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 of your most recent questions.

Q: I have the first set of the Racing Champions gold 50th anniversary collection. All 10 cars, all in cases with the cars unopened still in their plastic wrap. How much are they worth? -- Danny

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A: Racing Champions released so many sets back then, it's hard to give an accurate appraisal without knowing the specific drivers, as well as if the cars are painted gold or gold plated. If this is the set I think it is, its collectible value is likely $60-90.

Q: I was wondering how much a 2000 Dale Earnhardt Brookfield set is worth? It has a 1:24 scale Crew cab, enclosed trailer, and car. "Brookfield Collectors Guild 2000 Limited Edition of 2164" is printed on the box. The car is red with Taz on the hood with matching pickup and trailer. -- Robert Kalz

A: This set was once valued at around $250. I'd say the collectible value has now leveled off to $130-180.

Q: I was wondering if Dale Jarrett die-casts are holding value, or if they are dropping because he hasn't been running as well the last few years?-- Bison Golf Stud

A: DJ's die-casts are holding steady. He is perhaps the most popular driver in the Ford camp and a solid top-10 performer in the marketplace. His sales aren't on par with Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon or Kasey Kahne, but again, he's solidly in the top six or eight.

Q: I have a Richard Petty car No. 43. It's blue chrome. It is the tribute car to the 200th win anniversary. It is autographed and is 1 of 1008. It was purchased for $350. Could you tell me if it is worth more and if it is, how much more? -- Brandy

A: Actually, even with the autograph, that car is worth no more than what you paid for it. My personal opinion of the current value would be less than the purchase price.

Q: I have an Inaugural Race Brickyard Jeff Gordon, August 6, 1994 die-cast DuPont Cheverolet Lumina. It says on the package that is it "1 of 24,024. I would like to know the value of this item. -- Laverne

A: A good solid 1:64 piece from Racing Champions. Mint in the package, it should be worth $35-45.

Q: I would like to know the approximate value of a 1992 Racing Champions Super Collectable Set featuring two cars and two haulers for Dale Earnhardt in all original packaging. -- Derek

A: This is a set you seldom see anymore. Very rare. I'd place the current collectible value at around $75-125 for a mint set.

Q: While searching for a 2001 Stacy Compton Kodiak die-cast, I was only able to find the Racing Champions Collector's Series version, devoid of any Kodiak decals. I know that at this time the tobacco sponsors were being phased out of NASCAR, but were there any versions of Compton's 2001 ride that had the Kodiak decals? If you could let me know that would be most excellent. -- Aaron Parent

A: The only replica of the 2001 No. 92 Kodiak car bearing the "real" Kodiak logo was a 1:24 Promo car done by Racing Champions. There were 2500 produced. You might try looking on eBay for it.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt No. 3 Goodwrench Wheaties 1997 Monte Carlo Limited Edition in the original box. This car is not a bank. Both hood and trunk open, and car has clear windows. It has "The Winston Select" Charlotte Motor Speedway May 17, 1997 on the end of the box and Snap On on the front of the box. Can you tell me what this car is worth? -- D. Hogan

A: A good piece here. That should be the car with black window netting. I've seen them sell for less on eBay, but I think the collectible value of this car should fall in the $175-200 range in mint condition.

Q: I have a Winners Circle pack of three Tony Stewart cars. They are the black Charlie Brown, the orange Great Pumpkin, and the regular car. It has a misprint on it also. Where it says owner instead of having Joe Gibbs it has RCR. Could you please let me know what this would be worth? -- Sam

A: A neat set. The misprint doesn't effect the value. This 1:64 scale Gift Pack from 2002 is worth $25-30.

Q: I was just wondering if you could tell me what the resale value is on the 2001 Dale Earnhardt No. 3 Daytona Action 1:24 scale die-cast. There was a total of 33,504 made and it is in mint condition with all the original packaging. -- Cstark

A: Thanks for the detailed description; it makes my job easier. This is a valuable piece. The collectible value should easily fall in the $200-300 range, depending on the condition and how badly the buyer wanted it. I've seen them sell for much less, but from the standpoint of collectibility, it should be a good $200-300 piece.