Have a Hallmark Hot-Rod Christmas

Every April, Hallmark drops the Dreambook of Keepsake collectible ornaments for that Christmas season. 

For car collectors, gear heads, and the people who love them (and never know what to buy them), it also means a sneak peek at the newest muscle car ornament. For 2012, the 21^st first ornament in the “Classic American Car Series,” is the 1968 Ford Mustang GT. In diecast metal with working wheels, this highly detailed muscle-mite is the latest from legendary Hallmark designer Don Palmiter.

Since 1991, Palmiter has created highly detailed miniatures for the classic cars Keepsake collection. From the 1957 Chevy Bel Air, to the 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, to this year’s rendition of the 1968 Mustang GT; these ornaments are a delightful and fun addition to any car collection. Also check out the 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS, the 17^th in the “All-American Trucks” series.

The Mustang ornament can be seen on page 45 of the 2012 Hallmark Keepsake catalog. Item number QX8847. Suggested retail price $17.95.

Bobby Nolan – Hollywood Death Cheater

1938 Event Poster: Photo (c) Terri Lynn Coop

One of the best parts of going to garage sales is finding something odd and unusual for your collection that also absolutely stumps you. A few years ago, I came across a promotional poster for daredevil driver, “Bobby Nolan – Hollywood Death Cheater.” From July 25 to July 31, 1938, you could see Bobby “Crashing 24 Inch Brick Wall At A Mile A Minute [sic].” He also did the “Death Defying Ski Jump” and “Alternate Ski Jump” and it was all “FREE-FREE-FREE.”

My Internet search for information turned up that Chippewa Lake Park was an amusement park in Medina County Ohio. It operated continuously from 1878 until it closed down for good in 1978. Fire scarred the structures and the park has been completely demolished. 

However, I can’t find our anything about Bobby Nolan – Hollywood Death Cheater. So, not only does this poster add an interesting vintage touch to my car memorabilia collection, it also adds a mystery that keeps me guessing every time I look at it.