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 1996 No. 3 GM Goodwrench Atlanta Olympics 1:24 scale car in a blue Sports Image box and a 1997 Wheaties RCCA Elite 1:24 scale. It is 1 of 5000; mine is numbered 943. I would like to know what they are worth.-Regina

A: Regina, thanks for specifying the type of packaging on the Olympic car. It makes a difference. The value of the Sports Image variation of the Olympic 1:24 scale car tops out at around $200. Based on the production numbers of your '97 Elite, it is the variation with the gold serial plate, which is worth a little more than the car with the brass number plate. Your Elite is worth $300-400 in terms of collectibility.

Q: I have a Chicagoland Speedway poster signed by Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon. I was at the race and was able to get both of them to sign it for me. I would like to know about how much this could be worth.--Susan Chaffin

A: Most of the value lies in the signatures. This poster should be worth $60-75.

Q: I have two items I hope you can help me with. The first is an autographed Todd Bodine Lumber Liquidators Championship Toyota Tundra 1:24 Racing Champions truck in box. The second is a promo case from Moog/NASCAR which includes 36 pins featuring the NASCAR champion cars from 1966-2000. The brushed aluminum case is in mint condition as are all the pins. I have enclosed a jpeg of the item. Any info regarding the value would be appreciated.-Dave

A: Dave, I love both of these items. Todd is a buddy of mine, so I'm kind of partial to this die-cast. I've seen one advertised on line for around $80 signed. I think that is a pretty good appraisal. As for the Moog pins... Awesome! I haven't seen a set of these in person, but the photos of them look great. I've seen them sell on eBay for about 50 bucks. In terms of collectibility, I think this set should be worth $75-110.

Q: I have a 1982 "HERE COMES WRANGLER, He's One Tough Customer" poster from the Southern 500, signed "Dale Earnhardt #15." It's in perfect condition. As a true fan I will never part with it but wonder what it might be worth? I also wonder how I can verify his signature.--Ann Marie

A: First of all, the signature is a reproduction. Wrangler created this poster for all races on the 1982 schedule. The poster was the same. Only the race name, track, date, etc, at the bottom was different on each one. It is worth about $100

Q: I have a Sam Bass Poster - not sure of date - titled "Winning Finishes!" It is No. 126 of 500 signed by Sam Bass and autographed by Jeff Gordon and Ricky Craven. It is glass framed, approximately 37" x 32". Could you please tell me the approximate value of this poster.-Jim

A: If it is signed and numbered, it is probably a limited edition print, not a poster. The original issue price for this piece was $150. With the autographs and the framing, I'd place the current value at $375-425.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt Lowe's Food car. I would like to know what year this car ran. What is the value?--Janice Harris

A: This was a Busch Series car that Earnhardt ran in 1989. There isn't enough info to give an accurate appraisal of your car. The value depends on the brand, series, and scale. If it is a 1:64 scale car, the value could run from $20 for a Winner's circle car to $60 for an Action piece. If it is a 1:24 scale collectible, the value should be in the $200-250 range.

Q: How will the collectable market be affected by the change of teams for Dale Jr?-Darlene

A: Darlene, that is an excellent question and one that is on a lot of people's minds. The racing collectibles market is a strange animal. In most cases, for the average driver, changing teams either makes his collectibles worth less-at least temporarily--or it has no affect at all. But Junior is the exception to just about every rule. I don't think any of his true collectibles (die-casts, cards, clocks, etc) will lose any value at all. In fact, I think some of the better pieces will actually be worth more-especially in the long term. Apparel and some souvenir items may suffer, but the true collectibles should be in good shape.

Q: Can you explain to me why there is generally a huge difference in the value of die-cast between the two magazines? If someone wanted to get insurance on their collection, which one would they use?--John

A: Another good question. All I can say is, each magazine has its own criteria for setting prices. I've always leaned a little more toward Beckett because the values are a little more conservative and closer to what you actually see stuff selling for. I'm not sure either publication is still going. I haven't seen a Diecast Digest in over a year, and their web site hasn't been updated in just about that long. I do know that Beckett, to which I've been a regular contributor for the past three years, has pulled the plug on its racing publications. Beckett will be sorely missed, as Pepper Hastings and his guys did a great with the magazine. I've been involved with price guides since 1991, and I've seldom agreed with the values most guides assigned. But I can honestly say that Tim Trout at Beckett was meticulous in assigning realistic values. He was more on the money than anyone I've ever worked with. As for appraisals for insurance purposes, your best bet would be to get an individual with a solid background in the racing collectibles business to appraise your collection.

Q: I purchased a box of Band Aid brand bandages in the early 90's . Shrink wrapped to the top of the box is a 1:64th scale car. The car is white with yellow, red and, blue on the front. I cant read the drivers name . The car has never been taken off the top of the box. The box is in mint condition. It's a really cool promo and, I would never sell it . I would like to know however, if it has any value?--Jeff

A: Jeff, I believe this is the 1996 Racing Champions No. 32 Dale Jarrett promo car. Mint in the package, it's worth around $10.

Q: I have a Roush Racing sample car that just has the Valvoline, Cummins, Ford and Roush Racing in color. The rest of the car is metal. I got this car signed in 2001 by Mark Martin and Jack Roush. I was wondering what this diecast would be the valve of this piece?--Jason Hange

A: With the signatures, I'd place the collectible value at $125-185.

Q: I bought a Dale Earnhardt hat at Daytona International Speedway with the Tasmanian Devil logo in 2000. They sold out of the hats before race day. He only drove that car in just this one race. The hat has never been worn and still has all the tags still on it. It has been stored in a box in a zip lock bag. My husband wants me to sell it. I paid $29. What would you guess it is worth now?-SundayJoy

A: Again, apparel doesn't usually gain value. This piece is a rare exception because it was Earnhardt, and it was tied to a special program. I'd place the value in the $30-42 range.