Car Collecting – Going Small with Dealer Promotional Models

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I’ve written a few articles on car collecting and a couple covered collecting model cars.  I’m particularly fond of dealer promotional cars ( click here: Car Collecting Scaled Down – Promo Cars ). 

As with any hobby you have to be aware that sometime what is offered for sale might not be the real thing.  If you do a quick search on Ebay you’ll find hundreds of model cars for sale.  Look closer and you’ll see many labeled “Dealer  Promotion” models.  But look even closer and you’ll see there are many that misuse that label. 

Promotional models were model cars used by dealership at the time a car was new (or new for the year) and they were often staged around the showroom for customer to touch and look at.  Many of the models had a list new features listed on the bottom. 

 

Bottom of a Ford Galaxy.

Bottom of a Ford Galaxy.

This is the bottom of a 1960s Ford Galaxy. You can see a list of features.

This is the bottom of a 1960s Ford Galaxy. You can see a list of features.

The models were normally one color with minimal detail

The models were normally one color with minimal detail and no real functionality outside the rolling wheels.

IMG_20141201_191524808_HDR

 

For example, take a look at this:

 

Plain non-functional model - chrome wheels and rubber tires that roll.

Plain non-functional model – chrome wheels and rubber tires that roll.

 

Much like the Galaxy above it is plain and non-functional.

Nondescript white box.

Nondescript white box.

IMG_20150125_182609997

Stamped “1984 Corvette” – first year of the C4 body style

Now look at this:

Here is a 1950 Chevy Pickup. Supposedly a dealer promo.

Here is a 1950 Chevy Pickup. Supposedly a dealer promo.

It's in a newer box with warning on it...not something printed on toys back in 1950.

It’s in a newer box with warning on it…not something printed on toys back in 1950.

IMG_20150125_182513495

If you really can’t tell this shows it was made by Ertl in 1995.

 

See the difference?  How can these be ‘true’ promotional models if they were produced in 1995?

Clearly the Ertl model is not a true dealership promotional model but a replica.

I failed to realize that as the seller advertised it as a “promo” model.  Not to say it’s not a nice model it is and depicts a 1950 Chevy pickup closely.  However, it is not a dealership promotional model.

 

Caveat emptor!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Do you have a collection of model cars?  Let us know.

Car Collecting Scale Down – Promo Cars

… wheel swings to the side. You can notice that the tires are rubber, the wheels are plastic and they are on metal rods. Do you have a sale car collection? Let us know. Thanks for reading. Tim. dealer promo car models …

Promo model: The Edsel | Savage On Wheels

dealer promo models, Edsel, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Pacer, Paul Daniel digital marketing, promo car models, promotional model cars, savageonwheels.com, Teletouch. ← 2013 Acura ILX Premium · Diecast: CMC Ferrari …

Promo Model: 62 Buick Electra 225 Convertible | Savage On …

1/25th scale model promotional cars, Buick, Buick Electra, Electra, General Motors, paul daniel creative digital marketing manager, promo car models, promotional car models, savageonwheels.com, Wheat’s Nostalgia.

 

Beautiful Photos of the Bastnas Sweden Automotive Graveyard – Supercompressor.com

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Posted on 1/21/15 By Aaron Miller

@aaron_m_miller

1280

Bastnas is a rural ore field in southern Sweden that’s been noteworthy for its mining since the late 1600s. It’s also the place where a pair of brothers decided to start a scrapyard to serve as a final resting place for the cars used by WWII servicemen.

Eventually, even the scrap yard was abandoned and nature has slowly reclaimed its sovereignty. The 15 photos below are part of a much larger set by Thomas Geersing that documents the current state of the Bastnas Scrapyard: beautifully dilapidated.

 

GaveYard1

 

To see the rest of Thomas Geersing's photos chance the link below.

