Collectibles Q&A

NASCAR memoribilia collectors often have questions about the items they've accumulated. Here are our responses to some of your most recent inquiries:

Q: I have a Mark Martin car that I would like to know the value of. It's a 1997 Racing Champions 1:24 scale, and it's his Japan "Kosei" car. I've had it for about six years and it's till in the original package and has never been opened. If you could be able to tell me the value of it, I'd appreciate it. -- Jamie

A: Great car here. It was actually released in 1998. Only 2500 were produced, and it's worth $150-200 in terms of collectibility.

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Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt racing suit and I am just curious as to what it is possibly worth. I bought it from a sports bar that was closing down. They claimed it was one that he wore. I have no proof to that but I am curious as to what its worth. I also have a '91 MAXX card of Davey Alison in mint condition about what would it be worth. Thanks for any info you can give. -- Kevin Clance

A: Verifying the Earnhardt suit as an authentic race-used driver's uniform is the key to ascertaining it's worth. If it is a real Earnhardt firesuit, it's worth a minimum of $10-12,000.

Q: My husband was given a Ken Schrader No. 33 NASCAR Reflections in Gold car. It is Issue No. 15G, a 1:24 scale die cast replica. Can you tell me anything about its age and value? -- Jan

A: This car was produced in 1998. It's worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $25.

Q: I have two complete sets of 1991 MAXX Race Cards (240 card collection) still sealed in the original manufacturer's box & plastic wrap (never opened). Can you tell me the value of these? Does the value of something like this go up significantly over time? -- Pamela

A: These sets are worth $20-25 apiece. It is extremely hard to predict trends in collectible values. In fact, this set is worth quite a bit less than it was 12-14 years ago. However, at some point, the value will likely begin to climb again. Just when that happens is anybody's guess.

Q: I have two Richard Petty Fan Appreciation packs from 1992 that have two VHS tapes, two cards wrapped and unopened. One is in 50,000 made; the other is in 100,000 made. This packet also includes a signed print by Richard Petty, it is not a reprint I can tell because I have two and they are not exactly the same. It also came with a little car and a 43 pin. One packet is opened and the other is still sealed. We were wondering how much these are worth? -- Jennifer Morris

A: The unopened packet is probably worth around $40-50. The opened package would be worth about half of that.

Q: I just found a Dale Earnhardt card in my basement from when I was little. I am not into racing and just wanted to know if it would be worth anything today. It is a 1991 Traks card, No. 103. -- Lucky Duck

A: There were two variations of this card, with the difference pertaining to Sports Image trademark verbiage. Both versions are worth $3-5 in mint condition.

Q: My father has an Action die-cast of Curtis Turner's No. 99 Schwam Motor Co. car. This model has Curtis Turner's name above the doors and 260H.P. on the hood. What would this perfectly kept metal model car be worth to a collector these days? -- D.Shelton

A: This car was part of a set made by Action for NAPA. They were available exclusively through NAPA jobbers. This car is likely worth $60-90.

Q: I have two pocket knives that are made by Schrade. They have a green handle. One has No. 18 Dale Jarrett printed on the blade. The other one is Harry Gant with No. 33 printed on the blade. Is there any value on them? -- Mike

A: The Gant knife is the most valuable. It's worth around $25. The Jarrett knife is worth $15-18.

Q: I have 20-ounce plastic Pepsi bottle with a Jeff Gordon die-cast car inside. I received it in 2002 or 2003. It has never been opened and since it was purchased from a vending machine, it also contains $1.50 in quarters inside to replace the Pepsi that you did not get. It was bottled by Instawin/3Strikes promotionals. Any value on this? -- Shanna Walker

A: Now this is a cool collectible. Personally, I would place the value at $30-40. I'd love to see a picture of this piece if you could email one my way.

Q: I would like to know the value of my JEBCO clock. It is a Dale Earnhardt Mom 'n' Pops Cook 'n' Up a Storm clock, No. 1918 of 2500. -- The 3niners

A: This is one of the better Earnhardt JEBCO clocks in terms of value. I'd appraise it at $200-250.