In 1936, the British tobacco company John Player & Sons issued a collectible series of 50 “Motor Cars” cigarette cards. Each card measures approximately 65 × 35 mm and were included in packs of Player’s cigarettes. The full set features a wide range of contemporary cars, with full-color illustrations and descriptive text on the reverse, often mounted in a dedicated album of motor cars. While the complete series is highly sought-after by collectors today, we are displaying only the seven cards that relate to automobile racing, highlighting some of the era’s most notable racing machines. These cards provide a glimpse into the excitement of 1930s motorsport, showcasing legendary cars in a collectible format that combined both artistry and historical record. The 1936 Motor Cars set reflects John Player & Sons’ broader tradition of producing themed cigarette cards, which captured the imagination of enthusiasts across automobiles, aircraft, and sporting subjects.