To see the rest of Thomas Geersing’s photos chance the link below.

via Beautiful Photos of the Bastnas Sweden Automotive Graveyard – Supercompressor.com.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Help finding volvo junkyard in Gary IN – Turbobricks Forums

I met a guy one time who has a Volvo junkyard with many RWD Volvos in Gary IN. I have now spent many hours trying to find his place again but can not. He is not a registered business. Does anyone know of this guy?
The Volvo Junkyard: Organ Donors Keeping Their Swedish …

Yes, old Volvos are the official car of Eugene, the posterboys of everything that defines a true Curbside Classic. They’re everywhere, at least a couple per block, in the right […]

Video: Hellcat Challenger Takes On A Tesla, Then Blows It Big Time – Street Legal TV

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I’d like to see a rematch.

 

With the Hellcat Challenger hitting showrooms and personal garages these past few months, you can bet that owners have been out showing off their 707+ horsepower Mopar to the locals. Whether it’s a few street races or even out at the strip, tires are being worn down and Hellcat owners are willing to take on almost everything in sight to prove they have the most powerful muscle car ever produced.We’ve seen a few roll races with a C7 that didn’t bode well for the Corvette, and even one perhaps overzealous attempt to take on an F-16 fighter jet. Racing a fighter jet is nothing new, however, and we would certainly hope that anything the Big Three can produce won’t outpace a jet that costs more than $14 million.

via Video: Hellcat Challenger Takes On A Tesla, Then Blows It Big Time – Street Legal TV.

 

I loved see the instant torque the Tesla has.  Recently got a ride in the S85.  It will snap your head back taking off.

 

Thanks for reading

Tim

 

Video: Tesla’s amazing Model S P85D smokes a Challenger Hellcat in a drag race

As we’ve seen in the past, Tesla’s Model S P85D simply gets incredible acceleration and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an insane 3.2 seconds. While we’ve already seen the Model S P85D go up against a Lamborghini in the past, StreetCarDrags has …
Tesla P85D Destroys Dodge Challenger Hellcat On Dragstrip: Electric Car …

Say “P85D” to Tesla owners and fans, and you will see the drooling and twitching and heavy breathing and lustful stares–and more drooling–that Tesla’s fastest, highest-performance electric car brings. The same happens with the word “Hellcat” for fans …

Auto Factoids for the Week of Jan 18, 2015

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Here is your Auto Factoids for the week of Jan 18, 2015.  It as a slow week in automotive history.

1/20/1942 – Chevy ceases producing cars for World War II.

 

1/21/1954    – First gas turbine displayed in New York.  It was by GM and it was the Turbo-Crusier Bus

 

GM Gas Turbine Bus

GM Gas Turbine Bus

 

1/24/1964 – Volvo debuts the P1800.

The P1800

The P1800

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids

Janesville’s GM plant to close

Turbocruiser, world’s first gas turbine bus, introduced GM Desert Proving Ground, Mesa, Ariz., established. 1961—Buick introduced first American V-6 passenger car engine. 1962—GM produced its 75,000,000th U.S.-made vehicle. Number of General Motors’ …
Volvo Expands Swedish Production, Honors 50 Years of Torslanda Plant

Today Volvo opened a new manufacturing plant and body shop at its production facility in Torslanda, Sweden, exactly 50 years after the original Volvo Torslanda plant opened on April 24, 1964. The new body shop will build the new 2015 Volvo XC90 SUV …

 

 

Car Upholstery/Interiors: “Muscle Car Interior Restoration” Book Review

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Every now and then I share a book that I’ve found useful while I’m doing a restoration or managing a restoration for some who loves their car and wants is restored, but doesn’t have the knowledge or time to manage it themselves (in progress a rare 1975 VW standard – article forth coming as we are just about to marry the body back on the chassis).

A few posts back I mentioned the upholstery project I did on my 1970 Mustang (now residing in a small collection in Nebraska).  Along with the upholstery I did a lot of work on the interior – dash, carpeting, headliner…the works.  I was reminded of the books I used for the process and one in particular was authored by Daniel Strohl entitled “Muscle Car Interior Restoration”.

 

There are a few books out there but this one covered the fundamentals very well.  So well, in fact that I’m going to give a copy away to one of my readers.  Drop me a note  at timsweet@cox.net or AGCarRestoration@cox.net or post up on my Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/AGCarRestoration with a pic and some info.

