2005 Tour de France, Race Used Car Plaque

Since the earliest days of racing, race organizer vehicles, team cars, and other members of the official race caravan have displayed plaques identifying their roles: officials, press, medical, advertising, team support, and more. These began as hand-painted or printed signs on heavy metal sheets, bolted directly to the vehicles. Over time, they evolved into versions made of paper affixed to wood, durable board, or plastic.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, those formats gave way to windshield stickers, disposable one-race decals that quickly became the new standard. At the time, we knew there was no turning back. But we also saw something worth celebrating in the new format, and knew we had to find a way to preserve this cherished racing tradition.

Suddenly, caravan signage, already fleeting by nature, became even more ephemeral. These markers have long made fantastic souvenirs, whether as a reminder of a race you witnessed in person or on TV, a tribute to a birth year, graduation, anniversary, or a legendary edition of a race. Above all, they make for striking, race-worn display pieces in any bike room, man cave, or she shed.

We’re thrilled to offer a collection of these official race caravan plaques, many sourced directly from Jim Ochowicz, founder of the legendary 7-Eleven, Motorola, BMC, and CCC Cycling Teams. Part of a larger trove of cycling memorabilia, each of these unique modern markers has been carefully mounted by Brett, who teamed up with a local woodworker to affix them to custom-cut, 3/16” thick coated display panels. The scuffs, nicks, and bits of dirt? That’s part of the charm. Remember, these were race-used.

Each piece is an authentic artifact. Items from 7-Eleven, Motorola, BMC, or CCC include a team-specific Certificate of Authenticity. Others, gathered through our own travels and from additional teams, come with a similar COA.

These are difficult to find. When they’re gone, they’re gone. So if one speaks to you, grab it!

All race stickers are sold unframed. Framed images are display ideas only.

Size:  7 9/8 x  3 1/2 inches  (20 x 9 cm)

This is a one-of-a-kind item; please look carefully at the photos to determine the condition.