In 1926, domestic U.S. auto racing trading cards were limited but notable in the Spalding Champions multi-sport set (issued by the Sports Company of America/Spalding), which included eight automobile racing cards featuring drivers like Earl Cooper, Barney Oldfield, Benny Hill, and Pete DePaolo, plus 4 motorcycle racing cards. These small cards (roughly 1.5″ x 2″) showed portraits with biographical text on the back, and some variations had blank or ad backs; they remain scarce collectibles today.
Internationally, British tobacco companies dominated with car-focused cigarette card series that often highlighted racing or high-performance models. Lambert & Butler’s “Motor Cars” 3rd Series (1926) featured 50 cards, including the Alfa Romeo racing car (RL series) alongside production vehicles like the Austin Seven. Wills “Motor Cars” (1926) showcased notable automobiles with racing ties, such as high-speed or record-setting models. In Germany, Greiling’s “Auto u. Motorradsport” included racing drivers like Henry Segrave (a land speed record holder). These colorful, descriptive tobacco cards emphasized European motorsport culture and engineering in the mid-1920s. Overall, U.S. issues were multi-sport and rarer for pure racing, while European ones were more dedicated to automobiles and speed.
1926 Lambert & Butler (UK) “Who’s Who in Sport”
1926 Lambert & Butler (UK) “Who’s Who In Sport”
1926 Spalding Champions
