Car Collecting – Going Small with Dealer Promotional Models

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.

 

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One Response to Car Collecting – Going Small with Dealer Promotional Models

  1. Bill says:

    Where did you get the C4 promotional model? I like it!

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