Zippo lights up NASCAR collectibles scene

Over the past two decades, the burgeoning popularity of NASCAR has drawn a bevy of sports memorabilia companies into the marketplace. But there is one name that was a mainstay in the collectibles arena long before racing merchandise -- or products from any other sports, for that matter: Zippo.

Zippo is, of course, the manufacturer of cigarette and cigar lighters worldwide. The company has been involved in NASCAR since the early 1990s, both as a sponsor and manufacturer of collectible lighters and other products.

Some fans will recall that the company was the primary backer of Jimmy Spencer's successful NASCAR Nationwide Series team from 1996-99. In fact, Mr. Excitement carried the Zippo colors to the Winner's Circle at Bristol in 1997 and Las Vegas in 1998; and the company served as associate sponsor for his 1997 Charlotte victory. Zippo is currently the title sponsor for the annual NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Watkins Glen.

However, Zippo is best known to the NASCAR Nation for its innovative line of driver-specific collectible lighters. Over the past dozen years, some of the sport's heaviest-hitters have been highlighted on Zippo products. The lighter-maker has even showcased the artwork of renowned motorsports illustrator Sam Bass on its collectibles.

The 2008 Zippo line-up offers more than 20 exquisitely-designed lighters featuring Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer, and Martin Truex Jr.

• Shop for NASCAR Zippo lighters!

Based in Bradford, PA, Zippo was founded in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell. The company has produced more than 400 million lighters in thousands of different styles over the past seven decades. The Zippo first gained widespread popularity as a staple of every serviceman's gear during World War II. In time, the lighters became an enduring part of American pop culture, ultimately leading to their collectibility.

Just how big is Zippo collecting? A internet search turns up over 19 million hits, while a peek at eBay revealed nearly 6000 items up for bid. There are literally thousands of collectors from countries all around the world.

"It really is a worldwide hobby," says collector Jim Anderson of Utica, N.Y. "It's big in the United States and there is also a huge following in the United Kingdom and in Europe. I've spoken with collectors from Great Britain, Austria, Germany, France and Poland. I know several people whose collections are worth tens of thousands of dollars-and there are a few worth into the hundreds of thousands. Zippo collecting is a big time hobby, no doubt."

A number of web sites are dedicated to the hobby, and there are even price guides to keep enthusiasts updated on values.

And as we all know, collectibility often means value. Zippo lighters frequently bring big bucks on the secondary market. For example, a 1933 model sold for $18,000 at a 2001 swap meet in Tokyo, and a year later Zippo bought one valued at $12,000 for its own collection. During the 2007 75th anniversary celebrations, the manufacturer sold a near mint 1933 model for $37,000.

None of Zippo's NASCAR lighters have sold for anything near that -- yet. But with the track record of the manufacturer's previous offerings, it's a sure bet they'll hold their value for years to come.

Check out the NASCAR.com Superstore's selection of Zippo products.