Collectibles Q&A

NASCAR memorabilia collectors often have questions about the items they've accumulated. Here are our responses to some of your most recent inquiries:

Q: I like to collect the 1:64 scale cars for my desk at work, since they're so small, even though they probably aren't worth as much. I bought the No. 88 Amp Car and the No. 88 National Guard Car from nascar.com. They say Action Racing Collectibles, but I was surprised when I got them because they are both numbered No. 1 of however many they released, which obviously a lot have been released. The National Guard one says No. 1 of 30,720 and the Amp car says No. 1 of 44,976. They are both still in their packaging. Are these going to be worth anything later on down the line, since they're apparently both the first car to be made? I'm more curious because I don't know if I should have them in my cubicle if they're going to be collectors items that someone might know about and try to swipe them. -- Emanuel

A: Emanuel, I'm afraid you misunderstood the verbiage on the packaging. What it means is that each car is one of however many were produced -- not No. 1 in a series of sequentially-numbered cars. Standard issue ARC cars aren't sequentially-numbered.

Q: I have recently come into possession with a "Dale Earnhardt Holding Helmet" statue, numbered 12 out of the edition. Can you please tell me about how much this is worth? -- Kim

A: This is another Character Collectibles piece. It is worth $50-65.

Q: My husband passed away, and I am trying to evaluate his NASCAR collection for heirs. I have a "never opened" 1992 or 1993 set of five 1:64 cars in a black/gold packaging. It is Limited Trackside Edition - Legend Series distributed by Funstuf and Company, Bannockburn, IL. The cars are for drivers are Donnie Allison (1), Tim Flock (300), Junior Johnson (3), Elmo Langley (64), and Cale Yarborough (11). Career Highlights are on the back. It is autographed on the back by Cale Yarborough. I have a picture of the signing. Can you give me any estimate on what it might be worth? -- Joyce

A: I'm very sorry for your loss. This set was done to commemorate the Legends race held at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 1991. Elmo Langley won the race. Your set, with Cale's autograph, is worth around $50.

Q: I have a 1:64 scale die-cast replica of Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 Goodwrench Plus 1998 Monte Carlo. It is an Action Platinum 50th anniversary car and has the trading card still in the package. What is the value of this car? -- Amanda

A: Still a fairly common car. It is worth around $25, give or take a few bucks.

Q: I have General Mills 1:64 set of cars in a sealed display case that was autographed by Richard Petty and John Andretti. I believe it was a grocery store promotional piece. Could you please tell me what the value of this could be? -- Bryan

A: The cars alone are worth $3-5 each. You can add $35-40 for the two signatures.

Q: I have a 1996 Dale Earnhardt print, numbered 1022 out of 2500. It is from the studio of George Rebh. I paid $150 when it was released. How much is this worth? -- Bill

A: This is a beautiful artwork. I'd place the current value at $250-300.

Q: I have an official 2002 season RCR Goodwrench pit members firesuit with the team members name on the back. He was the catch can man for Kevin Harvick. Do you have any idea of the value? It is race used with no rips or tears. -- Richard

A: The value of pit crew firesuits depends on the team and driver. An RCR No. 29 Goodwrench crew firesuit is probably worth $350-500.

Q: I have a Hot Wheels No. 44 hat signed by Adam Petty, a hat signed by Patti Petty and a hat signed by Kyle Petty. Can you tell me what each hat is worth? -- Rick

A: The hat signed by Adam Petty is likely worth $65-100. The Kyle hat is worth around $35-40, while the one autographed by Patti should be worth about $25.

Q: I need an appraisal..on a Jeff Gordon No. 67 Outback Steakhouse 1990 Pontiac by Action. Thank you. -- Valerie

A: That car was actually released in 2000. It is worth $50-60.

Q: I have a Brass Zippo Inaugural Brickyard 400 collectible lighter in a Brickyard Tin. The seal is still on the lighter. Any idea of its value? I also have the collectible tickets for the Winston from the start unill 2002. Where might I find the value of those? -- Mac

A: I've seen that lighter sell on the internet for as little as $25. However, I think the collectible value is more, probably $45-65. The tickets are worth $5-10 each.