15 Vintage Auto Show Promos That Are Collectibles Now
These classic auto show promos, once just advertisements, have now turned into prized collector’s gems.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Once handed out as mere marketing materials, vintage auto show promos are now sought-after treasures in the collector world. Each item offers a snapshot of automotive history and culture. Let’s take a nostalgic ride through 15 standout promos that have revved up in value over the decades.
1. 1964 New York World’s Fair Ford Pavilion Brochure
Alden Jewell on Flickr
Packed with futuristic flair, this brochure introduced Ford’s vision of tomorrow. Its bold artwork and Jetsons-like design now captivate collectors.
2. 1959 General Motors “Motorama” Program Booklet
Alden Jewell on Flickr
This glossy souvenir from GM’s traveling car show captured the peak of postwar optimism. Featuring sleek prototypes and stylized fonts, it’s a blast from the chrome-heavy past.
3. 1970 Chicago Auto Show Poster
Fuschia Foot on Flickr
Bold, psychedelic graphics give this poster serious retro appeal. Only a handful of originals remain, making it a hot-ticket item. It’s a perfect mix of art and auto history.
4. 1982 Detroit Auto Show VIP Badge
Paul Esch-Laurent on Unsplash
Back when auto shows were more exclusive, these badges were handed to media and industry insiders only. Durable and often personalized, they now serve as rare backstage passes to the golden days of American car culture.
5. 1967 Dodge “Scat Pack” Stickers from Auto Expos
Jack Snell on Flickr
Handed out like candy, these eye-catching decals have become rare finds. Featuring muscle car mascots and racing stripes, they scream ‘60s swagger.
6. 1955 Chevrolet Exhibit Pamphlet – GM Auto Show
Fred Ortlip on Flickr
This modest pamphlet launched the beloved ‘55 Chevy into public view. With hand-drawn sketches and bold headlines, it marked the dawn of a design revolution.
7. 1978 Los Angeles Auto Show Keychain
Bill Abbott on Flickr
Once a throwaway trinket, now a funky flashback. With a chunky plastic logo and original show date, these keychains carry sentimental weight.
8. 1962 Auto Show Dash Plaques
peterolthof on Flickr
Issued to participants, these small metal plaques were meant to be displayed on dashboards. Often engraved with the car make and show year, they’re now valuable memorabilia pieces.
9. 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show Lanyard Pass
Rutger van der Maar on Flickr
Not all collectibles are American — this European entry has global appeal. With sharp typography and minimalist design, it reflected ’80s sophistication.
10. 1949 Auto Show Fold-Out Map – New York
Brain Toad on Flickr
Serving both as a guide and souvenir, this detailed map offered a glimpse into the city’s automotive celebration. Its vintage cartography and ad inserts charm collectors and map lovers alike.
11. 1971 Tokyo Motor Show Pocket Guide
JDM Kuruma on Pexels
This compact guidebook featured both Japanese innovation and imported models. Loaded with quirky graphics and forward-thinking car concepts, it’s a standout in global promo memorabilia.
12. 1968 Pontiac Showroom Poster from Auto Fair
sv1ambo on Flickr
Saturated colors and bold type made this showroom promo pop. Originally taped to walls and windows, few have survived in good condition.
13. 1990 Geneva Auto Show Press Packet
Georg Sander on Flickr
Filled with press releases and glossy car shots, these were only handed to journalists. The early-‘90s layout and company letterheads are a time capsule of pre-digital marketing.
14. 1957 Buick Invitation Card – Chicago Show
Rex Gray on Flickr
Embossed and gold-trimmed, this invite oozed class. Sent to VIP customers, it hinted at the elegance of Buick’s lineup that year.
15. 1974 Auto Expo Collector’s Coin – New York
mangopulp2008 on Flickr
Minted for the event, these coins celebrated American car manufacturing. Hefty and well-designed, they’ve aged into true collector’s pieces.