Astorias Cigarettes And Speedway

[Guest]

In the mid-1950s, American-style cigarette firm Astorias supported speedway. In that time, they used to produce annually a speedway booklet. Here's the advert for - I think - the 1953 edition. I presume they are rare collectors items these days?

 

Edited March 4, 2017 by Guest

[BOBBATH]

My dad kept a corner shop in Cardiff 1958-63, I used to serve in the shop at age 11 selling all the brands of ciggies (probably not allowed for kids to sell them in nanny state Britain now). Anyway I think Astorias had come and gone by then-we certainly didn't sell 'em. The big brands were Woodbines, Park Drive(they were a little less expensive than other brands, and we would sell them in fives, tens and twenties) Players, Senior Service, Capstan etc. They were all untipped. Bristol were heavily advertised (Bristol is today's cigarette). I remember Strand starting out-their ad campaign was a guy by himself in a city at night and the slogan was "you're never alone with a strand"-apparently it failed because nobody wanted to be thought a loner (or as they now say in UK "Billy No Mates"). Actually I like being a loner and maybe I should start smoking 'em!!!!!!!!!!!!

[norbold]

I have the complete set of Astorias' annuals.

 

Many of the leading riders of the 50s advertised Astorias, though I believe a number of them didn't actually smoke!

[foamfence]

I think I remember Arthur Forrest featuring in ads for Astorias and Services watches.

[britmet]

 

Many of the leading riders of the 50s advertised Astorias, though I believe a number of them didn't actually smoke!

.This one did. - Jack Young, World Champ 1951 & '52, died 1987 " of a lung disorder."