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Racing Memorabilia

The evolution of auto racing closely parallels that of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As technology advanced, racing cars exceeded their consumer counterparts in design, speed, and handling—a definitive crossover point after which many racing types emerged.

In 1906, the first Grand Prix was held in France, and in 1911, the United States held the first Indianapolis 500. Other historic racing firsts include the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1923, the Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, and the NASCAR Daytona 500 in 1959. Across the world, the International Automotive Federation (FIA) is the governing body for much of auto racing, although many organizations exist depending on country of origin and race type.

The earliest known racing memorabilia dates back to the 20th century, when organized races and championships began. Early event-based items are typically quite valuable, including racing trophies, original programs, pit badges, and race-worn gear such as racing boots and helmets. Common-interest modern collectibles include Hot Wheels die-cast models, race cards, and helmet replicas. Event-based collecting, series collecting, and choosing well-known drivers are beneficial tactics to accumulating a valuable collection of racing memorabilia.


Quick Facts

  • The first official auto race in the United States, called the “American Car Race,” was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1895. Six cars competed in a 54-mile course running from Chicago to Evanston, Illinois and back
  • A rare trophy from the 1903 Empire City Race in Yonkers, New York surfaced at an Oklahoma estate sale and was purchased by a Massachusetts auto parts dealer. It was notably returned to the East Coast where it originated
  • The Triple Crown of Motorsport includes the Indianapolis 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Graham Hill is the only racer in history to have finished all three

Recommended Items at Auction

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Nascar Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mini Replica Car Hood
Jun 14, 10:00 AM MST
Nascar Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mini Replica Car Hood
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$253 Bids
New York Thirties NYYC Trophy
Jun 21, 10:00 AM EDT
New York Thirties NYYC Trophy
by Boston Harbor Auctions
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$1,2001 Bid
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Car Racing Poster Set Motor Show Daily Mail STP Brands Hatch BARC
Jun 28, 2:00 AM BST
Car Racing Poster Set Motor Show Daily Mail STP Brands Hatch BARC
by Antikbar Original Vintage Posters
Est: £60- £120
£400 Bids
TARUFFI PIERO: (1906-1988)
Jun 18, 1:00 PM CEST
TARUFFI PIERO: (1906-1988)
by International Autograph Auctions Europe, S.L.
Est: €250- €350
€2400 Bids
Hackett London – Aston Martin Racing Collection Sports Jacket Size Large
Jun 15, 8:00 PM BST
Hackett London – Aston Martin Racing Collection Sports Jacket Size Large
by James Auctioneers London
Est: £65- £95
£600 Bids
New Rochelle Yacht Club Trophy Won by the Sloop Viking
Jun 21, 10:00 AM EDT
New Rochelle Yacht Club Trophy Won by the Sloop Viking
by Boston Harbor Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
Group of Nascar Collections Cards
Jun 29, 1:00 PM CDT
Group of Nascar Collections Cards
by Mike Nichols Auctions
Est: $10- $20,000
$100 Bids
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Lot of Assorted NASCAR Racing Cars & Other Items
Jun 18, 7:00 PM EDT
Lot of Assorted NASCAR Racing Cars & Other Items
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$10 Bids
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1996 Upper Deck Jeff Gordon Racing Factory Sealed Oversized Set
Jun 18, 7:00 PM EDT
1996 Upper Deck Jeff Gordon Racing Factory Sealed Oversized Set
by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$10 Bids
Winning The Grand Prize Race, Article, c. 1910-11
Jun 17, 10:00 AM EDT
Winning The Grand Prize Race, Article, c. 1910-11
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $200- $300
$1250 Bids
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Unknown (20th), 10th Winter Rally around Schotten 1980, ASC Hessen, 1980, undefined
Jun 15, 2:00 PM CEST
Unknown (20th), 10th Winter Rally around Schotten 1980, ASC Hessen, 1980, undefined
by Fichter Kunsthandel
Est: €45- €75
€300 Bids
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TARGA COMMEMORATIVA INGLESE 1927
Jun 26, 3:00 PM CEST
TARGA COMMEMORATIVA INGLESE 1927
by Gliubich Casa d'Aste
Est: €700- €900
€4500 Bids
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TARGA COMMEMORATIVA 1928
Jun 26, 3:00 PM CEST
TARGA COMMEMORATIVA 1928
by Gliubich Casa d'Aste
Est: €700- €900
€4000 Bids
OZ Racing ‘Jordan Grand Prix’ wheel, Formula 1, 1997
Jun 26, 4:00 PM CEST
OZ Racing ‘Jordan Grand Prix’ wheel, Formula 1, 1997
by Subastas Darley
Est: €400- €1,100
€4000 Bids
Rear Side Panel, Jordan F1 Team, Formula 1, 1998
Jun 26, 4:00 PM CEST
Rear Side Panel, Jordan F1 Team, Formula 1, 1998
by Subastas Darley
Est: €500- €1,300
€5000 Bids
Rear Engine Cover Panel "Sauber C30 Ferrari - Australian Grand Prix", Formula 1, 2011
Jun 26, 4:00 PM CEST
Rear Engine Cover Panel "Sauber C30 Ferrari - Australian Grand Prix", Formula 1, 2011
by Subastas Darley
Est: €600- €1,400
€6000 Bids
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2020 Topps Chrome F1 Charles Leclerc #4 PSA 10
Jun 14, 9:00 AM CDT
2020 Topps Chrome F1 Charles Leclerc #4 PSA 10
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $40- $60
$200 Bids
Pair Of Ariel Atoms Promotional Race Suits
Aug 22, 5:00 PM MDT
Pair Of Ariel Atoms Promotional Race Suits
by Kraft Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$250 Bids
PORT ADELAIDE RACING CLUB
Jun 15, 12:00 PM AEST
PORT ADELAIDE RACING CLUB
by Sydney Rare Book Auctions
Est: AUD120- AUD180
AUD600 Bids
SCHUMACHER MICHAEL: (1969- )
Jun 18, 1:00 PM CEST
SCHUMACHER MICHAEL: (1969- )
by International Autograph Auctions Europe, S.L.
Est: €100- €150
€1000 Bids
Boston Yacht Club Trophy from 1937 Lightning Race
Jun 21, 10:00 AM EDT
Boston Yacht Club Trophy from 1937 Lightning Race
by Boston Harbor Auctions
Est: $300- $600
$1500 Bids
D’APRÈS JEAN GRATON (1923-2021)
Jun 25, 2:30 PM CEST
D’APRÈS JEAN GRATON (1923-2021)
by HVMC - Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo
Est: €900- €1,200
€9000 Bids
SCHUMACHER MICHAEL: (1969- )
Jun 18, 1:00 PM CEST
SCHUMACHER MICHAEL: (1969- )
by International Autograph Auctions Europe, S.L.
Est: €100- €150
€1000 Bids
《Il Fascino Ferrari: A monument to Italy’s driving force, Art Edition》 2018
Jun 29, 11:00 AM CST
《Il Fascino Ferrari: A monument to Italy’s driving force, Art Edition》 2018
by Ethereal Auctioneers
Est: NT$980,000- NT$1,960,000
NT$980,0000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Racing Memorabilia


The Written Word Autographs

The Written Word Autographs

Subastas Darley

Subastas Darley

Hill Auction Gallery

Hill Auction Gallery

Vintage Auctions

Vintage Auctions