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The mid-1980s, with cooling
of inflation and decreasing gasoline prices followed
10 years of poor quality, poor performance and
uninteresting cars. Slowly enthusiasm in automobiles
and trucks revived. As vehicles improved press
kits developed a character of their own. Many
became very collectible as the companies tried
to outdo each other with novel ways of getting
the media's attention — model cars stuffed
with press information, a Cheerios knock-off box
(Durango's: The Sport-Utility of Champions!) with
the press kit inside, a children's book with pop-up
pictures (Buckle Up With Sesame Street) and Big
Bird stuffed animal, etc.
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| 1999
Chevrolet Silverado Press Kit |
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| 2003
Dodge Viper Press Kit |
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| 2006
Mini Press Kit |
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| 2004
Hummer press kit |
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| 1999
Cafe Acura Menu |
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| 1998
Dodge Dakota R/T Power Breakfast Placemat |
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Now, almost 20 years later,
with Internet online press kits having replaced
paper ones, usually the most that is handed out
to journalists is a CD-ROM in a nice package.
The mid-1980s ushered in cooling inflation and
decreasing gasoline prices after 10 years of poor
quality, pitiful performance and uninteresting
cars. Since press kits are not created for collectors,
we cannot expect a return to the time when press
kits were deluxe and bulging with press photos
and printed press releases.
Impressive press kits are actually becoming scarce
and their value is increasing — yes, more
collectible. It is time for reflection and contemplation.
Time to buy while still reasonably priced? A review
is in order with those now available at the Los
Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows. The following
are just a few to whet your appetite:
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| 1997
Corvette Fifth Generation Press Kit |
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| 1993
Pontiac Firebird Press Kit |
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| 1993
Chevrolet Camaro Press Kit |
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| 2002
Lamborghini Press Kit |
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| 1991
Mercedes-Benz Press Kit |
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| 1999
Acura NSX Press Kit |
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| Audi
LeMans Quattro Press Kit |
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For a detailed listing of over
1000 "Golden Age" press kits that are
available click on collage below.
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