Classic motor racing posters for sale in online auction

Auctions

More than 90 vintage posters from classic Formula 1, rally and road races are being sold this week, with estimates starting from $100

1968 Sebring poster

1968 Sebring, Estimate: $400 - $600

RM Sotheby's

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A trove of original motor racing posters from the 1920s to the 1970s is being auctioned online this week, celebrating some of the great races and victories in the sport’s history.

The collection of more than 90 posters includes one from the final Carrera Panamericana in 1954, which is estimated to fetch between $4,000 and $6,000 (£3,200 to £4,800).

Formula 1, rally and road races are among the selection from a private collector being offered by RM Sotheby’s.

Carrera Panamericana 1954 poster

1954 Carrera Panamericana | Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

RM Sotheby's

1938 Reims poster

A.C.F, Reims 1938 | Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500

RM Sotheby's

An original version of the much-reproduced poster for the 1938 Grand Prix at Reims, designed by Géo Ham and complete with tax stamp, is estimated to sell for $2,500 to $3,500, while an image of cars at the starting line of the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours – used to promote the following year’s race – has a target price of $1,200 to $1,500.

The majority, however, are estimated to fetch less than $500. In this price range is a poster by Anton Stankowski celebrating Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson’s victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Elsewhere stylistically blurred images convey the speed and atmosphere of classic races including the Targa Florio, Italian Grand Prix on the Monza banking, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The auction runs until Monday 18 May, when the lots will close in two-minute intervals. The price estimates, which start at $100 with no reserve, look set to attract motor racing fans as well as avid collectors. Bidding is open at RM Sotheby’s

 

But the sale is also a welcome excuse to showcase some of the dazzling artwork that publicised races and victories in the early decades of motor sport.

See the gallery below for more of the posters for sale.