Salesman’s samples, or dealership promotions (dealer promos) were a big thing two or three generations ago, or more. A lot of us have seen salesmen’s samples on Antiques Roadshow or in antique shops, or online. This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 1/25th Scale Dealer Promo proves that they can and do sell for big bucks. This one is posted here on eBay in Bluffton, Indiana, and the current bid price is (are you sitting down?) $1,052! Thanks to Curvette (not Corvette) for the tip!
I got excited when I saw this listing, as I found a rare, 24″ kiddie toy ’66 Corvette still in the box with the original stickers unattached a few years ago. I paid $200 for it and got it from a gentleman whose family owned a Chevrolet dealership in a small town for decades until a few years ago. It was unopened and is in mint condition, but it is in no way as detailed or nice as the eBay auction Corvette seen here. Or, as valuable. Although if anyone wanted to give me $1,000 for it…
The Chevrolet C2 Corvette (1963 through 1967) has to be a top-ten current hot car for collectors today, which I’m sure is driving at least part of the eBay auction price here. Someone with a ’67 Corvette wants this 1/25th scale model to display next to their car. Dealer promo cars were typically 1/25th scale, and there are many on eBay. I ran across a similar condition 1967 Chevrolet SS Convertible sample for just over $200, which may be a good buy, although it doesn’t have the original box.
This Corvette promo model, as with most of them, was made by AMT (Aluminum Model Toys) out of Troy, Michigan. In the mid-1950s, the company found success in making 1/25th scale models of new cars based on actual manufacturer drawings and clay models in a bigger scale, which were then reduced to 1/25th scale. Sales departments would use the models to market their lineup to folks who couldn’t make it to the dealership to see cars in person. They were plastic, as is this car, and there were many vehicle makes and models made over the 1950s through the 70s, mainly. This car is likely around 8″ or so.
The seller didn’t bother to pop the hood… hey, wait a minute! Just kidding, of course. They show good photos of this car, and the doors, trunk, and hood aren’t operable, so none of them are shown open. The underside is as detailed as the interior is, and I never imagined seeing a price of over $1,000 on a model like this, but I’m sure the original box plays a part, as well. Have any of you owned or seen a dealer promo model like this? If so, what was it?
Fun write-up Scotty. I have a small collection of promo cars. I’d say they are the equivalent of a (full-size) unrestored car which has been kept in reasonable condition, but isn’t mint. In other words, they have not been abused but are in heavily-played-with condition.
I sometimes look at the promo car offerings on ebay. Promos in good condition, for cars which are popular today, do bring solid bucks. But I don’t think I have seen anything at the $1000+ level, like this Corvette.
If you aren’t in position to deal with a full-size collectible vehicle (for whatever reason), these can be a fun alternative.
Here’s my collection of (mostly) promo cars, in their display case on the garage wall. I think they are kind of cool.
Nice collection Bob, I have an AMC Marlin ’65 promo
Let’s try this again… looks like the first pic got chopped off.
That is an awesome collection, Bob!
Thanks for sharing that photo, Bob! That is one cool collection, and very nicely displayed. It looks like it runs the gamut, with even AMC in the mix!
Beautiful collection Bob!! But the question I have is… Do either of those BulletBirds have AM radios built into them?? I had one back when I was a kid, sure wish I wasn’t the destructive little brat that I was back then!!!
No AM radios.
Bob, I am very envious of your “Garage” . You have a fantastic collection. They look to be in mint condition from your photo. Thank you for posting that.
-Dave
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I have enjoyed the responses, sounds like several of us have promos. And have good stories about them.
Based on the comments, I checked ebay to get a gauge on values. I was somewhat surprised to realize how many of mine are in the $50-100 range, a couple possibly being higher than that.
Promos have been collected for years, there used to be a local restoration supplier that had Camaro promotional models scattered in his display cases and on shelves out of reach of customers. If you think these are expensive check out oil cans and porcelain signs as well as some racing memorabilia. A lot of people aren’t building cars anymore and have switched to decorating their man cave. Prices for vintage pieces will keep going up, the hard core collectors will not buy modern copies. Not everything is expensive, there are good deals to be found especially for someone willing to put in the work.
