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.

Q: Who was the intended driver of car No. 62 that was not allowed to race in 1994 by NASCAR because of the Confederate Rebel flag on the car? I've looked everywhere to find the driver's name, and you're my last hope! -- Mac

A: Wow. I had to do some digging on this one. I remember this car well, but not the particulars of it, except that it was owned by longtime NASCAR owner-driver Henley Gray of Rome, GA. I contacted several noted racing historians who, like me, remembered the car, but not the details.

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So, I went straight to the source, the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). According to an SCV press release dated November 9, 1994, it was actually ARCA that first banned the car. The release states that the sanctioning body initially approved the paint scheme for competition, then reversed its decision based on the opinion that the sponsorship might not be politically correct.

SCV official Peter W. Orlebeke stated that as best he could remember, the car was to have been driven by Rick Wheeler of Birmingham, AL. Revell produced 10,080 die-casts of the No. 62 Thunderbird in 1:64 scale for RSDK Hobbies. They are a pretty rare find today. One recently brought more than $40 on eBay. I'd place to collectible value at $40-60.

Q: How much is an Action porcelain Dale Earnhardt Daytona wrecked car worth? -- DynoBud

A: This 1:12 scale porcelain piece is the original "crash car." The secondary market value has dropped off a bit in the past year, but I still think this car has a collectible value of around $300, give or take $25.

Q: I would like to know the collectable value of a 1:24 scale Winner's Circle car. The car is No. 18, Bobby Labonte. It's still in the box, never been opened; box is slightly scratched but that's it. -- Kala Schwitzke

A: The year wasn't stated, but that isn't a big factor in this case. All Bobby Labonte Winner's Circle cars fall in the $20-30 range.

Q: I was wondering how much my Dale Earnhardt Sr No. 8 Dodge Charger is worth? It is made by Action. The hood and trunk open. It is in mint condition, but it does not have a box. -- Jimmy

A: The No. 8 has played quite a role with the Earnhardts. It was Ralph's number on dirt. It was Dale's number in the old Late Model Sportsman division, and then the number of his first Cup ride, which was owned by journeyman independent Ed Negre. Now it's Junior's number. Your car would normally have a collectible value of $100-150, but no box means a deduction in value. I'd put its worth at $50-100.

Q: On a trip to the local model car shop I came across a die-cast that I found rather amusing. It was a 1:24 scale replica of Kyle Petty's 1997 No. 44 Hot Wheels Pontiac known as a Signature Action Diorama. I dont know if it was made by Action or they called it that because it moves. Have you ever seen anything like it before? -- Scott Kenny

A: This piece was made by Mattel Hot Wheels. The series included several other cars, including an early '70s vintage replica of Don "Snake" Prudhomme's Hot Wheels Funny Car. The value would be in the $175-225 range.

Q: I purchased the 2001 No. 36 Ken Schrader 1:24 "Flag" or "9/11" car a couple of years back. The manufacturer indicated numbers would be based on the pre-order response. Can you tell me the number of this piece that were produced and the value of the item? -- Ron Krueger

A: This Team Caliber car was available exclusively from the NASCAR.com SuperStore. I think there were a little over 10,500 produced. It has a collectible value of $200-225.

Q: I have the Dale Earnhardt Franklin Mint Harley Davidson motorcycle, in mint condition, never taken out of the box. Could you tell me how much it's worth? -- Valdav

A: Three of the world's most collected licenses came together for this unique collectible. This is one collectible that you hardly ever see change hands. When people get it, they keep it. I would say one of these in mint condition-no pun intended-is worth around $400 in terms of collectibility. A die-hard Earnhardt fan might pay even more.

Q: I have a 1997 Rusty Wallace Stock Rods Series car with Miller Lite on the car instead of Penske or Rusty. Last year, a price guide had this car worth $120 and I would like to know if the car is still worth that and if the value would increase in the future? -- Brent

A: I would think that value is pretty close, though I'd think more along the lines of $75-100 in today's market. Whether it will appreciate in value is anybody's guess. If the market as a whole gets soft, it won't. Also, Rusty is retiring next year and, unfortunately, with much of today's collector base, out of sight is out of mind.

Q: Would you know the value of a couple of different pieces I have: Richard Petty 50th anniversary 1:64 transporter with seven championship cars by Racing Champions, the 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Petty Racing 50th anniversary No. 43 truck, and 1:24 scale No. 45 Spree Adam Petty car. -- Ron

A: The Racing Champions Petty set is likely worth $35-50. The Hot Wheels truck should hold a value of around $15-20. The Adam Petty Spree car is worth about $50, give or take $10.