Rare 1950s Yard-Man Corvette Promotional Go-Kart

Vintage Collectible Dealer Promotional Item – Estate Surplus

Item Overview

Up for auction is an extremely rare 1950s Yard-Man Corvette promotional go-kart, a miniature fiberglass-bodied Corvette replica produced in very limited numbers (estimated roughly 200 units in the first run) and originally offered to Chevrolet dealers for showroom display or promotional use in conjunction with the launch and early years of the Chevrolet Corvette.

These karts are highly desirable to collectors of automotive memorabilia, vintage advertising items, and Corvette history enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

Yard-Man, a long-established Michigan company originally known for lawn and garden equipment, diversified in the late 1950s to produce a series of Corvette-styled go-karts with fiberglass bodies directly reflecting the Corvette’s design cues of the era. Dealers and promoters used these unique karts at car shows and in showrooms to attract customer attention, build brand engagement, and entertain families.

This promotional piece represents a rare survivor from that era — not just a toy or kart, but a collector-worthy relic of mid-century automotive marketing.

Key Features

Fiberglass body modeled after a 1950s Corvette silhouette

Steel frame with go-kart chassis

D-shape steering wheel, adjustable seating

Powered by a small gasoline engine Tecumseh/Briggs & Stratton on original examples)

Rear scrub brake and belt-driven setup

Known examples have been documented in colors such as turquoise with white coves and red with white coves.

Condition Details

Shows age and typical wear for a 65+-year-old collectible

Engine and mechanical components untested

Fiberglass body may exhibit stress, cracks, or surface wear

Original documentation/history unknown unless noted


May require restoration or mechanical work

Missing parts typical for vintage promotional go-karts (windscreen, badges, etc.)

No guarantee of running condition

Collector Appeal

This go-kart is ideal for:

Vintage automotive memorabilia collections

Corvette enthusiasts seeking unique dealership artifacts

Restoration hobbyists or museum display pieces

Mid-century Americana collectors

Examples from the same series have sold at auction with results exceeding $4,000 to over $10,000 depending on condition and completeness.

Buyer Information

Buyer responsible for inspection, pickup, and transportation

No shipping provided by seller

Sold on a bill of sale basis with no title

Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on a rare piece of Corvette promotional history — units like this seldom appear on the marketplace