As the trend of upcycling and repurposing gains momentum, it’s time to reconsider the hidden treasures gathering dust in your garage. In the era of sustainability and mindfulness, items that were once overlooked are now being recognized for their potential value. Whether you’re looking to clear space, make a few extra bucks, or simply follow the trend, your garage could be a gold mine waiting to be explored.
This list is based on current real-world trends, expert surveys, auction results, and market data. It is designed to help you identify valuable car items that may be hidden in plain sight. Each item on the list is followed by an analysis of why it is valuable now and includes a link to a reliable source for further information. Let’s dive in and uncover the value within your garage.
Vintage Hubcaps
Hubcaps, especially vintage ones, are often overlooked items in the garage. Many people keep or buy vintage hubcaps as a part of their car restoration projects. Collectors and enthusiasts also seek these for their aesthetic appeal and historical value. However, they are often stored away and forgotten about.
With the trend of vintage restoration and the increasing value of nostalgia, vintage hubcaps are now being sought after more than ever. They can fetch a good price in the market, especially if they are in good condition or belong to rare car models. The Hemmings article on automobilia offers more insight into this trend and market value.
Car Manuals
Car manuals, especially from classic or discontinued car models, are often kept for reference purposes or sentimental reasons. However, they are usually overlooked when it comes to their potential value. Collectors and car enthusiasts may buy these manuals for their historical significance and information they provide.
Given the current trend of classic car restoration and the increased interest in car history, these manuals have gained significant value. Car manuals can offer invaluable guidance to restoration projects or simply act as a piece of automotive history. The Faxon Auto Literature site provides a wide range of car manuals and typical market prices.
License Plates
Old license plates are often kept as souvenirs or mementos of past vehicles. Some people also buy them as decorations or for their historical value. However, they are often overlooked when considering items of value in a garage.
The trend of collecting and trading old license plates has picked up recently, contributing to their increasing value. Rare or antique license plates can fetch a good price in the market. The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association offers insight into this trend and the value of old license plates.
Car Radios
Old car radios often end up in the garage when a vehicle is updated or scrapped. Many people keep them for sentimental reasons or the possibility of future use. However, these are often overlooked as valuable items.
With the current trend of restoring vintage cars and the growing appreciation for retro aesthetics, old car radios have seen a rise in value. They can be sold for a considerable amount, especially if they belong to rare or classic models. The eBay vintage car radios category provides insight into the market value of these items.
Classic Car Parts
Classic car parts, such as grilles, tail lights, or emblems, are often kept for future restoration projects or sold for scrap. These items are usually bought by car enthusiasts or collectors. However, their potential value is often overlooked.
With the rise in classic car restoration and the scarcity of original parts, these items have seen a significant increase in value. Classic car parts can fetch a high price, especially if they are in good condition or belong to rare models. Hagerty reports on parts scarcity and demand, offering valuable insight into this trend and market value.
Vintage Car Posters
Vintage car posters are often bought for their aesthetic appeal and stored away as decorations or collectibles. However, their potential value as saleable items is often overlooked. These posters hold historical and artistic value, making them desirable to certain collectors.
The trend of collecting vintage car posters has been growing, making these items potentially valuable. Rare or high-quality posters can fetch a good price in the market. Swann Galleries’ collector’s guide provides more information on this trend and the potential value of these items.
Car Magazines
Old car magazines are often kept for their informative content or nostalgic value. They are often bought by car enthusiasts, historians, and collectors. However, their potential resale value is often overlooked.
With the rising interest in car history and the trend of collecting vintage print material, old car magazines have seen an increase in value. They can fetch a good price, especially if they are rare or in good condition. Browse current listings on eBay’s collectible vehicle magazines to gauge market interest and pricing.
Car Emblems and Badges
Car emblems and badges are often kept as mementos or for future use in restoration projects. They are often bought by car enthusiasts and collectors. However, their potential resale value is often overlooked.
With the rise in car restoration and the trend of collecting car memorabilia, car emblems and badges have seen an increase in value. They can fetch a good price, especially if they are rare or belong to classic models. The eBay collectible vehicle badges section offers insight into the market value of these items.
Automotive Tools
Old automotive tools are often kept for their potential use in future projects. They are often bought by car enthusiasts, mechanics, and collectors. However, their potential resale value is often overlooked.
With the rise in DIY car projects and the trend of collecting vintage tools, old automotive tools have seen an increase in value. They can fetch a good price, especially if they are rare or in good condition. See the overview on Collectors Weekly (Tools & Hardware) for market context and examples.
Car Jacks
Old car jacks are often kept for their potential use in future projects. They are often bought by car enthusiasts, mechanics, and collectors. However, their potential resale value is often overlooked.
With the rise in DIY car projects and the trend of collecting vintage tools, old car jacks have seen an increase in value. They can fetch a good price, especially if they are rare or in good condition. Check current listings and sold comps in eBay’s Automotive Jack Stands (and related jacks) to gauge demand.