Muscle Car Interior Restoration by Daniel Strohl

Muscle Car Interior Restoration by
Daniel Strohl

 

You can catch Daniel’s writings over on Hemmings.com and the Hemmings Motor News.  As you know I love the Hemmings’ publications.  

Get me a pic of your project (completed or in progress – love the in progress photos) and get chance to pick up a free copy of “Muscle Car Interior Restoration”.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Post Script:  Other than a happy consumer, I have no relationship with Hemmings or Dan Strohl.

 

 

Artico – it’s vinyl upholstery by another name

Leathercloth. Naugahyde. Ambla. These are just a few of the words that car-makers have used to name vinyl upholstery. Name and euphemistically disguise a badly hidden truth in fact, because vinyl has almost always been seen as inferior to cloth trim or …
Warning: Hikers crossing in Bennington, Vt.

If that’s you, don’t miss the Hemmings Auto Museum (216 Main St., 802-447-2496, www.hemmings.com, open May-October, free), a small auto museum featuring vintage vehicles on display. And hiking deserves a second mention, as there are so many great …

 

 

ABANDONED!!! 1939 Packard Henny Hearse – Update 6/24/20

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Five years later this car is now spruced up and sits outside the Boot Hill Gift Shop in the “Town too Tough to Die”  Tombstone, AZ. !

 

I don’t know too many car peeps that don’t have a soft spot for abandoned cars.  Either they stir up distant memories of years gone by or inspire you to think of all the possibilities for that misused piece of iron.  One of my hobbies is to photograph abandoned car when I get the chance.  Whether they are just sitting in a junk yard, or field or even being used as advertising they mark the passage of time.

On the outskirts of Tombstone, AZ. is where you’ll find this car.  It’s easy to spot as it is the ‘landmark’ advertising car to get you to stop at the Boot Hill gift shop.  Clearing abandoned at some point, it was dragged to its current post many years ago and is a bit of a tourist attraction.

 

Greeting you at the edge of the town "that's too tough to die" Tombstone, AZ is this 1939 Packard.

Greeting you at the edge of the town “that’s too tough to die” Tombstone, AZ is this 1939 Packard.

 

 

As you can tell it purely used as prop now.

As you can tell it purely used as prop now.

 

This Packard 120 still retains it 288 Straight Eight engine. Look like with a little TLC it will roar to life.

This Packard 120 still retains it 288 Straight Eight engine. Look like with a little TLC it will roar to life.

 

The 288 (sometime called the Super Eight) produced 150 hps. Not a lot for all that American Steel.

The 288 (sometime called the Super Eight) produced 150 HP. Not a lot for all that American steel.  But speed wasn’t a factor when you are headed to the local ‘boot hill’.

 

It's a fair piece to bring a body to Tombstone, AZ from Texas.

It’s a fair piece to bring a body to Tombstone, AZ from Texas.

 

Although the Arizona heat is tough on car interiors this one still retains all of its details.

Although the Arizona heat is tough on car interiors this one still retains all of its details.  Has the shift column and I’m betting the new for 1939 Overdrive.

 

Henny began using the Packard chassis 1937 replacing the stretched Model A chassis.

Henny began using the Packard chassis 1937 replacing the stretched Model A chassis.

 

This old hearse has a ton of character and prominent place at the edge of town.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

On The Road To Pebble Beach In A 1939 Packard

One by one, the engines of 22 classic cars come alive. Some cough with a wheeze, some need coaxing and some hum with precision. Whatever their personality, they all start. This is the first miracle of the road trip. Gathered in a semi-circle around …

Powers, beloved journalist, dies at 93

Murphy owns a 1939 Packard Super 8 Henney Hearse and Powers always wanted a ride in it. Murphy was willing, but somehow it never worked out. A funeral has yet to be scheduled at St. John’s Cathedral, but Murphy vows that when it happens, Powers will …

 

 

 

BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101 | Performance & Hotrod Business

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If you are like me you tend to be excited about some portions of the car restoration hobby and not so much with others.  Digging in to the engine – love it!   Brakes or exhaust – let’s “get ‘er done”!  Upholstery – OH…no…no…noooooooooo!!!

