What is Lit?
Lit is short for Literature, and the 36th Annual LA Literature & Toy Show (Lit) attracted P-car collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to the LAX Hilton in Los Angeles for a long weekend of “shopping” and restoration shop tours. Presented by restoration parts dealer Stoddard, Lit is part indoor swap meet of new and used motor and car parts, and part automobilia, literature, and toy show for Porsche and Volkswagen enthusiasts.
Note: Although there were VW items for purchase, I found that most of the show was dedicated to Porsche items.
Location and Fees
Located in two adjacent ballrooms of the LAX Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Lit Show general admission was only $10 and doors opened at 9 am. There was also an optional 7 am Early Bird Shopper for an additional $30 – a worthwhile fee for collectors eager to get first picks of the most desirable automobilia and parts.
This was my first time attending Lit so I wasn’t sure what to expect or how much time to allow for the show. When I asked a couple of friends if I should show up for “early bird” entry I learned that the Hilton ballrooms were not as big as I envisioned so I decided to save the money and wait until general admission hours.
But First, Cars and Coffee
Before heading over to the Hilton, I stopped by the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (PEC LA) for their second gathering of cars and coffee called the Morning Shift. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the Morning Shift goes on rain or shine – click here to see cars from the Morning Shift lot and showroom floor.
Parts and Automobilia
After cars and coffee, I arrived at the LAX Hilton, paid my $10 entry fee and entered the ballrooms for the Lit Show. It was a busy show, and with approximately 300 cloth-lined tables with neatly displayed parts and collectibles, there were plenty of items to see and browse through. Upon entering, the first item that grabbed my attention was a motor part with a note that read “The Real Deal” and a $12K price tag. Holy cow! Is everything at this show going to be this steep? Then I looked at it again; it was a part for a ’73 RS, which clearly I don’t own or have use for, but I’m sure some lucky person out there does.
Further down were several tables of die-cast cars, vintage car manuals, brochures, magazines, artwork, and posters – some of which we’ve had an eye on for some time. Among the collectible automobilia, was a good balance of new and used motor and car parts; I also saw a 2.4-liter Polo flat four motor for the first time and Dean Polopolus, engineer of the Polo motor, was there to greet customers. In addition, there were several vendors selling new and vintage apparel such as socks, hats, t-shirts, and jackets. Renngeschäft has thought of exhibiting t-shirts at this event – what do you think? Yeah or Nay?
Taking A Step Back In Time
While looking at some of the vintage brochures and magazines from the 60’s and 70’s, I couldn’t help but imagine myself taking a step back in time when the ads, dealer lots and streets were scattered with classic VW’s and Porsches – what a time that must’ve been. And that’s exactly what this show does – Lit takes you back in time, whether it’s dreaming or reminiscing, it offers you a piece of wonder and history from that time to enjoy today.
If you’re looking for those hard to find parts and automobilia to add to your collection then be sure to add the LA Lit & Toy Show to your P-car list of events. Several restoration shops in the Los Angeles area also host open houses the same weekend (Lit weekend) so be sure to extend your trip. And if you don’t feel like driving from shop to shop, Stoddard offers shuttle service (daily) from the hotel for a fee.
I was able to visit a few shops during my trip so stay tuned for additional posts coming soon. And if you make it to next year’s show be sure to stop by PEC LA to see what’s on display in the showroom and workshop.