Steve R
If someone offered me $1000, I have a 68 model GTO I’d consider selling. Got a story to it too. Back in 68, when new cars came out the dealers still set up displays of the new models you could go and touch and see. They also had where you could register to win a new car. I registered and I eventually got a registered letter from GM saying I’d won a 1968 GTO. Even had instructions on the dealer and how to claim it. I got caught speeding trying to get to the dealer, cop was nice when he read my letter and let me off with a warning. Boy, was I ticked off when I found it was a model car, not the real thing. I could have thrown it through the window but didn’t, it’s still on a shelf in my mancave.
Yeah, but it got you out of a ticket,, :)
I have every promo discussed here. I had no idea I had such a gold mine under my house. But guess my kids will sell when I am gone. Need to change my will.
Joseph, sounds like you have discovered a “project” to work on? Get them out, take a good look at them, catalog them, use ebay to get an idea of their value. Maybe find a way/place to display them. I suspect there are forums who discuss them. Let your mind wander. In other words, have some fun with them.
Back in the day, each GM Division had a Sales Promotion Manager. Part of his or her responsibility was to compile a catalog of what is affectionately known in the industry as “trinkets and trash”. Promo cars, go-karts, necklaces, tie-tacks, you name it, it was in there. Contrary to popular belief, none of this stuff was free. But the Dealers loved ordering and they were billed on their open account, so as long as they weren’t parting with any immediate cash they usually spent quite a bit each year. In many of the old Mom and Pop stores, a look around the forgotten shelves in the parts department can still yield some interesting finds.
Hmm, I have a ’63 split window Corvette Sting Ray by Monogram. I think the box says 1/8th scale. It’s all there. The box top is a little caved in and one of the serrated corners is separated from years in the attic and having stuff on it. Medium blue in color, something like ’68 Chevrolet Marina Blue. I was passing a table at a swap meet a few years ago, saw the same model as mine when I overheard the guy say to someone else, $200.
Anyone have an idea what it’s worth?
There is a red 1:8 scale in a box currently listed on eBay for $279, there have been no sales in the last 90 days. If you want to know what they are worth you’ll have to find a recent completed sale and compare condition, year of manufacture and other factors which collectors value.
Steve R
Yeah, some of the 1/8 scale models are worth some money. Like real cars, these models have gone up in value. I miss the old days of model cars like real cars as far as the prices. About 25 years ago I picked up a yellow 1/8 scale Jaguar XKE with roll up windows partially built at a yard sale for $3. Can’t find them at that price any more!
As for this Barn Finds page, I thought I finally found something I could afford here…until I saw the eBay bids! 😂
Wow, this Vette is really interesting. It looks like its in brand new condition too. I agree with you Scotty, the original box I’m sure is adding value to it. It’s something how times have changed with cars and dealerships and promotional items. I’m sure it will take the right person, but I personally think think they’ll sell it. Great write up Scotty. And great find too Curvette.
You “think they will sell it”? It will sell – currently at $1,052.00, with 30 bids and still 4 days to go until end of auction!
As close as I ever got to a Corvette. The late Frank Fritz on American Pickers had a hankerin’ for toys and models. He would pay outrageous sums for these, especially if it had the box. I don’t remember dealer promo cars so much, for a buck 99( 2 grass cuttings) I just bought the AMT equivalent, and built it 1 of 3 ways( and kept the other 2 ways for parts later on). I believe these were all pre-built(?) and enjoyed detailing the put together kind. In my retirement boredom, I’ve thought of rekindling the plastic model thing. Not $1.99 anymore, but could be just the thing to calm my jangled nerves.
In a sidenote, (oy), no this is cool, one of the many perks of driving a truck. I delivered so many things, once I had a load of plastic pellets for some plastic outfit in S.Beloit, IL. I backs in, the guy was cool, said be right back. I’m looking around and see all these car models on pallets, turns out it was Testor Corp. and they made car models for several different model companies. I think the glue was made elsewhere. I couldn’t believe it and said, I made a lot of models as a kid. When he was done unloading, he signed my papers and said, “”here, build this with your kid”, and gave me a model, I forget what, but I said thanks man, that was really cool. Trucking wasn’t all bad, you know.
IMHO, I stopped watching American Pickers when they would take advantage of people and would buy their items for much less to make a profit. It drove me nuts. (I wonder which, if any of their, shows were on the level.)
Wasn’t that the whole point of the show?
