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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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