16 Retro Car Show Giveaways That Are Collectibles Now
These 16 retro car show giveaways have transcended freebie status to become rare and beloved collectibles for auto enthusiasts.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Car shows of the past weren’t just about new models, chrome, and horsepower. They were treasure troves of promotional items that now carry sentimental and collectible value. From Mustang keychains to Mopar patches, these nostalgic relics capture the culture and marketing charm of a bygone era.
1. Hot Wheels Dealer Promo Cars
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In the 1970s, Hot Wheels created limited-edition die-cast models just for dealership promotions during car shows and unveilings. These tiny replicas, like the ‘70 Heavy Chevy with special decals, were handed out to entice kids and car-loving parents alike. Today, collectors hunt these down, often paying hundreds for a mint condition piece.
2. GM Heritage Posters (1960s–70s)
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General Motors often gave away beautifully illustrated posters at auto shows that featured entire lineups from Chevy to Buick. Printed on thick stock with vivid colors, they captured the optimism of the American auto industry. These now hang framed in garages and man caves across the country.
3. Ford Mustang Keychains (1964 Launch)
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At the debut of the Mustang, Ford handed out chrome-plated keychains featuring the iconic pony emblem. They seemed like simple souvenirs at the time but have become highly prized among early Mustang collectors. Some even came in branded leather pouches, elevating their rarity.
4. Chevy Promotional 45 RPM Records
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Chevrolet once pressed vinyl records to hand out at car shows, with jingles and promotional messages about their latest models. One side had upbeat tunes, while the other often had a spoken ad voiced by radio announcers of the day. These quirky records are now treasured by vinyl and auto lovers alike.
5. Mopar Drag Racing Patches (1960s–1970s)
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Chrysler’s performance division, Mopar, gave out embroidered patches during muscle car-era drag strip events and shows. These patches featured wild typography and bold designs, often tossed to teens like candy. Now, they’re sewn onto collector jackets or framed as pieces of racing history.
6. AMC Javelin Coloring Books
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In a clever family-friendly move, American Motors handed out coloring books featuring the Javelin and AMX cars to kids at auto expos. The pages were filled with muscle car outlines, dealership logos, and track scenes. Finding a clean, unused one today is like striking gold in the nostalgia mine.
7. Volkswagen Beetle Tin Pins (1950s–60s)
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Volkswagen gave away small metal pins shaped like the Beetle during post-war car shows, particularly in Europe and the U.S. These brightly enameled lapel pins were a subtle but charming bit of branding. Today, they fetch a tidy sum from VW memorabilia collectors.
8. Datsun “Drive Happy” Stickers (1970s)
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Datsun shows in the 1970s featured simple but iconic giveaways, including their sunny “Drive Happy” bumper stickers. What started as a cheeky slogan ended up sticking in the minds of a generation. Originals with their bold colors and retro font now decorate garage walls and vintage toolboxes.
9. Pontiac Trans Am Matchbooks (1970s)
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Long before smoking was taboo, Pontiac handed out branded matchbooks with firebird logos and car specs printed inside. These were especially popular at muscle car showcases and dealer booths. Few remain with matches intact, which makes a full set particularly collectible.
10. Jeep CJ-5 Survival Kits (1960s)
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As part of its rugged image, Jeep offered tiny “survival kits” at shows, including a compass, mini flashlight, and waterproof matches, all branded with CJ-5 logos. Kids loved them, and adults tossed them in gloveboxes. Today, complete kits in original packaging are both rare and nostalgic.
11. Buick Skylark Pennants (1950s)
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Buick once printed colorful felt pennants promoting the Skylark and other models, distributed at auto fairs and state exhibitions. With classic fonts and car illustrations, they were tacked onto walls or brought home as souvenirs. These vintage pieces now command attention on collector display boards.
12. Toyota Land Cruiser Iron-on Transfers (1980s)
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Toyota tapped into the ’80s DIY craze by giving out iron-on transfers of their rugged Land Cruiser at car shows. Kids would slap them on T-shirts, tote bags, and even denim jackets. Original sheets are now rarely found unpeeled and in good condition.
13. Plymouth Road Runner Beep Beep Horn Buttons
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Plymouth leaned into their cartoon tie-in by giving out novelty “Beep Beep” horn buttons at Road Runner showings. Pressing them emitted the iconic sound from the car’s actual horn. They were fun, silly, and now sit in collections of Road Runner fanatics worldwide.
14. Lincoln Continental Desk Calendars (1960s)
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Luxury buyers were courted with sleek metal desk calendars featuring embossed Lincoln logos at formal showroom events. These small but weighty pieces doubled as both branding and office flair. Many are now found polished up on vintage desks or in curated collections of corporate car swag.
15. Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Playing Cards
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Oldsmobile gave away branded decks of playing cards, each one featuring Rocket 88 imagery or specs on various models. They weren’t flashy, but they became a staple at family tables and poker nights. An unopened pack in its original wrapper is a jackpot for niche collectors.
16. Peugeot LeMans Posters (1970s–80s)
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During international shows, Peugeot promoted their endurance racing legacy with LeMans-themed posters and fold-outs. Featuring sleek race cars and bold typography, they were given out to celebrate the brand’s victories. These prints now decorate the walls of Francophile gearheads and race fans alike.