Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Source for Automotive Collectibles in Vancouver
Founded in October 1988, Wilkinson's Automobilia has grown from a small apartment-based venture into North America's premier destination for automotive collectibles. Our expertise spans decades, rooted in Ted Wilkinson's lifelong passion for automotive history, which began with his brothers' American V8 engines and evolved through rally competitions and mechanical work. We offer an unparalleled selection of scale models, vintage literature, and memorabilia, serving enthusiasts globally through our secure online platform and Vancouver warehouse.Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to preserving automotive heritage, ensuring every customer receives personalized service from fellow enthusiasts. With over 35 years of experience, we maintain rigorous standards in product authenticity and customer satisfaction, reflecting our dedication to the automotive community.
Services
Scale Model Cars
Automotive Books
Shop Manuals
Vintage Magazines
Racing Programs
Sales Brochures
Automotive Lapel Pins
Keychains
DVDs
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of specialized expertise in automotive collectibles.
- Our inventory includes North America's largest selection of automotive literature.
- We provide secure online shopping with enthusiast-driven customer service.
- We maintain a physical warehouse for local pickup and browsing.
- Our staff includes certified automotive historians and rally experience holders.
Services
Scale Model Cars
Our scale model collection features precision-crafted replicas from American, European, and Japanese manufacturers. Each piece undergoes rigorous authenticity checks to ensure historical accuracy for collectors and enthusiasts. Models range from classic muscle cars to modern supercars in various scales.
Automotive Books
We curate comprehensive automotive literature including biographies, technical guides, and racing histories. Our inventory spans decades of publications covering motorcycles, vintage vehicles, and motorsport events for serious collectors and researchers.
Shop Manuals
Our technical library includes original equipment manufacturer manuals for American, European, and Japanese vehicles. These resources cater to restoration specialists and mechanics requiring precise specifications for classic and modern automotive systems.
Vintage Magazines
We offer original automotive magazines dating from the mid-20th century through the 1990s. These publications feature historical racing coverage, vehicle reviews, and industry developments essential for period-accurate restorations and research.
Racing Programs
Our racing program collection documents historic motorsport events with original race schedules, driver lineups, and technical specifications. These programs serve as valuable historical records for vintage racing enthusiasts and collectors.
People
Ted Wilkinson
Founder
Automotive enthusiast since childhood, former rally competitor, and certified automotive historian. Ted established the business in 1988 after years of collecting automotive literature and memorabilia. He maintains an extensive personal vehicle collection.
Lorraine White-Wilkinson
Operations Manager
Co-founder with over 35 years managing business operations. Lorraine oversees administrative functions while providing customer service expertise. She has been integral to the company's growth since its inception.
Questions
What types of automotive collectibles do you specialize in?
We specialize in scale model cars, vintage automotive literature, shop manuals, racing programs, and memorabilia from American, European, and Japanese manufacturers spanning multiple decades.
Do you have a physical store location?
Yes, we operate a warehouse/store at 2006 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. However, we recommend checking our calendar for visiting hours as they vary seasonally.
How can I verify product authenticity?
Our team of certified automotive historians examines all items for authenticity. We maintain detailed provenance records for high-value collectibles and provide condition reports upon request.
Do you ship internationally?
We offer worldwide shipping through our secure online platform. International shipping rates and delivery times are calculated during checkout based on destination and item dimensions.
Can I find rare automotive books here?
Our inventory includes rare automotive biographies, technical manuals, and out-of-print publications. We regularly acquire specialized collections and maintain a database of hard-to-find titles for researchers.
Reviews (7)
Miriam MacLeod Mimi
Oct 28, 2021
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Ted has a lot of inventory and a great system to find it. It was fun digging through the bins of car emblems and toy vehicles for some finds. Lots of manuals and books. Husband who is the car buff loved it. And I enjoyed myself too!
Jeff Chin
Jul 26, 2021
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Great experience! Ted even offered us coffee. Ive visited Vancouver many times and this is the first time as a model car collector stopping by his shop. Cant believe I waited this long to go.
Huy Nguyen Hoang Minh
May 12, 2021
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Had a chance to shop here once. It was an eye opening experience talking to the ex-rally driver, who is the owner of the shop. The selection is incredibly HUGE. Some of the Minichamps and Hot Wheels were listed for a very reasonable prices!
Clumsy W.
Apr 25, 2021
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One of the few local automotive memorabilia stores left in Vancouver. Excellent customer service and a wide selection of die cast
Jack Poelzer
Feb 18, 2021
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The selection is amazing, I couldnt decide what to take home, but I couldnt leave empty handed. I was super impressed with the owners knowledge and collection. My only recommendation to the business is to have some signage outside of your door, if I didnt ask a few of your neighbours I wouldve never found you. More people need to come here!!
Greg Sebulsky
Jun 21, 2020
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Thank you for your excellent service Ted! I have developed a very strong passion for CMC models over many years. Ted has been very helpful with fulfilling my desires to add to my collection. I am very grateful for Teds advice on products available and their collectible values. I recommend your store highly and we are all very happy that you are able to continue with your service.
Timothy Kolke
May 30, 2019
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Came across this hidden gem on Main Street. Awesome little shop and great place for gifts for anyone who loves cars.
