Even for non-enthusiasts, automobilia collection looks like a fascinating hobby. Old kids pedal cars, gas station signs, and restored gasoline pumps all relates to the history of transportation in some way. Some collectors collect these items because they don’t have enough room to keep full-size vintage cars while some collect automobilia for the fun of it. Whatever reason you’re interested in collecting automobilia, the challenge lies in finding unique items.

The market for this collectible is still limited. But some hard-core collectors have formed clubs, online groups, and discussion forums specifically for this hobby. If you search online for groups that share similar interest, your query is bound to produce several results. Take note though that the term “automobilia” itself refers to more than just cars. It is a catch-all phrase for everything related to automobile and transportation. It can include collectible military vehicles, pushbikes, traction engines, stationary engines, pedal cars, spare parts, and even lawnmowers.

What Should You Collect?

Sensible collections usually try to limit their hobby to two specific fields but some collectors tend to go with their gut feeling. As a result, their room tends to look like a museum of old automotive items. The funny thing is, other automobilia collectors can completely relate to them. If you want to get started in the field of automobilia collection, you should first determine which collectible items you like the most:

Accessories

These are great items to collect and accessories can easily be found as well. Auction sites such as eBay tend to have a huge collection of automotive accessories. Also, you can easily purchase these items during swap meets, club meetings, or talk another collector into selling his item to you. Common items you can expect include chrome mirrors, boot racks, and anything produced by SAH, Speedwell, and Aquaplane. Automobilia accessories can be displayed on your car, your garage, or your room. Talk about a good way to showcase your collection.

Spare Parts

Some automobilia collectors literally hunt down vintage spare parts. Shiny spare parts are usually in demand while oily items are shunned except by the most ardent of collectors. After all, oily spare parts won’t look good on the mantel nor will it look particularly attractive when placed in the bedroom.

Advertising Materials

Advertising automobilia is one of the most popular types of collectible item. This is because advertising signs basically sums up the rich history of the automobile. Period pieces will reflect the style, color preferences, and taste of that time. It is not surprising that original sales posters are sought after by collectors around the world.

Toys and Pedal Cars

Old motoring toys have long been an interest of many automobilia collectors. There are still many types of toy cars and toy vans available for an avid collector. Pedal cars have its own loyal following. Some collectors don’t even blink when they pay thousands of dollars upfront for an Austin J40 or a restored Austin Pathfinder.

Whatever automobilia you decide to collect, you can be sure that once you start collecting these items, it will be hard to stop.

By Lorraine Lim

Lorraine is a freelance writer.