I have loved model kits for many years. I learn about all major brands, i.e. AMT, Revell, Johan, Monogram. One discussion I have always had was calling a model car a promo. From my experience and in my opinion, many people get it wrong. The car dealerships did give away promotional cars. The early ones were in boxes with the make and model of the car, and also had graphic details to promote the cars. If you look at the bottom of most promo's they have all the specific items for that car. I only know of AMT and Johan that produced promo's. They also distributed pre-built models for sale to the general public. These are the same models but without the promotional aspect. So when a car has been built by these companies and sold in stores, they are not promo's, even though they look the same except for the box and the details on the bottom. In the eighties and nineties dealers gave away cheap plastic promos in plain boxes but to me I don't care for these cheap cars. But as a seller and buyer on Ebay it irritates me to see a car listed as a promo when I do not believe it is. Just because it is pre-built by the manufacturer does not make it a promo. If anything it may be a premium but I don't remember a car dealer giving these away. You may be able to have bought them when you got your brand new Chevy or Dodge.
From what I understand is this, no promos were ever friction, most were made in the 1960's, and they have to have a promotional value, not just built really good from a factory. These models were sold seperate from dealers promo vehicles.
I write this because two identical models were sold on ebay. The only difference was mine stated to have some light dis-coloration but no damage. The other listing showed a crack in the front near the bumper which made a small hole. Otherwise it was in excellent shape. I listed my car as a original AMT model car and sold for $25.00. The second car was listed as a promo and was selling for $43.00 with one day left. So, do I claim that a car is a promo as others believe, to get more money, or keep to my beliefs as to what a promo model really is?
