Motor Sport Collection: Graphic examples

Retro poster collection

Perhaps it’s those rose-tinted glasses playing up again, but there’s just something achingly cool about old-school motor sport posters. Whether they promote a long-since bygone event, celebrate a notable victory, or even just immortalise a single car or driver in a freeze-frame, you can’t beat them. Problem is, so many originals are either extremely hard to find or battered to pieces. Solution: a modern twist of retro chic. We’ve currently got a selection of superb modern posters, designed as throwbacks to days gone. How about artist Joel Clark’s brilliant re-imagining of the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally poster, bedecked with Group B monsters? Or his take on the 1975 British Grand Prix with James Hunt? Then there’s Stirling Moss at Monaco 1961. With so many to choose from, we’re gonna need a bigger wall.

From £45

Senna tribute poster

Doesn’t seem a year goes by without a new Ayrton Senna-themed offering, such is the enduring allure of the Brazilian hero. If you’re in the market for your own classy tribute, check out Automobilist’s wall-hanger, depicting Ayrton with his familiar focused stare and printed signature.

£61

Hesketh Racing T-shirt

It’s quite ironic that the Hesketh team’s merchandising is enjoying a considerably longer lifespan than the team itself, but with such enduring branding you can see why. Hesketh Bear is a staple figure that should be in every fan’s wardrobe. One hundred per cent cotton, S-XXL.

£35

Suixtil Grand Prix Driving Gloves

Suixtil is the sort of brand that creates things you never even knew you needed in your life, like these new driving gloves based on a 1950s design. Made from soft lamb leather and a knitted upper section, they’ll make your daily car commute feel like you’re hustling round Monaco.

£95

Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers book

Among the stories of Britain’s formative grand prix teams, that of BRP – British Racing Partnership – tends to get overlooked. This book, by noted author Ian Wagstaff, tells the tale of BRP, which ran drivers such as Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks during its life from 1958-64 and even became the first fully sponsored F1 team. Foreword by Bernie Ecclestone.

£95

About the motor sport shop

With hundreds of special and unique racing-themed products, and many new items regularly added, the Motor Sport shop is aimed at both serious and casual collectors with a wide range of prices to suit your budget. Visit motorsportmagazine.com/shop

The expert view

Fair assessment

We often use this space to talk about specific collectibles, but what about toy fairs? Events like this are brilliant, for so many reasons, but as always there’s tips and tricks to ensure you get the most from your visit.

Toy fairs happen up and down the country and vary hugely in scale. I tend to follow the BP Fairs around, which organise events at places like Sandown Park and the UK’s biggest toy fair at the Birmingham NEC, which has 500 stalls.

The thing about these fairs is the variety, not just on show, but of people selling. You get a healthy mix between in-the-know traders, individuals selling off their collections, and even sometimes random companies splitting up bulk-bought lots or house clearance stock. This creates a lot of opportunity for buyers.

I remember finding a model of the 1955 Mille Miglia Mercedes ‘722’ for sale, which included a signature from Stirling Moss. The seller didn’t know if the signature was real, but I did, so it turned out to be a bargain! Watch out for Dinky and Corgi traders. It’s a minefield, with re-issues and re-painting rife, but if you know what to look for it’s a fantastic hunting ground.

For anybody with an interest in collecting or investing, you can learn a huge amount from these events. Keep your eyes open, see what’s selling and what’s the current collecting trend, and then you can get to know the values.

Big auction houses attend the larger events too, which is a perfect chance to chat with experts. They’re friendly and helpful because they are there to engage with people. You can pick up great advice or even valuations on the spot.

Most importantly, fairs are fun. You never know what’s at the next stall, and I never stop learning. One great tip is always look under the table. Sure, there’s pretty things on top of the table, but often the real gems are hidden, in boxes or lying about on the floor where many won’t bother to look. See you there!

Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk