The 1966 Lyons Maid “Famous Cars” set was a promotional trading card series issued by Lyons Maid, the ice cream division of J. Lyons & Co. in the UK. It consisted of 40 colorful cards featuring illustrations (and some photographic-style images) of historic and contemporary automobiles, spanning early classics like the Fiat 1908 and Sunbeam Twin Camshaft to 1960s models such as the Mini-Cooper S, Jaguar MK 10, Volkswagen, and the land speed record-holding Bluebird. Distributed free inside wrappers of Lyons Maid ice lollies and other frozen treats, the set followed the company’s popular marketing strategy of the era, similar to their earlier “100 Years of Motoring” (1964) and “Famous Aircraft” (1965) issues, and included an accompanying album for collectors.
The cards measured the standard UK trade card size of approximately 68mm x 37mm (or 68mm x 36-37mm in some listings), with descriptive text on the reverses providing facts about each vehicle’s history, features, and significance. This charming mid-1960s release captured the growing fascination with automotive design and performance in British pop culture, and complete sets or individual cards remain collectible today for their nostalgic appeal and ties to vintage ice cream promotions.

Juan Manuel Fangio

Stirling Moss and Peter Collins

Stirling Moss and Phil Hill

John Surtees

Jim Clark


























