2022 saw the launch of the most complete resource library filled with promotional materials for our partners. The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program proudly sponsored a taping of Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! at the 2022 PMDMC Conference. We’ve seen record-breaking traffic to pages on the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program website.
From old reliable Honda Civic to a remarkable 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, and everything in between, our donors continue to (happily!) surprise us with their stories and cars. We wanted to take the opportunity to review the year in car donation and to celebrate the amazing generosity of our donors.
Most Commonly Donated
Did you know Honda released the Civic hybrid to the U.S. market in 2003? The most common makes and models donated to public radio stations in 2022 were a Honda Civic followed by a Toyota Prius. The average vehicle year was 2003.
Highest Grossing Donation
The highest grossing car donation of 2022 was a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle donated to North Country Public Radio. The sale price? $51,000.
Golden Wrench’s Best Car Donation of 2022
This year, Car Talk allowed users to vote on social media and hand out the coveted Golden Wrench Award to the Best Car Donation of 2022. Click here to see the finalists. After three weeks and hundreds of votes, the Golden Wrench winner was this 1961 Jaguar Mark II donated to KNKX. The donor of the Jag also received a Car Talk VDP Swag Basket!
Oldest Donation
We accept vehicles no matter the age! The oldest car donation we received in 2022 was a 1944 Ford 2N Tractor donated to St. Louis Public Radio.
Cool Donations
Time to highlight some donations that are pretty cool. If you have an interesting car you’re looking to get rid of, consider donating it to your local public radio station!
1956 Porsche
This replica of a 1956 Porsche convertible was donated to KBIA. It was also featured as a finalist in the voting for Golden Wrench’s Best Car Donation of 2022.
1965 International Harvester
Did you know the average price of an International Harvester is $31,131? This 1965 International Harvester pickup truck was donated to KUOW. International Harvester sold its agricultural products division in 1984. It was renamed Navistar International, and focuses on the production of engines and heavy duty commercial vehicles.
1972 Datsun 240Z
Another awesome donation we received this year was a 1972 Datsun 240Z donated to WMAV. The 240Z was the first ever Nissan/Datsun-built sports car to have the Z logo attached to it.
1983 Porsche 944
This 1983 Porsche 944 was donated to Northeast Indiana Public Radio. The 1983 944 is the only model that came standard with a manual steering rack.
1953 International R130
We even accept vintage farm trucks! Check out this 1953 International R130 was donated to KUT.
Looking Ahead to 2023
In 2022, The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program saw record-breaking growth for stations and an expansion in digital resources for both stations and loyal NPR listeners. To date, we’ve processed over 22,000 car donations for public radio stations. As we dive into 2023, we’ll continue to provide stations with the highest return in the industry and the support needed to flourish their programs.
Donate your car to your favorite NPR station by going online or calling 877-215-0227!
Filed under: Donations