Based on feedback I’ve read regarding American Pickers, most pickers hated it for the opposite reason: based on their overpaying for items, it made people feel like they had old barns filled with super valuable items and wouldn’t accept reasonable offers.
How’s the birdcage?
😂
Love these. I have collection 0f ’53-’65 Pontiacs and Ramblers from my Grandpas dealership. Most aren’t in nearly this condition
While I’m no expert on dealer promos, I do have a few. My friend had a price guide i looked at years ago ,so they are out there. I believe the value with original box is in the neighborhood of $350.00 – $450.00 for this year & model.
Any of them past about 1975 are not worth hardly anything. I had many cases full of prom Corvettes, mostly from the 80s and couldn’t even get $5 each.
I know what you mean. I delt very heavily in Corvette dealer promotional models for many years. Did very well with the earlier models due to limited availability. Then in the late 80s, early 90s they started over producing, and prices plummeted. I have cases of 90s era Corvette promos that are very hard to get rid of. I was at a toy show several weeks ago where there was a large table of 90s era Corvette promos – at $1 each! And very few were selling.
I have 40 Corvette promos from 1970 on up.I thought they would go way up in value and help with my retirement fund. Boy, was I wrong.
I still have hundreds lf them, preserved on a plastic tub in my house somewhere, including an ultra rate Javelin. But I could never bear to part with them. Our dealer also gve mydadexact scale models of our ‘62 Impala and 73 Caprice swagon.
I have a 1965 Buick Wildcat convertible promo ( my only one) these go for big bucks because they never offered a kit of this convertible. They have to be in pristine condition to get top dollar.
I have a 1960 Thunderbird promo that was given to my late uncle Bill when he took his 1957 Skyliner in for service. Sadly uncle Bill died in 1960 of Hodgkins disease which was terminal at that time. He was only in his late 20s. My grandparents kept and drove the Skyliner until they passed. In the 80s. My now wife and I took the Skyliner to senior prom in 1967.
Sold the exact same Dodge promo 1970 Charger RT (in Red),with original box, eight years ago for $1175. So not necessarily that uncommon of price. And sold it in 2016 Dollars!
As in everything, unmolested perfect original condition examples bring the big bucks. I have a few promos but prefer the more detailed diecast cars and plastic kits that I build. At least you can use this promo for what it was intended (display, not pushing around on the kitchen floor) unlike a zero mile full size car that loses its value when you drive it.
Quite impressive! As time goes on scale models are becoming the way the hobby is going. I’ve collected several 1/25 scale trucks and keep them located in places that my better half doesn’t like. But she agrees that my old vehicles keep me out of the bar, not that I ever had much of a problem that way anyways.
I always had a display around the landing of our (recently sold) house and visitors were greeted with a part of my hobby that I really never outgrew. I might add that it’s interesting to go to a toy show/sale and see how many seniors are there looking for that one special model.
I also look for the very small scale models, such as the Hallmark Keepsakes because they make very good additions to our (nearly out of control) Christmas village(s). And my wife cannot complain about that because she’s just as far into that as I am…
Got a 1/25 scale primo model of a ’61Buick bubble top as a reward
from a special Ed teacher for doing very well on a test in grade
school (1961) Back then, teachers did this to incentivize learning for disabled kids that the
system used to write off as unteachable. And being legally blind landed me in that category.
Long story short, my resource teacher gave me the car for showing up so called “normal” kids by getting an A+ on a test.
Mine was a really nice model from AMT with friction drive. It was painted one of those funky
GM colors they had back then. It
also had bucket seats and a console shifter on the floor. Boy,
I was on top of the world getting
that car. Can’t recall what happened to it, but I wish I still had it now!
I am a late 1956 model. In the mid 1960s my Dad would often visit with Rudy, his good friend the Chevrolet dealer on Saturdays. I begged to go along and if I was really good (not bugging them during their BS sessions) I could buy a promo model. I had made my pick from the selection atop the parts bins. Rudy and I would take my pick and put it on his desk and begin to dicker . I always started at fifty cents and Rudy would counter with $2.00. I always ended up paying $1.00. I usually was able to buy 3 – 4 per year but played many to death. I still have a couple dozen that I cherished and guarded on my shelf. If only life could be that simple again!
