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 the responses to a few of your questions:

Q: We are in the antiques and collectibles market and knew nothing about NASCAR,but we recently purchased over 300+ pieces of NASCAR die-cast. We have stacks of Gordon, both Earnhardts, and Labonte, as well as about every other driver. We subscribed to a price guide and find the listed value seems about four times what the vehicles are actually realizing in our primary market which is eBay.

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Our question is, is this seasonal slump? Do they do better at Christmas? Are they better suited to be sold in our physical location? We are learning as we go, all are new in package and there are what we thought were some good ones, like older Earnhardt cars. We know from past experience that eBay has flooded many markets and we have to change our tactics constantly is this the case with NASCAR collectibles as well?

Just looking for a realistic answer, if I average the cost, I paid about $3 per car. Realistically I am aware that the list price of items in collectible magazines is almost always high as it's true with antiques as well. But I am seeing cars that list for $150.00 sell for $20. Big difference. Just looking for some guidance... Maybe we just became NASCAR Collectors, not dealers. -- Lisa and Ricky McLain

A: This is an excellent question and a valid concern. Simply put, auction sites can sometimes be a double-edged sword. They provide collectors with the opportunity to find items they'd probably never have access too, and they afford dealers a worldwide audience. However, the mass influx of product leads to saturation in the market. No, it isn't a seasonal thing, and trends are at best unpredictable.

Being in the business you're in, I know that you are aware of how unpredictable a "live" auction scenario can be just because of the dynamics involved. It's much the same on line. For example, I've seen die-cast pieces bring $25-30 one week, and the same exact piece bring $100 or more only one week later. The good news is that at $3 per car, you are "in them right." So, you can experiment a bit. You might want to try setting up at some of the collectibles shows in your area.

Or you might try hooking up with a racing collectibles dealer and pay him a commission. Dealers usually have a pretty good idea of where they can place things.

Q: I have a 1993 ERTL 1:18 Valvoline Thunderbird mint in the box. It says it was made in Macau. Also the number 1264S is stamped on the bottom of the box. Is there any special info about this die-cast and what might it be worth? -- Dave S.

A: Nothing out of the ordinary about this car. It is a $40-50 piece.

Q: I was just wondering if you know the values of these cars: 1:24 Action 1997 Jeff Gordon ChromaPremier, 1:24 Action 1999 Jeff Gordon Crystal Car, and 1:25 1993 Rookie of the Year Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Suburban made by Brookfield Collector's Guild. -- Jim

A: The ChromaPremier continues to be one of the strongest performers as far as Gordon die-cast. It has a collectible value of $200-250. The Crystal car is valued at $50-75, providing it is the regular DuPont car. The Brookfield Suburban bank is a $60-80 piece.

Q: I have a 1995 Dale Earnhardt 1:24 scale Action Platinum black No. 3 Goodwrench car. It has opening trunk and hood, but no headlights. I would like to know what it is worth. -- Francis

A: This car probably has a "collectible" value of $250-300. It's a good solid piece value-wise.

Q: I have some 1991 stock car collector cars. They are Bill Ellis-owner, Dick Brooks 1969 NASCAR Rookie of the Year, Pete Hamilton 1970 Daytona 500 winner, and Richard Petty. I also have a 1:24 scale die-cast replica 24k gold-plated commemorative series 50th anniversary Ricky Craven Reflections in Gold. I would like to know what they are worth please. -- Ralph

A: The first four cars Racing Champions replicas of the Plymouth Superbird. The Petty car is worth $12-15, and you can add another $5 if it has "Southern Chrysler-Plymouth" on it. The Hamilton car is likely worth $10-12. The other two are worth $5-10. The Craven piece is also a Racing Champions car. It has a collectible value of $20-30.

Q: I have Brookfield Collectors Guild Dale Earnhardt 1:25 scale Monte Carlo Race Car with Chevy Crew Cab truck and car trailer still in the box in good condition and the Certificate Of Authenticity. I was one of the lucky ones that got to meet and shake the hand of the great one before he passed and the Certificate of Authenticity is personally singed by Dale. It was produced in 1995 and its a limited edition of 10,000 Die Cast Trackside Collection.

Also, I have a ERTL 1:18 scale Goodwrench Lumina that was produced in 1992 still in the box in good condition and has also been personally singed by Dale Earnhardt with marker on the windshield. Last but not least, I have a 1992 Dale Earnhardt Racing Champions car with Collectors card and display stand still in the package in good condition also signed personaly by Dale Earnhardt. If you could please tell me the values of these collectibles it would be a great help. -- Carlos

A: The Brookfield piece--with autograph--is worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $175-250. The signed ERTL car is probably worth $100-175. The Racing Champions piece-again, with autograph-should have a collectible value of $100-125.

Q: I have a 1998 Racing Champions Richard Petty 24K gold 1:64 boxed set which includes the gold plated transporter and 4 gold plated cars. The transporter has Petty's championship years etched in its roof. The car years are 1964, 1969, 1970, and 1981. The set comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Richard Petty. The box is in pretty good shape, everything else is excellent. Would you know what this set is worth? -- Neil

A: This is a sharp set. Oddly, it has never rated a very high appraisal. I'd put the value at $30-35.

Q: I have a 1993 ERTL 1:18 Valvoline Thunderbird mint in the box. It says it was made in Macau. Also the number 1264S is stamped on the bottom of the box. Is there any special info about this die-cast and what might it be worth? -- Turner Varner

A: Nothing out of the ordinary about this car. It is a $40-50 piece.

Q: I bought three 1:64 scale 50th anniversary 24k gold plated cars. The numbers are 35, 98, and 13. They are made by Racing Champions. I was wondering who the drivers were for these and how much they're worth. All are in their packages, not opened. -- Sue

A: Jerry Nadeau drove the No. 13; Todd Bodine was in the "35;" and the No. 98 would have been either Greg Sacks (Thorn Apple Valley) or Rich Bickle (Thorn Apple Valley Grill.) The value of all three is $10-20 apiece.

Q: I would like to know the value of a 1991 Richard Petty 1:24 scale die-cast car in the black box. -- Jaris

A: This is a good $40-50 car. If the wheels are blue, you can add $15-20 to the value.