Q&A: Heavy Metal

Die-cast replicas continue to lead all categories of NASCAR collectibles. Consequently, about 90 percent of the questions we receive pertain to these miniature masterpieces.

Here are responses to a few questions about your favorite die-casts:

Q: I've noticed that the price of any Kasey Kahne die-cast has rocketed to unheard of levels on eBay or secondary markets. Most dealer inventories and pre-orders are sold out. Winners Circle has produced a 1:18th scale die-cast of his rookie car featuring his first paint scheme and rookie stripes on the bumper. I know the bigger scales aren't that popular with NASCAR die-cast collectors and don't command the prices of say the the 1:24th scale offerings. Being that this is his first Nextel Cup ride, his first 1:18 scale stock car, and he's a rookie, and his finishes are consistently in the top five, could you for see this car rising to the levels of Earnhardt, Sr. die-cast in short order? -- GTU212

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A: Not really. Granted, some of Kahne's early 2004 Action releases are bringing big bucks right now. But much of that is because of supply and demand; there were not enough replicas of his No. 9 to meet the demand a few months ago. After more product finds its way into the market, many of those values will level off some. The car you speak of has two things going against it. First of all, it is a Winner's Circle piece, which means it is mass-produced. Also, as you mentioned, 1:18 is not nearly as popular as 1:24. This car will be worth more than many other 1:18 Winner's Circle cars, but it'll never be a huge ticket item.

Q: What is the approximate value of an Action 1:24 scale 2000 Monte Carlo No. 3 Dale Earnhart? -- CRTTuck

A: The standard issue Action Racing Collectibles car (35,000 produced) is likely worth $100-150.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt 1:24 scale No. 2 Mike Curb 1980 Olds 442 by Action it says total production of 12,516. The outside of the box says Action 2000. I also have Ryan Newman 1:24 No. 02 Alltel 2001 Taurus by Action, total production 2412. I believe it was the car he rode the year before his rookie season for five or six races. I would like to know the value of these thank you -- J.J.

A: The Earnhardt car has a collectible value of $75-125. The Newman car is a great piece. I'd place the collectible value in the $150-175 range.

Q: It seems that everyone is wondering how much they're Earnhardt die-cast cars have gone up in value these days. I don't know about you guys, but it does not matter how much they are worth now! All of my cars are staying with me and my family forever! They look excellent just where they are at now. -- Rob

A: That's what I like to hear! It's fun to see how much collectibles are worth in terms of money. But really, folks should collect because they enjoy it, not because they expect it to go up in value. If a piece gains some value, that's just icing on the cake.

Q: I have two 1:64 scale Dale Earnhart die-cast cars still in their packages: 1996 Goodwrench Monte Carlo Atlanta Olympics and 1997 Wheaties Monte Carlo Lifetime Series, with cards. I need to know their value at this point. -- Linda Haire

A: The Wheaties car is obviously a Winner's Circle car. Assuming the Olympic car is also, the value would be $15-20 apiece.

Q: I have a signed Racing Champions 1:24 Sterling Marlin car. The sponsor on the hood and sides read "Sabco". The box also has NASCAR 2000 on the box. What would the value be on this car? -- Neon98Plymouth

A: This is a mass retail car, hence Sabco replaces Coors on the quarter panels. The value is likely $18-30.

Q: I have all three of the Dale Jr Born on Date cars. What are they worth?-Walt

A: The "500" car has been going for over $300 in many cases -- in some cases over $400. The other cars are in the $125-150 range right now.

Q: I have a Dale Jr. Nilla Wafer/Nutter Butter set that includes a 1:24 die-cast car, dually truck, that is a bank, and an enclosed trailer. The trailer has a door on the back that folds down and the car fits inside. I have not seen this set before to get any information about it. The only set I have seen similar has a flat open trailer. Any information you can give me regarding value, etc. would be greatly appreciated. -- Richard

A: A nice Brookfield set. It should be worth $100-150 in terms of collectibility.

Q: I have a Joe Nemechek Texas Pete Car and metal card set in the box, with the car still in plastic. The certificate says there were 15,000 produced and mine is No. 12801. It says it was made by Source International for Texas Pete and T.W. Garner Food Co. I was just curious what it's value would be. -- Scott Diesch

A: I haven't seen one of these in ages. Really, this card and car are probably only worth about $25. But it is still one of the neatest collectibles released in the early 1990s.

Q: I have 1:18 scale 1999 Dale Earnhardt Action Last lap of Century and a Wheaties 1997 Revell car. What is their value? -- Dailfan

A: The Last Lap car is probably worth $250-300, maybe a little more. Assuming the Revell car is also 1;18, it is probably worth $100-150.

Q: I was wondering did Dale Earnhart Sr. ever drive a No. 51 car? If so, was it done in die-cast? -- Sherry

A: To my knowledge, Earnhardt never drove a No. 51. He did drive a No. 15 Wrangler car, which was replicated in die-cast by both Ertl and Action.