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 am interested in learning the value of the Johnny Lightning Stock Car Legends. These were a series of 22 Vintage 1:64 scale NASCAR die-cast manufactured in 1998. I am trying to acquire the set and do not wish to over pay their worth. Thank You.-Wally

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A: Wally, being as interested in NASCAR history as I am, I love this set. It is awesome. David Pearson's '67 Fairlane, Neil Bonnett's No. 5 Dodge Charger, Donnie Allison in the Wood Brothers Mercury, Pete Hamilton in Cotton Owens' Plymouth, etc. An immaculate collection. For some reason, these cars didn't quite catch on with collectors the way they should have, which is a huge shame. Johnny Lightning did a great job with the bodies, the paint, and the decals. I've seen these cars sell for $5-10. But in terms of collectibility, I'd say these cars are worth $12-20 each any day.

Q: I have a three-car set of 1998 Rracing Champions 1:64 scale No. 36 Ernie Irvan inaugural season-fan club edition cars. Are they worth anything?-Jim Lynch

A: One of the neat perks of belonging to a driver's fan club is that it entitles members to collectibles not available to the general public. This is one of those sets. I'd set the collectible value at $35-50.

Q: I have a Car made by Revell in 1996. It's a 1:24 of Dale Earnhardt's Olympic centennial car. It has never been opened, and on the box is a misprint of his birthdate. It states that he was born in 1952, rather than in '51. I also have a 1:64 of the exact same car. About how much is it worth?-Gayla

A: The misprint doesn't affect the value. The 1:24 car is worth $50-75 if it is the regular retail version, $75-100 if it is from the Revell Collection. The 1:64 piece should fall in the $15-30 category.

Q: My daughter has a Racing Champions 50th aniversary gold cars. One 1:24th scale and the other 1:64th scale both gold. What would they be worth?-Shawknee

A: The 1:24 car is worth $20-25. The 1:64 is worth $8-12.

Q: My girlfriend also has a blue/silver chrome painted Sterling Marlin Racing Champions Dodge Dealer special. Only 250 cars were made. Would you have a idea if or what it may be worth?-Steve

A: That car was part of the higher-end 2001 Racing Champions Authentics series. It has a collectible value of $100-125.

Q: I have a 1990 Davey Allison Racing Champions 1:64 car. When I bought it, I noticed the driver card. It is of Brett Bodine dressed in his Quaker State uniform. I have never seen or heard of improperly packaged cars like this. Just wondering were to find more info as to the value.--Bill Cummings

A: Glitches in the production process are not that unusual, especially in the early 1990s. It doesn't add to the value. In fact, in the case of a big name driver like Davey Allison, it probably hurts. With the wrong card, I'd set the value at $25-50.

Q: I have a 1:24 scale die-cast replica of the official pace truck from the Brickyard 400 August 5, 1995. It is 1 of 40,000 with a serial number of 28230 stamped on the box. What is the value of this truck? I got this truck from ahome shopping network in 1995. It was put out by Racing Champions.--R3 Martin

A: Pace vehicles aren't nearly as popular as driver-specific cars with diecast collectors. Even though this is one of the more significant pieces, it is still only worth $15-25.

Q: I have a 1:18 scale Dale Sr. Daytona 500 winner. Limited production car. Can you give me an estimate on value?--B.Bondy

A: Action produced 4008 of these cars. In mint codition, it should be worth $100-150.

Q: I started watching Kasey Kahne early during his rookie season, and for Christmas received his "Pit Cap Car" which was autographed. I just today purchased his rookie of the year car, which was autographed. I have the certificates as well. They are the Action Brand. Does autographs increase value on cars such as these, or not?--T.J. Hansel

A: This is an age-old dilemma for die-cast collectors. Those who covet autographed items say it adds to the value. Meanwhile, die-cast purists say it actually detracts from the value because the car is no longer "mint" as it came from the factory. Personally, I'm a no-autograph proponent. However, if autographs do indeed add to the value, the sum total would be no more than the value of the autograph added to the value of the car.

Q: I have a new-in-the-box Dale Earnhardt Olympic edition 1:25 scale Brookfield three-car die-cast Monte Carlo set. The box says it is a limited edition 1 of 10,000 and I have the certificate of authenticity. The set consists of: a regular GM Goodwrench Service car, and Olympic car, and a test car. I cannot find the value and would like to have an idea of what it is worth. Any help would be appreciated.-D. Thompson

A: That set used to appraise for around $200. I'd set the current collectible value at $100-125, maybe $150 to a die-hard Earnhardt collector.

Q: I have a 1997 Rusty Wallace Revell Collection 1:24 clear bank in excellent condition with the box and certificate of authenticity. It is one of 25,000. Could you tell me what its worth?-Jeff

A: That bank would likely be worth $60-90.