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'm just getting started on a die-cast collection and looking for tips. Why are some of the die-casts I've seen different prices for what looks like the same item on the same website? Do production numbers mean much? Why are some raced win versions cheaper than regular paint scheme versions? Any help so I can spend my money wisely on a collection of items that won't be deemed worthless in the future would be most appreciated. - John

EMAIL Got a collectible question? Email us! Please remember to be specific when describing a collectible -- manufacturer, year, etc. Limit your questions to two and check our archives before submitting an inquiry.

A: Great questions, John. First of all, manufacturers usually use the same artwork--be it a photo or artist's rendering-to illustrate a number of different styles and levels of detail of the same car. Just because the picture looks the same, doesn't mean the cars are the same. They aren't. As for production numbers, this hobby is driven by supply and demand. So production numbers play a major role in that respect. And the size of that role depends largely on who the featured driver is. For instance, a low number for Dale Earnhardt Jr. might be a huge quantity for another driver. Finally, there are a number of variables that dictate the values of raced version replicas. Obviously, the driver is the most important factor. Also important in determining the car's worth are what race it was in, and whether or not the actual car was running a special paint scheme.

Q: I purchased a Dale Earnhardt No. 3 inflatable car. It is about four feet long, with all four tires having a separate valve to inflate. It has Nabisco Oreo on it and other sponsors. I believe it must have been used as a display. I purchased this, not knowing what it was for $2. Can you give me a rough idea on how much it might be worth? -- Jennifer Floro

A: You made a good investment. A promotional piece like this should be worth $20-35.

Q: I'm a huge Rusty Wallace fan. Even though I'm only 22, I have at least one version of every Rusty paint scheme produced in die-cast (most in 1:24th scale) from the 1989 RCCA Kodiak car to the Miller Splash Japan car. Not counting the championship car and special finishes (white gold or platinum), which is Rusty's most collectable paint scheme in die-cast and what is your personal favorite of Rusty's die-casts. Mine is the 2000 Miller Lite/Harley Blue with Flames. -- Dustin Holt

A: In 1990, Racing Champions produced a 1:64 scale Miller Genuine Draft car that was an Oldsmobile. Of course, Rusty drove a Pontiac that year. In fact, the Miller car was never, ever and Olds. I'd count that as one of his most collectible cars. In 1:24, I'd give the nod to the first Elvis car, which Rusty once told me was his personal favorite. As for my own favorite, I'm with you, Dustin. That 2000 Harley flamed car was one bad ride.

Q: I bought a ladies leather jacket it is 1 of only 100 signed by Dale Jr and it is authenticated. Dale's signature is on the arm and protected under plastic. Do you know of these or value of this item? -- Ed from RI, 100% disabled Marine and veteran die-hard NASCAR Fan!

A: Ed, first of all, thanks for everything you and all the other veterans have done for our country. Semper Fi. Now, the value of your signed jacket would depend a lot on the value and style of the jacket itself. Without seeing it, I'm just taking a guess and saying that, based on other leather jackets I've seen, your jacket with Junior's signature is probably worth somewhere in the $250-350 range. Again, I'm just guessing with the limited info I have.

Q: I have a Action Packed Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison card that has 1993 Prototype printed across the back of it. It also says Champions across the top of the back of the card. I was wondering if it was any value.-CF

A: This is a good card, and one that has held its value consistently for over a decade. It's worth around $20.

Q: I have a black No. 3 hat with Oreo on the side. I think it's from the Bud shootout race just before Dale died. It still has the tag on it. Can you please give me an approximate value? -- L.M

A: Normally, I'm not a big proponent of apparel as collectibles. Dale Earnhardt is one of the few exceptions, and this hat is an excellent piece. I'd place the current value at around $25-30. The value will definitely increase in the coming years.

Q: I have the 1998 Wheels High Gear MPH (serial numbered cards ##/100) cards 1 thru 10 all autographed by the respective driver (1.J. Gordon, 2. D. Jarrett, 3. M. Martin, 4. J. Burton, 5. D. Earnhardt, 6. T. Labonte, 7. B. Labonte, 8. B. Elliot, 9. R. Wallace and 10. K. Schrader). All were signed by mailing the card to the driver for the auto or at a fan signing. Either way, I have no COA or other way to prove that they were autographed by the actual driver. Any idea what the ten would be worth? -- D. W.

A: Taking in to account the value of the cards plus the value of the signatures, I'd say this set is worth $400-500.

Q: I always hear about people getting their die-cast cars autographed by the driver. Does the autograph ever take value off of the car? I have the 2005 Jeremy Mayfield and 2004 Kurt Busch 1:24 cars and they are in mint condition. I'd liketo get them autographed, but DON'T want to take value off of them. -- Andrew

A: As I've said before, it is all a matter of preference. There are several schools of thought. Some die-cast purists do indeed contend that autographs detract from the value. Others say they add, while still others say it makes no difference in the value. Personally, I think it depends on the driver and the car. In the case of your Mayfield and Busch cars, I don't know that a signature would add to the value, but I certainly don't think it would detract. In fact, it probably would add to the Busch car because of his championship.

Q: I have a 1998 Terry Labonte Kellogg's car that is 1:24 scale. It is from Action Performance Companies Inc. It is from their Elite series and has a gold coin in with it that celebrates the 50th anniversary of NASCAR. It is in the original box and in mint condition. The unique item is on the underside of the car. There is a gold plate that is stamped with Action Performance Companies Inc in small letters, but also in bigger letter is the word PROTO, meaning prototype. This is a prototype car that was use before GM gave final licensing approval. At the time I received the car (1998) it was given to me by a sales rep from Action. I am simply curious as to its value. -- Randolph L. Finney

A: I think Prototypes are another case in which added value depends on the driver. In some cases, I don't think they are worth much more. In other instances, I think they are. The regular '98 Labonte Elite is most likely a $100-125 car. I'd add another $50-75 for the Prototype.

Q: I have a complete set of 1991 Mom & Pop's Country Biscuit cards, uncirculated in mint condition and still in their original wrappers. Can you tell me what this set might be worth? -- Danvergram

A: This six-card set was actually printed by Traks. I'd place the current value at $15-18.