Cinema posters were not printed in huge quantities, and if not binned when showings were over were returned to the distribution centre for credit, so a limited number of originals survive. Sometimes studios printed a large run for giveaways or sale, and there’s an endless number of modern reprints, official or illicit. There’s nothing wrong with buying these for their decorative value, but they have no worth in collectibility – which makes buying a minefield as some vendors seem confused about the meaning of the word ‘original’.

Film distributors often use different artwork and layouts for their own country. Sometimes the name of the film is changed – Paul Newman’s Winning, for example, was released in France as Virages. It’s likely most readers will be thinking of English-language films, but if it’s just the graphic element that excites you then versions in other languages can sell for lower prices. Terry Etherington at Chequered Flag Collectables currently has a German version of a poster for Grand Prix at £144.99, and a US example with different but recognisable graphics of a similar size for £200 on top. But there are lots of variations, he warns: “There’s a big difference in value between promotionals and the actual cinema poster.”

“Of course Le Mans and Grand Prix are top of everyone’s wish list, but I’m finding the recent films sell fast – Rush, Senna and Le Mans ’66.”