Motor Sport Memorabilia | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Motor sports probably originated in France and embraces both motor car racing and motor bike racing. Each has its own circuits, drivers, and teams. Both are popular in countries such as Britain, America and the Far East. Interest in collecting motor sport memorabilia has never been greater, with audiences for Formula 1, WRC Rallying and Moto GP Motorcycle racing increasing all the time. Many motorsports fans are also interesting in buying and collecting all sorts of memorabilia connected with motor sports. Whatever your interest, whether it is contemporary F1 grand prix racing, rally cars, or historic racing championships, there will be something of interest for you to collect. Some motor sports enthusiasts will collect just about anything, while others specialise in a specific racing car driver or a particular championship.

What do collectors look for?
The range of motor sports collectibles is vast. Collectors generally value limited edition items and signed items. Some collectors collect vintage pieces while others prefer more contemporary memorabilia. Items which belong to famous drivers-- including Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton -- are usually more sought-after. If you are collecting as a means of investment, remember that race-worn items are generally more desirable. Memorabilia used by racing legends who have recently passed away will also be worth more.
Here is a sample of the items that collectors are looking for:

Team issue shirts
Race-worn race suit
Original showroom signs
Race-worn driving visor
Scale model racing cars, bikes and dioramas
Books and Magazines
Signed Jacket
Posters & Programmes from all major championships
Authentic historical signed items
Autographed photos of legendary racing drivers
Prints and Images -- both modern and archival
Modern day merchandise for all of today's top teams and drivers
Artwork and photography of both modern and historic motor sport events
Quirky items such as alloy wheels
Original Passes
Signed and Framed limited edition Presentations
Signed and Framed limited edition Photographs
Commemorative Books

Where can you find motorsports memorabilia?

Mail Order and Specialist Individual Websites
Mail Order and online businesses work with many dealers and distributors to be able to represent a wide range of memorabilia. They may also offer a service whereby they can locate a specific item that you are having a hard time finding . Browse through their website or sales catalogue, complete your order form and very soon, the items will be delivered directly to you, as long as they are in stock! Many mail order and online companies may be located in America and other foreign countries, however, this is not a problem -- the internet allows collectors to buy an item from anywhere in the world!

Before you start online shopping, take heed of the following advice:
Protect yourself from fraud by only shopping on secure encrypted websites.
Check the seller's refund and returns policy as well as other terms and conditions.
Be aware of your rights under the Distance Selling Directive which gives you 7 days to return your goods.
Arrange relevant insurance cover to protect yourself from damage or loss.

Auction Houses
Large online auction houses usually have a wealth of items up for sale daily which are offered by keen collectors the world over. You can also try logging onto a specialist motor sports or sports auction website. These websites carry an array of memorabilia to sell to interested motor sports collectors. Visiting an auction can be a worthwhile experience -- there is an opportunity for you to have fun as well as win an item you may have had your eyes on for a while. You can access details of sporting and motor sports memorabilia auctions together with more general antiques auctions on specialist websites or your local newspaper.

Shows, Festivals, Events and Exhibitions
There is an annual racing car show as well as a choice of other motor sports events, festivals and exhibitions in and around the UK. For instance, you may be able to find items of memorabilia while visiting the Goodwood Festival of Speed and other championship events.

Antique Markets
Another fun way of hunting down vintage or classic motor sports memorabilia is to go to your local and regional flea markets and antique markets. These markets are great places to find rare bargains!

Clubs
Motor racing clubs and collectors clubs are prime places to go to find items of interest. Many of the collectors clubs exist online while the motor racing clubs may organise members' meetings on a regular basis. Motor racing clubs such as The British Racing and Sports Car Clubs have branches throughout the UK. Alternatively, you can join Tops Clubs which are specifically for owners of historic, vintage and classic cars. Apart from selling motor sports memorabilia and merchandise, these types of clubs also offer the following services:

Racing schedules
Chat rooms, message boards, forums
Bulletins with all the latest racing news
Newsletters

Associations, Publications and Websites
Here is a small selection of resources which may be able to provide you with useful information and carry advertisements or links to places selling motor sports memorabilia.

Motoring News
Motor Sport Magazine
F1 Racing
The Motor Sports Association
The Motorsports Industry Association
Formula1.com
The National Motor Racing Archive
Autosports
British Racing News
UK Motorsports Index
Collectibles Magazine
Antiques & Collectibles Magazine

Classifieds
Listings in the printed and online versions of classifieds and directories can also be a useful place to find unusual items of motor sports memorabilia.

How to buy Motor sports Memorabilia Safely?
Condition is crucial when buying paper items such as photographs and posters. While motor sports collectors can be forgiving of certain flaws in antiques or items in very high demand. be prepared that pieces which are in poor or damaged condition will be worth less.

If buying fragile items of memorabilia, make sure you appoint a professional delivery company with appropriate insurance cover to ship or collect your purchase.

How to buy an authentic signed memorabilia?
Serious collectors place great importance on authenticity. In order to ensure that the item of memorabilia you have just purchased is not just a replica, buy from a trusted source that :
Undertakes strict checks on all their signed items
Provides a Certificate of Authenticity with every purchase
Provides an individual and unique serial number with every purchase
Provides an item history including details of dates, times and venues of the signings