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 1:24 scale Team Caliber AAA-sponsored Mark Martin car that was won in a raffle at Michigan International Speedway at the August 2006 race. We were fortunate enough to get the top autographed by car owner Jack Roush! Does anyone have an idea how much this car would be worth with his signature on it?-- David Fisher

A: It would depend on which series the car came from. Assuming it is from Team Caliber's Preferred Series, the value of the autographed car would be around $100.

Q: I have two Dale Earnhardt cards that I can't find the value of. The first one is a Traks card, No. 103. It is a full body picture. The next one is a 1992 Wheels Racing card. It is the 5-time Winston Cup champion card with a holographic back. It is the silver series. -- Vicki

A: The 1993 Traks card is worth $2-3. The Wheels Silver Hologram appraises for $4-5 in mint condition.

Q: I have a 1999 Steve Park Miami Homestead 1:24 scale die cast has the shark paint scheme. I have two questions. On the bottom of the car, at the rear it says, "Made in China 1999 Monte Carlo. Used under license." Those are the only marks on the car. There is a flat area in the bottom of the fuel tank, similar to where Action puts their serial number. There are two holes in this flat spot, one larger than the other. I can't find the manufacturer. If you know what brand it is, what is it's value? -- Armymom

A: It is an Action car, as that was the only manufacturer building DEI cars in 1999. If there is a mounting space for a serial number, this could be an Elite Prototype or an Elite that slipped through with no serial plate. The value would most likely be in the $100-125 range.

Q: I have an autographed Rusty Wallace card from Traks Autograph Series, labeled A-12. The card is one of 3,500 and it comes with a plaque and collector car. I am interested in the value and would appreciate your input. -- Donald

A: Based on the card number, this card came from the 1994 Traks Autograph program. It is worth $25-30.

Q: I have a question about the value of two cards. The first is a MAXX 1993 Edition Jimmy Spencer No. 12 of 300 and the second is a MAXX 1993 Edition Rick Mast No. 1 of 300. -- Reddi Cs Server

A: Both are very common cards valued at under 50 cents each.

Q: I have a 1996 GM Goodwrench Service Commemorative hood signed by Dale Earnhardt with a certificate of authenticity from Sports Image. What is it worth?-Art

A: I'd need more details to make a totally accurate appraisal. But if this is the type of hood I think it might be, a 1:2 scale replica, I'd place the value at $200-250 with the autograph.

Q: I have a Racing Champions 1992 Alan Kulwicki Hooters T-bird in the box with autograph. It was signed at Greenfield High School in Wisconsin after he won the championship. Car is mint, can you provide an estimate of value. The autograph can be verified by another party. --Paul Vodicka

A: Can't appraise a car without knowing the scale. Assuming it is a 1992 Racing Champions 1:24 scale (10,000 produced), the value with autograph would be in the $250-300 range.

Q: I have a set of Beanie Bears that have letters on the bottoms of their feet which spell "Brickyard" when the set is complete. Each bear has the name of the winning driver for the particular year. I have not been able to find out much about these bears. Can you help me?--Marcy Cropper

A: This is a nice set of NASCAR Bears that never really caught on with collectors. I've seen them sold for under $20 per set over the past few years. But I'd still place the value of a set at $50-60. It's a shame they never caught on; they should be worth more.

Q: I have a ceramic Jeff Burton No. 99 Exide car that sits on what appears to be a Marble base. .I would guess it's about one or two feet long. I bought it at a flea market in it's orignal box and have all the original paper work for it. Any idea if this was a special release thing and what it might be worth? -- Joe Naputi

A: This car was built by Integrity Collectibles. Early on, it was valued at around $250. The value has fallen, however, because, like the bears mentioned above, porcelain cars never caught on with collectors. I'd place the current value at $100-150.

Q: I came across one of my old collectibles--an "unopened" 1979 Sundrop bottle Series 1 featuring Rookie of the Year, Dale Earnhardt in excellent condition! I have several guys in the office dying to get their hands on it and I'm curious to know what it's worth. -- Doug

A: If only all collectibles held there value like the Sun Drop Earnhardt bottles. I'd place the value of each bottle in the six-bottle set at $25-35.