Supercar
Children's Literature / Commercial Illustration, Mass-market picture book with foil-wrapped spine • Illustration by Mel Crawford; Published by Golden Press
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Illustration / Space Age Pop Culture / Tie-in Merchandising
Medium & Technique
Color lithography on paperboard; original cover art likely executed in gouache or tempera
Creation Period
1962 (First Edition)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 6.75 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A dynamic depiction of the 'Supercar' vertical takeoff vehicle piloted by Mike Mercury, accompanied by Jimmy Gibson and Mitch the Monkey. The craft is shown ascending into the atmosphere or space, based on the Gerry Anderson Supermarionation television series.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; Shows minor shelf wear and edge blunting but retains original gloss and foil integrity
Estimated Market Value
USD $20 - $45 (depending on interior state and edition)
Auction Estimate
USD $15 - $30
Provenance History
Mass-produced retail item; likely from a private collection or comic/collectibles inventory as indicated by the protective plastic sleeve
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of mid-century media tie-in publishing. It reflects the global influence of Gerry Anderson's 'Supermarionation' and the cultural obsession with futuristic technology during the 1960s Space Race.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 29-cent price point and the classic golden floral-patterned foil spine; identifiable by Mel Crawford's distinctively clean, expressive illustrative style
Condition Issues
Visible corner wear; minor scuffing on the reflective plastic sleeve (not the cover itself); potential 'foil flake' common in Little Golden Books of this age
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in acid-free archival sleeve; store vertically to prevent warping; keep in a temperature-controlled environment away from UV light to prevent fading of the blue and red pigments