A side note to the above post. Rudy gave up his franchise in 1970. I asked him if I could buy the Genuine Chevrolet Parts sign. He said “no, but you can have it “. He then climbed a ladder, took it off the wall and gave it to me. Again , if we could only go back to those times.!
The picture fell off the post!
That is one fantastic memory from your childhood. And I’m sure that sign will stay with you your whole life. I know I’d never part with it. That was very kind of him to give that to you.
‘63- ‘67 promos bring the highest prices, forget most of the newer years as they were overproduced. I learned this the hard way!
This one looks nice but I never noticed the fender gills on this year as being so vertical. Not quite right but still a nice promo.
I a
Fascinated to learn values here. I have Corverte convertibles from every year 64-67, and two coupes from 63. I also have both those pace cars. I love promos and especially Chevrolet. My dad was friends with Joe Pike, head of Corvette PR, and he helped me out a lot.
Corvette promos from 63-67 bring a lot of money in top condition, especially the 67’s (just like the real cars). In the last 20 years the hottest and most valuable promos are Mopar muscle cars. There were fewer Dodge/Plymouth dealerships compared to Ford and GM so there were fewer distributed. Top dogs today are the 69 Coronet Convertible and 71 Cuda (esp one in Purple). They are $2500 to $3000 cars in MINT boxed condition. The 69 Mustang promo (only made in Candy Apple Red) and the 68 Camaro convertible (in red, not yellow) are $2000 cars. I highly doubt someone is buying this car to display on their real 67 at a car show. If they do it will end up in a melted blob of plastic unless it is an indoor show. These 67 Vettes have been $1500-$1800 cars for quite a while. I only have a couple hundred, but some collectors have thousands of cars and want each model in every color it was produced in.
I remember promo dealers and collectors at Bloomington Gold back in the 1990’s dealing on these models like they were 1:1 cars. Different world.
Corvette promos from 63-67 bring a lot of money in top condition, especially the 67’s (just like the real cars). In the last 20 years the hottest and most valuable promos are Mopar muscle cars. There were fewer Dodge/Plymouth dealerships compared to Ford and GM so there were fewer distributed. Top dogs today are the 69 Coronet Convertible and 71 Cuda (esp one in Purple). They are $2500 to $3000 cars in MINT boxed condition. The 69 Mustang promo (only made in Candy Apple Red) and the 68 Camaro convertible (in red, not yellow) are $2000 cars. I highly doubt someone is buying this car to display on their real 67 at a car show. If they do it will end up in a melted blob of plastic unless it is an indoor show. These 67 Vettes have been $1500-$1800 cars for quite a while.
When I was dealing in these, when I acquired new stock, I would always keep the best for my personal collection. What I found out, at least for me, the fun was in the finding. Once I had them all, it seemed it was just, well, there they are! Had one of each from 1953 to 1980, all colors and the years when they did both a coupe and a convertible I had them all. When I put them up for sale I had no trouble selling. Had one guy that purchased 12 of them, and drove 1300 miles one way to pick them up as he didn’t want to take a chance with shipping them!
Sold for $1102.
I have about 30 promos in my 350+ model car collection. Subject to their limitations (non opening hoods, crude underside detail) I build & detail them to the same standard as my regular builds.
I have a regular size packing box in my storage unit filled with probably 300promos mi began collecting when I was two and continued until I was in college. As I read all this, and as time has passed I no longer have any emotional attachment to them. I am now convinced I should just sell the whole box for $2,000 and be done with it. Anybody interested in thatdeal, leave a comment with your email and I will make contact with you.
I have a regular size packing box in my storage unit filled with probably 300promos mi began collecting when I was two and continued until I was in college. As I read all this, and as time has passed I no longer have any emotional attachment to them. I am now convinced I should just sell the whole box for $2,000 and be done with it. Anybody interested in thatdeal, leave a comment with your email and I will make contact with you.
Ur will be like Christmas for the right person.
I have a regular size packing box in my storage unit filled with probably 300promos mi began collecting when I was two and continued until I was in college. As I read all this, and as time has passed I no longer have any emotional attachment to them. I am now convinced I should just sell the whole box for $2,000 and be done with it. Anybody interested in thatdeal, leave a comment with your email and I will make contact with you.
Ur will be like Christmas for the right person. A great opportunity for the right person.
Joe – I am interested – contact:[email protected] – Thanks
SOLD for $1,102.
33 bids.