintage Car Dealer Showroom Models

Miniature showroom models of cars given out by dealerships have gained substantial value over time. These models, often made of die-cast metal or plastic, were usually displayed in car showrooms to help customers visualize the car they were interested in purchasing.

Some of these models were sold as promotional items or given away to customers who made a purchase. The rarity and condition of these models, combined with their connection to specific car brands like Ferrari or Cadillac, make them highly sought after by collectors. Prices can range from $150 to $1,000, with some rare or limited-edition models fetching even more.

Vintage Car Dealer Window Stickers

Vintage window stickers from car dealerships, once applied to vehicles to advertise the dealer or specific models, have become rare and valuable items. These stickers, often designed with bold fonts and vibrant colors, have a distinct retro appeal, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s. While many of these stickers were used on cars and eventually worn out, some pristine examples have survived and are now considered highly collectible.

Rare window stickers, especially those from iconic brands like Ford or Chevrolet, can be priced anywhere from $75 to $500 depending on their condition and rarity. These stickers evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when car ownership was more personal and tied to local dealerships.

Vintage Car Dealer Flyers and Advertisements

Flyers and printed advertisements from vintage car dealerships are another surprisingly valuable item for collectors. These flyers were once handed out to potential customers or placed in public spaces to advertise specific car models or dealership promotions. The designs from the 1950s to 1970s are particularly popular, as they often feature bold typography and illustrations of the vehicles.

The rarity of these flyers, combined with the historical context they provide, makes them highly sought after by collectors. Depending on the rarity and condition, these flyers can fetch anywhere from $50 to $600. Items related to limited-time promotions or models that are no longer in production hold higher value.

Vintage Car Dealer Button Pins

Button pins, once given out as a form of promotional swag at car dealerships, have become a highly collectible item. These small pins, which often feature the car dealership’s logo or a specific car model, were once popular giveaways to loyal customers.

Today, they are prized by collectors due to their small size, historical significance, and connection to vintage car culture. Some button pins, especially those from now-defunct or exclusive dealerships, can be worth anywhere from $25 to $400. The condition and rarity of the design are key factors that influence their market value.

Vintage Car Dealer Paperweights

Vintage paperweights from car dealerships, often made of glass or metal, were once common promotional items handed out to customers or used as office decor in the dealership. Featuring logos of popular car brands or dealership names, these paperweights are collectible due to their aesthetic appeal and connection to the car culture of a particular time.

They are especially sought after by those looking to add unique vintage items to their collections or display them as part of their automotive-themed home décor. Depending on the quality, design, and age, paperweights can range in price from $50 to $400, with rare designs and high-quality materials pushing their value higher.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.