The 1960 Peter-Austin Magnajector picture cards occupy a small but interesting niche in the history of auto racing collectibles. The double-sided six card set is closely connected to the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 through its subject matter. Every card in the series features drivers whose reputations were built, in whole or in large part, at Indianapolis. This issue is especially appealing to collectors focused on Indy 500 history.
The cards were produced by Peter-Austin, a Canadian company associated with the distribution of the Magnajector. The Magnajector was a mid-century image projection toy allowing users to project printed images onto a wall or screen. The racing picture cards were designed as visual supplements for that system. The cards are generally considered a promotional or novelty issue rather than a traditional trading card release.
What gives the set its lasting appeal is the selection of drivers. Rather than focusing on contemporary stars of just 1960, the cards look back at legendary figures from the golden era of American championship racing. Names such as Bill Vukovich, Mauri Rose, Bob Sweikert, Tommy Milton, Floyd Roberts, and Lee Wallard are inseparable from Indianapolis 500 history. Several drivers featured were race winners, others perennial contenders, and all were well-known to fans of the Speedway.
Physically, the Magnajector cards are oversized compared to standard sports cards of the period. Surviving examples measure approximately 76 × 101 millimeters, or about 3 × 4 inches. This larger format suggests they were meant to be viewed or displayed rather than shuffled or traded extensively. Most examples are found without any packaging, and condition varies widely, with corner wear and surface scuffing being common due to their size and paper stock.
From a collecting standpoint, the set is appealing because of its small size, its exclusive focus on Indianapolis-related drivers, and its unusual origin. While values are generally modest compared to mainstream racing cards, complete sets are far less common than individual cards. As a result, assembling a full checklist can be a satisfying challenge for collectors of Indy 500 memorabilia or vintage auto racing ephemera.
Checklist: 1960 Peter-Austin Magnajector Picture Cards
- Pat Flaherty and Lee Wallard
- Bill Holland and Floyd Roberts
- Tommy Milton and Mauri Rose
- Floyd Davis/Mauri Rose, and Rodger Ward
- Bob Sweikert and Tony Bettenhausen
- Bill Vukovich – Start of the Parade Lap
Today, the 1960 Peter-Austin Magnajector cards are best appreciated as historical picture cards rather than conventional trading cards. They reflect a period when racing heroes were celebrated through a wide range of novelty items, and when the Indianapolis 500 was the center of American racing culture. For collectors, they offer a compact and visually engaging way to connect with the legends of the Speedway.
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