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 replies to some of your most recent inquiries:

Q: I have tried every thing I could think of to find some information about this collectible item that I have. I had obtained it a long time ago. I am hoping that you can provide some information on it and if it has any value? It came in a leather box with a 24 Karat Certificate of Authenticity. The card reads: This Certifies that this Racing Champions Set is 1 of 12,500. My husband says it's a 1:32 scale. It is 3" in length, almost an inch in height and just over an inch in width.--Kim Stokes

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A: This is actually a 1:64 scale car. It was a special car produced for QVC. Three of four years ago, the value was up to around $25-30, but it has since leveled off to $15-20.

Q: I was wondering if you could give me any information on value for the Dale Earnhardt 1:24 Bass Pro Shop Tahoe. I was also wondering about the value for a complete set of five 2004 Daytona 500 Pearl series 1:24 Monte Carlos. All are in excellent condition.--Joe

A: The Bass Pro Tahoe is probably worth $65-75. The Daytona 500 pieces are the Disney at Daytona cars, They are likely worth around $75 each.

Q: I have a 1:24 RCCA Rusty Wallace No. 27 Miller Genuine Draft clear window car still in its clear acrylic case, never opened. I also have a 1:64 Action Platinum Series Rusty Wallace No. 27 Miller Genuine Draft clear window car still in its clear acrylic case, never opened either. I would like to know what the value would be on these two cars. I've had them since day one and they are still in excellent condition.--L Cherti

A: The 1:24 piece is worth $100-125 if it's a bank; $200-225 if it's a regular die-cast car. The 1:64 car is worth about $50, give or take 10 bucks.

Q: I have two cars I would like to find out about. One is from Sports Image, a 1:64 scale Dale Earnhardt it has his picture on front in a white uniform,it has adult collectable DC100 on it. The other car is from High Performance Sports Marketing. It has Race Day on the front it is a 1:64 scale also.A ny infomation on these two car would be great.-- Frank R.

A: Impossible to give an accurate appraisal without knowing the year. I'm guessing these are early '90s vintage, so the value could run anywhere from $10 to well over $100.

Q: My nephew has a set of three Davey Allison 1:64 die cast cars (1 of 28,000). The manufacturer is Racing Champions. All three are in mint condition w/ cards. He paid approximately $30 for each. Could you tell me what they may be worth?-Maria

A: See above. Hard to affix a value without the year. Again, the value could be anywhere from $10 to over $100. In all probability, however, they are worth at least what your son paid for them, likely more.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Goodwrench Service die-cast crew cab and trailer. It is 1:25th scale and is one of 10,000 issued by Brookfield Collector Guild. I am not sure of the year it was produced. It shows he was Winston cup champion in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994. It has never been removed from the box. The end of the box was opened once to look at the certificate of authenticity. The box has some minor blemishes and dust on the top. I was wondering what the approximate present value might be.--Gill Colwell Sr.

A: Thank you for a very detailed description! This is a nice set. I'd appraise its collectible value at $110-140.

Q: My seven-year-old son bought some Racing Champions die-cast cars at a yard sale that are new in box and in excellent shape. Are they worth anything? He has a 1997 Jeff Green with collector card and display stand, a 1993 Jeff Gordon with card and stand, an undated Phil Parsons with card and stand, and an undated Richard Petty with card and the card has real engine sounds. Any help would be greatly appreciated.--Julie K.

A: The Gordon car is the cream of the crop. In mint condition, it is likely worth $50-75, depending on the style. The Petty car is likely worth $15-25. The other two cars would fall in the $10-12 range. Those prices are providing they are still in the packaging.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Jr. No. 3 ACDelco 1998 Monte Carlo limited edition. The car was made by Action. The car came in a Action Platinum series 50th anniversary of NASCAR box. I was wondering what that was worth.--Shannon Buroker

A: No scale was given so I'm appraising it as a 1:24. The standard issue car (not the Elite or championship commemorative car) is worth $150-200.

Q: I have the original 1;24 scale 1999 Home Depot car that was offered to only Home Depot Employees. It was produced by Action with black windows and no rookie stripe. There is no number to let me know how many where made, just says Limited Edition. I also had it sighed by Tony. Any idea what it's worth? I paid 29.99 for it through Home Depot.--Mike Mullins

A: Mike, you did good. Your $30 car is now worth $100-140.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt 1995 Brookfield Guild Chevrolet Racing Crew Cab and Trailer Set (1 of 5,000) that has the Certificate of Authenticity. It has a price of $600 price attached to it. It belongs to my cousin, he bought from an estate auction a few years ago. Do you know what it is worth today? Your reply would greatly be appreciated.--Carol Turner

A: I can't ever remember seeing one of those sets sell for anywhere near $600, not even the special incentive pieces. I think the current collectible value would be in the $110-140 range, but you may find them for less than that on eBay.