Framed for Fortune
They may seem like small pieces of chrome, but vintage license plate frames have become prized collector’s items. Whether it’s a classic dealership logo, a quirky tourist souvenir, or a rare promotional frame, some of these metal gems are now worth serious cash.
Vintage AAA Auto Club Frame
Estimated value: $75–$150
Frames from the early days of the American Automobile Association often feature embossed metal logos and regional chapter names. They were widely distributed but have become collectible due to nostalgic car culture and association branding.
Minnesota Historical Society, Getty Images
California State Park Frame (1970s)
Estimated value: $80–$160
These colorful frames were sold in park gift shops and highlight destinations like Yosemite or Big Sur. Their detailed enamel work and regional pride appeal to travelers and collectors alike.
Disneyland License Plate Frame (1960s)
Estimated value: $100–$175
Sold as souvenirs inside the park, these frames include the classic Disneyland font and castle logo. Original 1960s versions, especially those without rust or wear, are favorites among Disney collectors.
Smith Collection/Gado, Getty Images
Goodyear Tires Promotional Frame
Estimated value: $100–$180
Offered through garages and service stations in the 1950s and ’60s, Goodyear-branded frames combined utility with advertising. Clean examples with vivid logos are now popular among automotive collectors.
Design Pics Editorial, Getty Images
High School Alumni Frames (1960s)
Estimated value: $100–$200
Frames from private or prestigious high schools—especially California ones—have gained traction in the collector market. They're niche, but buyers love the nostalgia factor.
The Washington Post, Getty Images
National Park Souvenir Frames
Estimated value: $120–$220
Vintage metal frames from places like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon often feature painted lettering and scenic decals. These are popular with both travel memorabilia and automobilia collectors.
Holmes, William Henry, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Aloha Hawaii Frame (1950s–60s)
Estimated value: $125–$225
Tropical-themed frames from Hawaii often feature hula girls, palm trees, or 'Aloha State' branding. They’re visually unique and remind buyers of mid-century tourism.
Jim Heimann Collection, Getty Images
Harley-Davidson Dealership Frames
Estimated value: $150–$250
Frames from Harley shops across the US—especially now-closed locations—can bring in solid money. Collectors seek them out for their ties to motorcycle history.
Las Vegas Casino Frames (1960s)
Estimated value: $150–$300
Promotional frames from iconic casinos like The Sands or Stardust were once given to high rollers or sold in souvenir shops. They’re now popular among retro Vegas fans.
Las Vegas News Agency, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage University Frames (UCLA, USC, etc.)
Estimated value: $160–$300
University frames from the 1950s–70s, particularly from California schools, are often chrome with bold school colors. They're desirable for college sports fans and alumni.
Smith Collection/Gado, Getty Images
Route 66 License Plate Frame
Estimated value: $180–$325
Anything Route 66 is collectible, and early frames celebrating the historic highway are no exception. Frames with shields or state names along the route are especially valuable.
Texaco Service Station Frame
Estimated value: $200–$350
These branded frames came from Texaco service stations and typically feature the red star logo. Well-preserved examples with bold lettering are snapped up fast.
Matt Kieffer from London, United Kingdom, Wikimedia Commons
Hot Rod Shop Frames (SoCal Speed Shops, etc.)
Estimated value: $200–$400
Frames from legendary hot rod builders and speed shops, especially in California, are top prizes among gearheads. Early versions in clean chrome fetch a premium.
32 FORD CHASSIS ASSEMBLY WITH LEGEND PETE EASTWOOD - SO-CAL SPEED SHOP‼️, Opposing Cylinders
Vintage Cadillac Dealership Frames
Estimated value: $225–$425
Cadillac-branded frames from the 1940s–60s add luxury to any classic car. Look for those with script logos or regional dealer names.
Hollywood Movie Studio Frames
Estimated value: $250–$450
Occasionally gifted to studio execs or VIPs, these rare frames may include studio names like Warner Bros or Paramount. They’re rarely seen and prized by film memorabilia collectors.
Marine 69-71, Wikimedia Commons
Drag Strip & Raceway Frames
Estimated value: $275–$500
Frames from old drag strips and defunct raceways—like Lions Drag Strip or Riverside International—are red-hot among vintage racing fans.
Stahlkocher, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Porsche Dealership Frames (1960s)
Estimated value: $300–$550
Frames from early Porsche dealerships, particularly those in California or Europe, are rare and highly valued. They’re often paired with vintage Porsche restorations.
picture alliance, Getty Images
Defunct Car Dealership Frames
Estimated value: $325–$600
Small-town or family-run dealerships that no longer exist can have loyal followings. Their old frames often have bold typography and quirky designs.
Vintage VW Plate Frame Restoration | Ted Trudon Volkswagen, DubWerks
Vintage Shell Oil Co. Frames
Estimated value: $350–$600
Shell-branded frames were once widespread, but early versions from the ’40s and ’50s are quite rare today. Oil collectors snap these up quickly.
Secretlondon, Wikimedia Commons
Vintage Corvette Club Frames
Estimated value: $400–$700
Old frames from early Corvette clubs or meetups are prized among sports car fans. Regional club names and logos increase their value.
MediaNews Group/Orange County Register, Getty Images
Beverly Hills Car Dealer Frames
Estimated value: $450–$800
Dealerships from Beverly Hills or other luxury hotspots often carried elite frames for brands like Rolls-Royce or Ferrari. These have cachet among elite collectors.
Beverly Hills Car Club by Drivin' Ivan, drivinivankatz
Moon Equipment Co. Frame (1960s)
Estimated value: $500–$850
This legendary speed parts brand issued slick yellow-and-black frames in the hot rod era. Originals with no repainting are top-tier collectibles.
A LOOK IN AT MOON EQUIPMENT/MOONEYES, Nitromaniac TV's Drag Files
Ferrari Beverly Hills Dealership Frame
Estimated value: $600–$950
Frames from exclusive Ferrari dealerships, especially in high-end areas, are extremely rare and often tied to original classic cars. They're worth a small fortune to the right buyer.
Ferrari of Beverly Hills Dealership Tour | La Ferrari, 599xx, F12, More!, JSR Cars
Shelby American License Plate Frame
Estimated value: $700–$1,200
If you find a frame from Carroll Shelby’s original operation, you’ve struck gold. These are unicorns for muscle car collectors and restorers.
New Shelby license plate frame from Amazon... does it fit?, Dwayne
Lamborghini Newport Beach Frame
Estimated value: $800–$1,500
Exclusive and short-lived runs from high-end Lambo dealers have become collector catnip. Their rarity and luxury cachet make them incredibly valuable.
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