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1954 Topps World on Wheels Checklist

In 1953 and 1954, the Topps Chewing Gum Company sold a line of cards called "Wheels" based on historical automobiles, and military and industrial vehicles. While not as well-known, or as valuable, as the baseball cards Topps released those years, the cards have found a dedicated group of collectors. Now known as the "World on Wheels" set, the cards feature colorful artwork and a design similar to the 1953 Topps baseball set. Topps published a second series in 1954 and 1955 to complete the 180 card set.

Wheels Release Information
- The 160 cards that made up the first series of the "Wheels" set were originally released in 1953 and sold in 5-cent and 1-cent wax packs with a stick of bubble gum. The cards continued to be printed and sold through 1954. The second series of cards, numbered 161 through 180, were released in smaller quantities.
Rarity and Collectibility
- Both automobile and card collectors chase after the colorful "Wheels" set. Cards are readily available on the secondary market, despite being released more than 50 years ago. Completing a set can be difficult, though, especially one in good condition. You can find cards in the first series online, at card shows and auctions for as little as $1 each. Cards in the second series are harder to find and command higher prices.
Series One (1953-1954)
- The 160 cards in Series 1 of the "Wheels" set features several historical vehicles, such as the Pierce 1903 Motorette, card No. 20; and the Ford 1903 Runabout, card No. 28. Also featured on the cards are city service vehicles such as the "Hose Truck" fire engine, card No. 31; and military vehicles, including the M24 light tank, card No. 42, nicknamed the "General Chaffee".
  
  Cards in the first series feature the maker's name in big, bold letters on the front of the card, with additional text describing the vehicle in smaller print. The backs of the cards are printed in red ink.
Series Two (1954-1955)
- Most of the cards in Series 2 of the "Wheels" set feature contemporary American vehicles from that era, including the 1954 Packard, card No. 163. The 1954 Ford Thunderbird, card No. 169, and the Buick Skylark, card No. 170, also have cards, as do the 1955 Chrysler 300, card No. 176, and the Ford Crown Victoria, card No. 180.
  
  Like Series 1, cards No. 161 through 170 in Series 2 feature backs printed with red ink. Cards 171 through 180, however, feature backs printed in blue ink.

Sports Cards Collecting