Classic motor racing posters for sale in online auction
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, Estimate: $400 - $600
RM Sotheby's
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.
1954 Carrera Panamericana | Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
RM Sotheby's
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.
RM Sotheby's
ca. 1950s Rallye International des Alpes | Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
RM Sotheby's
1952 Dawn at Montlhéry | Estimate: $300 - $500
RM Sotheby's
ca. 1970, Ferrari 512 S | Estimate: $400 - $600
RM Sotheby's
ca. 1930s Clermont Ferrand | Estimate: $2,500 - $3,000
RM Sotheby's
1954 Carrera Panamericana | Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
RM Sotheby's
1971 Melaware Cup, Brands Hatch | Estimate: $200 - $300
RM Sotheby's
1955 Mille Miglia results | Estimate: $450 - $650
RM Sotheby's
1959 Grand Prix of Syrakus-Sicily | Estimate: $600 - $800
RM Sotheby's
1963 Monte Carlo Rally | Estimate: $400 - $600
RM Sotheby's
1966 Targa Florio | Estimate: $450 - $550
RM Sotheby's
1966 United States Grand Prix results | Estimate: $300 - $400
RM Sotheby's
1949 Perpignan Grand Prix | Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500
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1949 Monza | Estimate: $400 -$600
RM Sotheby's
A.C.F, Reims 1938 | Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500
RM Sotheby's
1953 Nürburgring 24 Hours | Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200
RM Sotheby's
1963 12 Hours of Sebring | Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200
RM Sotheby's