2016 Porsche and Vintage VW Literature, Toy and Memorabilia Show
2016 marked the 33rd year of the Porsche and Vintage VW Literature, Toy and Memorabilia Show, more commonly known as the LA Lit and Toy Show. The Saturday show has become one of the staple events during an unofficial Porsche weekend of activities, where a variety of nearby restoration shops and dealers — such as Willhoit Enterprises, European Collectibles, Carparc USA, L.A. Dismantlers, Sierra Madre Collection, AutoKennel, CPR Classic Restoration, and Callas Rennsport — play host to Porsche enthusiasts and open their doors the Friday before the Lit and Toy Show, as well as the Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afterwards.
The show organizers filled two ballrooms at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel — where the show has been held for over two decades — with over 300 vendor tables. Early birds wanting to ensure the pickings were as good as could be were allowed to enter at the same time as the vendors for an additional fee. As the hours advanced, more and more Porsche and VW enthusiasts, including Jerry Seinfeld and Chad McQueen streamed in, no doubt clearing both the tables of goods, as well as their pocketbooks.
Speaking of goods, the vendors were a diverse group offering up pre- and post-war automobilia items such as vintage auto posters, signs, models, books, brochures, manuals, press kits, clothing, hats, license plates, and original art and photography. Also on offer were new and used car parts like wheels, lights, exhaust systems, radios, switches, engines and other rare accessories, some of which were even NOS (“new old-stock”).
While parking was expensive, and dare I say diabolical if you ventured to self park, there was plenty of automotive eye candy below and above ground. Nestled near the entrance to the hotel, several rare Porsches and VWs were parked, including Seinfeld’s very original 1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster, a VW Beetle police car, and Rennlister Jäger’s bespoke 993 Speedster.
Head here for more information about the 2017 LA Lit and Toy Show.