Just the thought of damaging the upholstery is sickening, these materials don’t patch well and I can’t stand the thought of driving around with ripped interior…it’s just unacceptable!!!    Fixing it just isn’t something I look forward too.   I have had success with kits and they are a bit of work, but nothing like what a good custom shop can put out.

You can see my handy work at the links below (some video’s are missing – lost in the cloud when one company bought out another).

Mustang Upholstery Part III

Mustang Upholstery Part IV

Mustang Upholstery Part V

Mustang Upholstery Front Seat Finale

 

 

So when I ran across the article below, I thought that this is something I would benefit from reading.  Even if I’m not going to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine and start my own upholstery shop there will be some good tips to learn.   I won’t be posting them here, so chase the link below and bookmark it.

 

 

BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101

Harry Weimann

December 23, 2014

I’ve been writing “Interior Insights” articles for over three years now. Most of my articles have been focused on the business portion of the automotive upholstery industry. I’ve talked about everything from customer service, looking for new talent to marketing your business.

Starting in 2015, I will be taking a new direction on article topics. I plan on launching a series of articles that deals primarily with basic auto upholstery.

These articles will reach out to the novice as well as experienced individuals who are interested in auto upholstery and want a better understanding. I will cover materials, tools, specific interior components and techniques used when reupholstering a vehicle. I will also touch on all types and styles of vehicles.

This is a lot of ground to cover and a variety of subjects to address. I would appreciate feedback as I write on new topics each month—areas that you would like to know more about. I have years and years of experience and a true love for the auto upholstery industry; I love teaching others what I know.

via BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101 | Performance & Hotrod Business.

Tools of the trade

Tools of the trade – even if you are using a kit

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Wallace ‘Wally’ Sanders, 79, led career in auto upholstery business

He was born Aug. 28, 1935, in Elgin, son og the late Hiriam Sanders and Mary Wooten Sanders. He was in the auto upholstery business most of his life and will be remembered by many. Mr. Sanders is survived by his sons, David Sanders (Kathy), of Gaston …
Soft skills will help you land that next job

Harry Weimann, director of education at WyoTech Blairsville and a business owner since 1986, says he wishes he would have learned to look for the appropriate skills long ago. “As a business owner for many years, I’ve hired several employees,” Weimann …

Pininfarina’s aerodynamic 1960 X Concept was 50 years ahead of its time

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The name Pininfarina is synonymous with expensive and elegant Italian sports cars such as the Maserati GranTurismo, Alfa Romeo Spyder and a log file of Ferraris such as the 365 GTB/4, Enzo, F40 and Testarossa. The global design legend does much more than style beautiful cars though, and ample testimony will appear at auction this week in the form of a little known 1960s concept car. With its four wheels arranged in a diamond shape, the tiny aerodynamic four-seater Pininfarina-X had a drag coefficient of 0.23, indicating that Pininfarina was a long way ahead of the rest of the world in exploring the critical area of aerodynamics, long before it was fashionable.

via Pininfarina’s aerodynamic 1960 X Concept was 50 years ahead of its time.

 

drag coefficient of 0.23

drag coefficient of 0.23

Thanks for reading
Tim

 

Pininfarina Aerodynamik-Historie unterm Hammer

Pininfarina hatte das Model X ausgiebig getestet und sogar rund 145 km/h erreicht. Damit war der X deutlich schneller, als ein normaler Fiat 110. Trotz des Mißerfolges war Farina von der Aerodynamik in den Bann gezogen und ging abermals auf Professor …
Things to know about Barrett-Jackson car auction

Featured cars include a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS by Pininfarina and a 1932 Packard Deluxe Eight Individual Custom Sport Phaeton by Dietrich. Details: Jan 14-16. Preview runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Auction runs 5-9 …

60,000 Classic American Cars, and Three Good Ones

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So many times I have marveled at the seeming multitudes of vintage American cars in the country of Cuba. There’s never been a lot of press on these cars but now that some of the barriers are down, I’m hoping there is a lot to learn about the car culture that as grown our of necessity.  I’m not expecting to see a vintage Buick with the original V8 and perfect body and interior.  I am hoping to see is what has been done to these cars.  Some purists would might not be able stomach what has been accomplished but it is truly a unique sub-culture that has flourished on its own without all the trapping we have surrounding our beloved hobby.

