Graphic Automobilia

Sept/Oct 2018 edition
Issue #1 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
​Tony Singer

Mille Miglia commemorative poster from the 1950s.

Posters, since the late 1880s, have existed to inform and advertise; great artists of the era were employed to creatively and beautifully illustrate the car, promote products/race meetings, and commemorate outstanding results. In the world of “automobilia”, they are visually commanding; their size can range from window cards to billboards!

The “reach” of the poster [the audience and/or location] was quite limited, in particular before the 1950’s, which meant that the number of copies printed was inherently small. Their lifespan was intended to be perhaps six months, as most were affixed to kiosks, buildings, billboards, or shop windows. Over time, we have seen the poster become quite rare, with increasing demand, elevating values, along with the educated eye realizing that they are truly their own “art” form.
​

Originality and authenticity is the over-riding issue. On the topic of what to look for, the answer is simple: chose a visually exciting image that appeals to you and one you’d want to see again and again. No matter how valuable the market deems a poster to be, if it doesn’t excite your eye, what is the point ? As in the car world “buy what you love”. What works for each collector is different; the “focus” may be your favorite car, races you attended, your birth year, brand loyalty, etc.

Value is in the mind of the beholder. So much drives price: subject matter, artist, era, size [some images were done in multiple formats], condition, rarity, etc. As a general statement, pre-War posters are about $2,500 to $30,000; whereas post-war range from $350 to $9500. Only the potential buyer can determine if the poster under consideration is “worth” the price.

The enjoyment the piece brings should be the over-riding factor.
For this inaugural issue, I’ve chosen one of the greatest Art Deco masterpieces, by Graf, for the 1934 Swiss Grand Prix. This poster printed via stone lithography, measures 35.5” x 50”, the European maximum single sheet size. This was chosen as the cover illustration for the book on the history of the Swiss GP.

​

1934 Swiss Grand Prix poster by Graf.

---

The second poster, the 1950’s Porsche Factory Mille Miglia commemorative, by the graphic design genius, Erich Strenger, is printed in offset lithography for the base colors, along with letterpress imprint in black. This poster measures 23” x 33”. Both pieces have stood the test of time and today represent exceptional examples of dynamic art, design, and printing.
Whether for your den, office, home, or garage environment, the authentic vintage poster is a beautiful source of visual enjoyment, as well as a fine investment. What an artistic way to display our automotive passion!

Tony Singer

To read more great columns like this one from automotive poster expert Tony Singer...
Subscribe to AutoMobilia Resource

subscribe!