I wonder how long before they are being sold as originals? (not so much by those selling them now, but by people who buy them)
Grind in a little dirt, a few drops of gas and oil. Take some old grease and lightly smear it on, as if by a shoe. Let sit for a few days. Then take a hose and spray it off, let dry for a few more days, then vacuum... Viola, one has an "original" Gas Station floor runner..
A runner, that will have authentic stains and smells... It will be slightly dirty, from being stored for so long... And will still have that "slight" smell of gas and oil... Not too much mind you, just enough to "prove" that the runners had been used and cleaned, but once gas and oil get on an item like carpet, one can never quite get that smell completely out...
I can almost read the description now for it:
"Original" Flying A floor/door runner... Used at a Flying A Station so that Customers and Service Attendants wouldn't track, dirt, grease and grime in from the Service Bay(s) and also front outside... Then they will give a little history of how a couple of these runners were found rolled up tucked away in the corner of "Grand Dad's" old storage shed or barn....
From there all they need, is people who know just enough to get themselves in trouble. Who want to "re-live" that Gas Station experience... And have money, "to burn"....
Damn, I've almost talked myself into buying a bunch of them and selling them at Car Shows and the like.... LOL