I have had British registered cars with these ashtrays in. In most cases brown or black (actually very dark brown). I think they were available as a bona fida Messerschmitt extra. Interestingly they do differ slightly from the VW ones. There is no reason they cannot be fitted as a period accessory to any car of the era but at the price it would seem unlikely now. That the price has risen is no surprise and I am warmed but not bothered as I am neither buying nor selling but have made a good investment. What it does suggest is my choice of not going to Mannheim is justified as the prices are now to high for me. I do not doubt profit may be made from buying these things when under the going rate but the margin as a percentage is poor on cash invested and the costs of attending only increase. There is better business to be had. However if you have a shopping list of things to get, possibly an order or two from Hieko and Oliver H or something, then it is a trip worth making to purchase as a collector/enthusiast. The days of my, and others, vacuuming up parts cheap are gone. The old hands will probably find enough stuff to re sale to get their costs back for attending. That is the benefit of experience and good luck to them I say. This is where a lot of the eBay rare bits come from so like I say, you are kind of left having to buy at the price or go without unless you are prepared to do the legwork yourself.
