Exploring The Value Of Avon Cologne Cars

Avon has been producing collectible perfume bottles for many years, with their Avon ladies selling them door-to-door. The company was founded in 1886 by David McConnell, a travelling book salesman who noticed that his female customers were often more interested in the perfume samples he gave away than in his books.

Avon's first cologne bottle was called the Little Dot, designed to look like a hatpin, and it became very popular with customers. The company then started making figural bottles in a wide variety of shapes, including cars, motorcycles, boats, trains, guns, clocks, animals, and humans.

The most valuable Avon car-themed bottle is the Avon Thomas Flyer 1908, inspired by the Thomas Motor Company's Model 35 automobile, which won the New York to Paris race in 1908. This rare bottle, worth around $200, is a fine representation of the open-roof, four-seater car, with the mounted spare tire at the rear forming the lid of the bottle. It originally held 6 fl. oz. of Wild Country aftershave and was produced in the 1970s, most probably between 1974 and 1975.

Other valuable Avon car-themed bottles include the Vintage Rare Avon Model A Wild Country Aftershave Bottle, inspired by the 1928 Ford Model A, and the Vintage Avon Pony Wild Country Aftershave Horse-shape Bottle, shaped like a horse's head with a keyring in its mouth. These bottles are worth just under $100.

The value of Avon bottles depends on their rarity, condition, and historical significance.

The value of Avon cologne cars

The condition of the car also affects its value. Cars with their original content and intact stickers tend to be more valuable. For instance, a rare 1970s Avon Blue Motorcycle bottle with its original content and intact stickers is worth almost $200. Additionally, the presence of the original box can further increase the car's value.

The market for Avon cologne cars seems to be somewhat flat, as they were produced in large quantities and are commonly found at yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. As such, it is recommended to buy these cars only as collectibles to personally enjoy rather than for investment purposes.

The rarity of Avon cologne cars

However, the market for Avon cologne cars is somewhat flat, and they are not considered a good investment. This is because they were produced in very large quantities, and there is currently low demand for them. As a result, their value has not increased significantly over the years.

That being said, there are still collectors who seek out Avon cologne cars, particularly those that are in good condition and have their original content and packaging. The value of these bottles depends on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. For example, a rare Avon bottle designed to look like the Thomas Motor Company's Model 35 automobile, which won the 1908 New York to Paris race, is valued at $200.

So, while Avon cologne cars may not be as rare or valuable as some other collectibles, they can still fetch prices ranging from $50 to over $200, depending on their condition and rarity.

The most popular Avon cologne car designs

The Thomas Flyer 1908

Inspired by the Thomas Motor Company's Model 35 automobile, which won the New York to Paris race in 1908, this rare Avon bottle is a fine representation of the open-roof, four-seater car. The mounted spare tire at the car's rear forms the lid of the bottle, and the seats, which are blue, are detachable. This bottle, produced in the 1970s, held 6 fl. oz. of Wild Country aftershave.

Straight Eight Island Lime Aftershave

The Straight Eight Island Lime Aftershave bottle is a dark green automobile-shaped bottle with a plastic lid. It was produced in the 1970s and held Wild Country aftershave.

Wild Country Cable Car

The Wild Country Cable Car bottle is a clear glass cable car-shaped bottle with a plastic lid. It was produced in the 1970s and held Wild Country aftershave.

Volkswagon "VW" Bug Cars

The Volkswagon "VW" Bug Cars bottles are green and yellow automobile-shaped bottles with plastic lids. They were produced in the 1970s and held Wild Country aftershave.

Straight Eight Race Car

The Straight Eight Race Car bottle is a dark green automobile-shaped bottle with a plastic lid. It was produced in the 1970s and held Island Lime aftershave.

Wild Country Aftershave Horse-Shape Bottle

The Wild Country Aftershave Horse-Shape Bottle is a unique bottle shaped like a horse's head with a keyring in its mouth. It was produced in the 1970s and held Wild Country aftershave.

The history of Avon cologne cars

The "Avon Thomas Flyer 1908" bottle, inspired by the Thomas Flyer car, is a fine example of these collectible car bottles. It has an open roof and four seats, with the mounted spare tire at the back forming the lid of the bottle. The glass car is mainly white, with blue detachable seats. This bottle originally held 6 fl. oz. of Wild Country aftershave and was produced in the 1970s, most likely between 1974 and 1975.

Other popular designs included the 1928 Ford Model A, the Volkswagen Rabbit, and the Straight Eight Windjammer. These bottles were often sold by "Avon ladies" going door-to-door and have become sought-after collectibles, with some bottles fetching high prices at auction.

Where to buy Avon cologne cars

If you're looking to buy Avon cologne cars, there are several online marketplaces that offer them. Here are some places you can explore:

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for unique and vintage items. A quick search for "Avon cologne cars" on Etsy yields numerous results, including individual cars and sets. You can find a variety of car models, and some may still have their original boxes and content.

EBay

EBay is another excellent source for Avon cologne cars. A simple search for "Avon cars" on their website brings up various listings. You can find individual cars as well as larger lots and sets. The product descriptions often include details about the condition, and you can also reach out to sellers for more information.

Collector's Weekly

Collector's Weekly is a website that aggregates listings from various auction sites. They are mentioned by Collectibles Insurance Services as a good place to look for Avon bottles. While their website doesn't have a dedicated search function, you may be able to find Avon cologne cars by browsing their listings or using specific search terms.

Other Options

In addition to these primary sources, you could also try other online marketplaces and auction sites. For example, sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or specialist collector sites might have listings for Avon cologne cars.

When purchasing Avon cologne cars, it's important to ensure you're buying from a reputable seller. Look for clear photos, detailed descriptions, and reviews or ratings of the seller. Additionally, if you're interested in the value and collectability of the cars, consider factors like rarity, condition, and whether they have their original content and packaging.

Frequently asked questions