Collectibles Q&A

NASCAR memorabilia 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 1953 NASCAR driver's license. I'm from the late 40's to easrly 50's era. I worked with the late Wally Campbell (NASCAR Modified #1) and Wally Marks (car builder). -- Frank Carlsson

A: Frank, this is what I call a TRUE collectible. I'm assuming the license is yours. If that be the case, it is probably worth about $50. Of course, a license for a big name driver from that era (Curtis Turner or Tim Flock, for instance) would probably be worth $150-300. I'm betting you have some great memories from your days with Wally Campbell. Most fans don't recall that he was actually the fastest qualifier for the inaugural Southern 500 even though Turner won the pole.

Q: I have a friend that has a 1998 Daytona 500 Dale Earnhardt Case collectible knife. There were only 1,000 made and hers is number 774. She was wondering if we could fine out the value of it. Thanks -- Tracey

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A: A valuable knife here. This Trapper-style knife is probably worth around $600.

Q: I have three Alan Kulwicki trading cards. I was curious as to what their values are. They are: 1993 "Action Packed" Alan Kulwicki card that features a photo of the No. 7 Army car, a 1993 MAXX Race 6 Bristol NASCAR card for the Food City 500 race at Bristol. This is dated April 5, 1992 which was his final victory race at Bristol. This card is numbered 184 of 212, a 1993 "Finish Line" Alan Kulwicki Memorial Card 1954 - 1993 with his photo on the front. The back reads "In Memory Of Alan Kulwicki 1954-1993" and gives history on how he crashed just outside of Bristol, TN in route for the Food City 500 where he was defending champion. It also features career stats etc. This card is in perfect condition. -- Paula E.

A: The Action Packed and MAXX cards are commons. They are probably worth $1-2. The unnumbered Finish Line card is worth $3-5.

Q: I have a 1:12 Scale IPM (Integrity Porcelain Motorsports), Mark Martin Valvoline Ford Taurus, No. 62 of 1500 Porcelain car mounted on a base with the edition number engraved on a plaque. The car has never been put on display, and is in the original packaging. -- Matthew Eckman

A: These cars have never been as widely accepted by collectors as they should have been. I'd place the collectible value at around $200.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Sr 8 X 10 framed and signed photo showing him driving the old No. 2 blue and yellow car. I was wondering what is the value now of this photo that is in mint condition. I need this info for insurance reasons, I insure all of my valued prints, paintings and collectibles. -- Skip

A: The true value lies in the signature. The autographed photo is likely worth $125-175. Here's a bit of trivia... During the early part of his career, Earnhardt simply signed his autograph as "Dale." That was before he developed the unmistakable signature we're all familiar with.

Q: I found a Dale Earnhardt trading card that has me baffled. It appears to be an older card. The front of the card is a photograph of Dale Earnhardt down on one knee. Behind him is the front end of a black car. "Racing Champion, Inc. is in the upper left hand corner. My question to you is, can you tell me what i've got in my hot little hands? -- Ali Patterson

A: This is a card that was included in the packaging of a Racing Champions 1:64 scale car in a blister pack. It would be worth more still in the pack with the car. As is, it's probably worth $1-2 at best.

Q: I am curious to the value of my collection of No. 18 Bobby Labonte die-casts now that he has changed teams. In particular, I have a 1:24 scale limited series 2000 Winners Circle die-cast that has never been removed from the original box. Also I have a 1:64 scale Action Platinum series 1997 Pontiac die-cast, which I believe was the first year he started driving the Pontiac. Could you estimate the value of these 2 items? -- Georgiabunny

A: I'd say $8-12 on the Action car and around $20 on the Winner's Circle 1:24 piece.

Q: I have a souvenir program from the Virginia 500 which was held 22 April 1979. The program is in good condition and contains the autographs of Cale Yarborough, Kyle Petty, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison, and rookie of the year contender Dale Earnhardt. I would never sell it but was wondering what it could be worth. -- James Cook

A: Great autographs, which give the program most of its value. I'd put the collectible value at $175-200.

Q: I have two Dale Earnhardt items I'd like to know the value of, please. The first is the 1998 Club E Fan Club Pack, complete in the original box. It contains a Club E limited edition 1/64 die-cast Goodwrench Chevy in its box, black leather Fan Club Member fanny pack, checkbook cover, keyring/bottle opener, membership card (unsigned), three $10 Club E certificates and other original papers. All items are in mint condition, except the fanny pack which is used but in excellent shape. The box is also in excellent condition.

The other item is a framed pair of 8x10 photos labeled Team Earnhardt / "Dale's Crew" / Artist Proof Edition 08 of 50. The top photo is of Dale, Theresa and their daughter, wearing red Daytona 500 caps and posing with his 1998 Daytona 500 trophy. The bottom photo is of Dale Jr.and Dale Sr. wearing Coca Cola shirts and hats. The photos bear a Racing Reflections hologram logo, and there is a PSC certificate of authenticity on the back. The photos are double matted with the title label between them, and the overall size, including the frame is 18" x 26." Thanks for your help. -- Kim H.

A: It is rare to find an original Club E Fan Club Pack intact. The die-cast car alone carries a pretty fair appraisal. In my opinion, the entire Pack would be worth $75-125. The pair of photos is likely worth $40-50.

Q: Do you have any idea how much a Daytona 500 2001 ticket (that was never used) would be worth? -- B. Asberry

A: A nice keepsake for now, but it will probably be 15-20 years before it has any real value. Right now, I'd say it is worth $10-20.