 

The article below is from CarGurus blog via Throttel Response.

Cuban Car Culture

Cuban Car Culture

 

The cars of Cuba are somewhat legendary in the United States, because the vehicles that roamed the roads there in the 1950s are the same ones being driven today. Since we’re not allowed to go there, very few of us have seen them in person, yet we know they exist.

Does that mean American collectors should start salivating over the prospect of virtually untouched classics if Cuba and the U.S. become friends again?

Probably not. The 1959 Cuban revolution essentially put an end to imports of American cars, so Cubans have had to make do for the last 55 years with what they had, or buy Soviet-era imports. That means no new parts, no new cars and lots of Chevrolets and Buicks running with Soviet-made engines.

With over a half-century of neglect and little real maintenance, it’s a miracle that somewhere around 60,000 of these classics are still being driven. If the U.S. and Cuba do rekindle their old flame, it won’t be the Americans who benefit.

 

Read the rest at 60,000 Classic American Cars, and Three Good Ones.

 

I believe I have a few readers that may have first hand knowledge of the Cuban car culture.  I’m always looking for more information.  Have any images?  Contact me via this blog and we’ll make a deal.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Could Classic Cuban Cars Be En Route to the United States?

For years, importing cars between the United States and Cuba has been illegal, forcing Cuban mechanists to be resourceful in fixing up old cars. With the recent easing of trade embargoes between the two countries, Cuba’s vintage cars could now be a …
Cuba’s scrappy vintage cars may be better for scrap heap than collectors

“I can see the first couple of cars that are shiny and have some sort of interesting drive-train – Russian tractor diesel, for instance – bringing $50,000 or so at a Barrett-Jackson auction, if they are the first Cuban cars to sell publicly in the US …
Classic Cuban Cars Coming to US? Think Again

Classic Cuban Cars Coming to US? Think Again. By: Chris Cybulski; 12/19/2014 10:09 AM; ShareThis Facebook Tweet Email; Text size: + -. TWC News: Lower Restrictions to Bring Changes to Cuba Play now. Time Warner Cable video customers:

Los Angeles street racers aim to bring drag racing back to Terminal Island | Hemmings Daily

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The old drag strips are disappearing.  I have an article coming out about an abandon drag strip right in my backyard.

 

Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles didn’t play by the typical drag strip operations manual. Intermodal shipping containers surrounded the strip and served as the basis for some of its structures. It had no national drag racing organization affiliation, and everybody pretty much run what they brung. It opened and closed nearly a dozen times over the course of three decades, and now, in the midst of an LAPD crackdown on street racing in the city, fans of the drag strip are working to bring it back.

“Our main goal is to keep everybody off the streets,” said Donald Galaz, a lieutenant with the International Brotherhood of Street Racers and the founder of Project Street Legal, an initiative to return racing to Terminal Island. “But you know the way politics is – the wheels go very very slowly.”

Read the rest via Los Angeles street racers aim to bring drag racing back to Terminal Island | Hemmings Daily.

 

Vette at Terminal Island

Vette at Terminal Island

 

I remember my first drag strip experience, it was in the middle of a corn field in the middle of Texas (just outside of San Angelo).  I recall thinking how awesome it was to have a place to test your skills – legally!!  I wonder if it’s still there?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Police: Pair Caught Drag Racing Friday

Two men were charged late Friday with drag racing on East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greeneville police Officer Joe Prokop said in a report. Charged were Justin E. Aiken, 21, of 127 Sam Aiken Road; and Kieffer L. Keller, 20, of 1500 John Graham Road.
West Chester’s Nikki Bennett has passion for drag racing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The dragster is all black, and its driver is dressed in all black, too, from the top of the helmet right on down to the shoes. For a long time, no name was displayed on the sides like there are on other machines. It goes to the line …