Original Artwork Book Cover Art for: DRAG STRIP Circa 1959

This is the amazing original cover art done by Charles William Smith for one of the most popular hot rod fiction books of the late-1950's era, DRAG STRIP, written by William Gault.

This is an amazing sight, and here is the original with a shot of the finished cover...

1955 DEVIL DOG Car Alarm For DODGE & PLYMOUTH

Before there were key-fob car alarms, there was a cottage industry of low-tech, cool marketing products designed to ease the paranoia of our 1932 three-window being stolen. 

One great alarm system was THE DEVIL DOG! How could it not fail with such an intimidating name? In 1955, the company put these out, and car protection would never be the same. Maybe better, but not the same, ha!

1920's CROSSLEY dash

The epitome of an English quality car, the Crossley auto was manufactured from 1904 till 1937. This dashboard was from the early-Twenties, I believe, and conjure up understated taste and practical design...

1963 October Sports Car Art

JET POWER! Hot Rod Gas Pedal

Here's a cool accessory, originally for a boat, but definitely a sweet add-on for a retro-rod. 

It's an aluminum "Jet Power" insignia pedal, about size 11, and ready to rocket!

1957-2007 Fiftieth Anniversary Mille Miglia Chopard Gold Watch

This is the stunning Chopard 18kt Rose Gold watch that was put out in conjuction with the 50th anniversary of the final Mille Miglia of 1957. It's a stunning automatic chronograph with alligator deployant band. Enjoy it, I did wearing it!

1947 Packard Gold Watch Award

1939 Chevrolet Car Sales Award Gold Watch

This is a 14kt Gold watch award given to H.W. Spicer Chevrolet for selling 100 cars. Quite the keepsake...

1900 WATERLOO Gasoline Motor Company Letterhead

The Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company was the first company to manufacture and sell gasoline powered farm tractors.

1954 Mille Miglia Medallion

This is a very rare medal, just under two inches, celebrating the 1954 Mille Miglia Race of Italy. It was an event won by the legendary Alberto Ascari, and this was only a few years before the Portago tragedy snuffed out the annual event.

1927 Chevrolet "Radiator" Watch

This is an odd piece; a Chevrolet award watch in the shape of a radiator, dated 1927, for "Making Quota" in used car sales.

I'd be more than thrilled to get this cool-shaped watch, complete with matching strap and Chevrolet insignia on both.

1955 AUTORAMA Show Program With 1955 Willys Bermuda Ad

Not only was the star of the show the legendary "Golden Sahara", but the back page of this program was a full-page ad for the rare 1955 Willys Bermuda, one of the last gasps of the American company before scooting off to South America.

Rare "WIN WITH CHRYSLER" 1969 1970 1971 1972 Promotions

Here's a promotional item I've never heard of, or seen anywhere.

It's a 1969 "Win With Chrysler" lucite paperweight encasing $100 in singles. It's crazy, and probably sat on some dealers desk at a high-profile Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth locale.

It isn't a fake, because it ties in with a smaller-scale keychain promotion around the same time that uses the identical font and colors. I have no other info on this, so feel free to make up a great story and pass it on!

1970's Dodge Dealer Handbook For Sales

Back in the day, Dodge would send it's dealers a helpful handbook designed to increase their sales. Some tips seem quaint now (beauty contests, steak cook-outs), but there are some great vintage pictures included, like one with Governor Tom McCall and the state of Oregon receiving a donation of a Dodge truck from a local dealer.

King of Speed, Arthur " Bluey" Wilkinson

1939 Churchman card #30