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 have a question as to the value of a couple of trading cards. It is of Fireball Roberts and Davey Allison, we found them and several other trading cards in my wife's grandfather's house that we are fixing to auction off. They have some kind of card stand and matching small car that sits on the card stand. The card looks quite old, but still in very good shape. -- Arland Jessee

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A: Actually, those are Racing Champions die-casts produced (with accompanying collector card) in the early 1990s. The Roberts car is worth under $10. The value of the Allison car (if still in the package) could range from $10 to around $100, depending on the year and variation you have.

Q: I was wondering how much a Winner's Circle Limited Edition Gold Collection 1:64 Scale 24K Gold Plated Dale Earnhardt Jr 1999 AC Delco Monte Carlo was worth. I hope this is enough information for you to find out the value.

I also would like to know the value for an Elliot Sadler 1999 Racing Champions 1:64 Scale Die Cast Car is worth. It has Press Pass on the front of the package. It is a limited edition car, 1 of 9,999. Its features are an opening hood, detailed engine compartment, real rubber tires, and a collector card. The collector card changes images when you move it. -- Ryan Mills

A: The Earnhardt Jr. car is worth $15-20. The Sadler car is worth under $10.

Q: I have the 1998 Bobby Labonte Small Soldiers No. 18 and Tony Stewart No. 44 Small Soldiers in 1:32 scale. Still in the box never been opened. How much is it worth? -- Paul

A: The first special paint scheme for Stewart. This two-car set was limited to 4500 pieces. It is worth $30-40.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt 1991 Matchbox Team Convoy transporter that has a flatbed truck and the car on the back. It also has a van in it. I was wondering how many were made and what the price is now? -- Frank

A: This is a great early Earnhardt piece. It is likely worth $75-100 in terms of collectibility.

Q: I have a Robby Gordon The Wolfman 1:24 Action Elite car from 2000. It's one of 492 and it's autograph. I also have a 1:24 Jamie McMurray 2003 1:24 Rookie of the Year car. It's one of 4404 and it's autographed. What are the values for these two cars? -- Oscar

A: The Gordon car probably has a collectible value of $100-125. The standard issue McMurray Rookie of the Year car is probably worth $50-75. You can add around $25-35 to each for the autographs.

Q: I have a 1997 Ertl 1:18 scale of Bill Elliott McDonalds T-bird. What is the value of this? -- USMC Dogs

A: A nice car here. The Ertl name has been around die-cast for generations. This particular car has a collectible value in the $40-70 range.

Q: I have a Mac Tools Collector's Club 2000 Action 1:24 Tony Stewart Home Depot/Kids Workshop car. It is 1 of 3,000 of the 2000 Grand Prix. I had it signed by Tony Stewart. It is in mint condition (only opened for Tony to sign it) and still in the box. Any idea what it could be worth? -- Jennifer Wethington

A: Special issues like the Mac Club car add a unique twist to collecting. This piece likely has a collectible value of $50-75 in mint condition. I'd add $40-50 for Tony's signature, as it isn't one of the easiest to get.

Q: I have an Action Racing 1:24 scale Dale Earnhardt No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Clear Stock Car. It is one of 5004, still in original box and sleeve, only opened to look at and placed back in. Would you please give me a value? -- Bill Eggers

A: I've seen this car selling on eBay lately for under $50. I think it is worth more. I'd put a collectible value of $75-125 on it. It'd be worth more to the right collector.

Q: I have a Kenny Irwin die-cast. It is the No. 28 Havoline Ford with flames on the paint job. I believe it is a replica of a car Kenny drove at Phoenix.

I got it through a rebate offer from Havoline. I don't know who the manufacturer of the die cast is. The car and the box are in mint condition. Can you tell me the value of the die-cast car? -- Skidmark

A: Personally, I think this is one of the best-looking cars ever raced. This piece is likely worth around $50 in terms of collectibility.

Q: I have a Winners Circle 1999 Jeff Gordon Superman car. It is a 1:24 scale die-cast car. I was wondering if it was of any value. -- Jfeazel

A: Of course, Winner's Circle cars are mass produced for retail, so the retain a lower appraisal than collector-grade cars. This one still holds a pretty good value for a retail car. It is probably worth $25-40.