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: A two part question, first what do you base your answers on? Is this your opinion or can you back up what you say? Second part, I have a seven-time championship knife "The Intimidater Rolls a Seven" Case knife in a display, very low number with COA. Any idea of its value?--Danny

A: Good questions, Danny. Actually, I rely on a number of resources for determining values. I've been doing this full time since 1991, so most of it is just knowledge I've picked up along the way. I talk with as many dealers and attend as many shows as possible to keep track of what stuff is selling for. I'm constantly looking through magazines. I scour the internet every night. When most folks are sleeping, I'm knee-deep in eBay, other auction sites, dealer sites-you name it.

Of course, I take into account that-unless they are something extra special--items sold at auction usually bring something less than in the retail market, and I make allowances for that. And one of the advantages of doing this for 17 years is, if I don't know the answer, I know where to look or who to ask. I'm not one bit bashful about calling someone for an opinion if I don't feel comfortable with the appraisal I've formed in my head. For instance, I might call Wayne Keith for help on a uniform or helmet appraisal, or Don Nicholson for model cars or vintage toys. And once in awhile, I'll consult a price guide to make sure I'm in the ballpark, especially if I think my appraisal might be a little out of line or if it is an item that has shown a lot of diverging values.

Your knife is a good one. I saw that knife sell for as much as $1000 back in the day. While the knife market hasn't softened as much as some other categories, it has suffered some. I know of one of these knives selling for $650 a year or so ago. I thought that was a little cheap. I'd place the collectible value of your knife in the $650-800 range.

Q: In 2000 or so, I saw Richard Childress, along with his main engine guy at RCR on TV, presenting a soon to be available very highly detailed 1/4 scale die-cast replica of the RCR Chevrolet NASCAR racing engine. I believe (but I'm unsure) that it was to be available from Action. I've searched everywhere I can think of and have asked everyone who would listen about the availability of this model and so far, I have not found anyone who has ever even heard of it.

I saw Mr. Childress himself hand the last pre-production prototype over to his engine guy as a gift. Then he explained that the parts were being finalized at a manufacturing facility in china and that the model would be available here in a few months. So, my question is this: Did this replica ever really exist or have I been hallucinating? Is it still or was it ever available? Who made them? What information can you give me that might steer me in the right direction on this thing? Web links, pictures, whatever. I'd appreciate even the slightest clue. I'd be grateful for any help you may give me.--James

A: You aren't losing it, James. It existed. In fact, I was the first member of the media that Fred Wagenahals let see it. It was built by Action and it was an awesome piece. I think the original selling price was around $350. Everybody thought that was expensive then, but now I've heard of them selling for nearly twice that. I've seen them turn up on eBay occasionally, so that might be a good source, or just do an extensive search of "Action Engine" on the internet.

Q: My Mom recently passed away, and she had two Dale Earnhardt cars and two other NASCAR drivers' cars. All are 1:64 scale. I will list them and, if you would please, tell me the value of these cars: 1980 Wrangler Lifetime Series 7 of 13 with card and die cast car (No. 2 instead of No.3), 1999 Monte Carlo No. 3, with card; Alan Kulwicki Lifetime Series 1 of 3 with card, Mike Skinner Collector's Series. -- Brandy Jacobson

A: Both Earnhardt Winner's Circle Lifetime Series cars appraise for $20-30, with the 1980 version being a little more valuable than the '99 Monte Carlo. The Kulwicki Lifetime Series car is worth right around $10. You didn't mention the year or manufacturer of the Skinner car, but it doesn't really matter in this case. The value is under $10.

Q: I have been unable to find any information on a 1991 No. 10 Ernie Irvan Mac Tools Super Star Transporter. Can you help?-Ellen

A: This is a good collectible. It was made by Matchbox for White Rose Collectibles. This 1:87 scale hauler is probably worth $20-25. The No. 10 was a Busch car that Ernie drove.

Q: I have a complete box of 36 twelve-card packs of 1994 Super Premium racing cards by Pro Set. Each pack has Dale Earnhardt on the outside. I was wondering what this might be worth.--Eddie

A: Wax boxes used to hold their value well. But in recent years, they have shown a tendency to lose value to a certain point. I'd value this box at $25-30.

Q: I have an autographed Jeff Gordon Million Dollar Memoirs MM8 card made by Upper Deck in 1997. I was wondering what it is worth?--Edward R.

A: Great card. I'd place the value at around $100, plus or minus $25 depending on the condition.

Q: I have a Dale Earnhardt 1995 Limited Edition Winston Cup 25th Anniversary silver 1:64 scale stock car. It is still packaged and has never been opened. It was produced by Action. Can you tell me what this car is worth?-Sam

A: If this is the original car from 1995, there are several versions. The most valuable is packaged in a window box and is worth $75-100. The cars packaged in blister packs are likely worth $40-70.

Q: I have an unopened pack of Action Packed Winston Cup Country '95 cards. The top card is Rusty Wallace in a No. 2 Pontiac with Spectrum and Alugard sponsorship at the bottom of the card it says "Now and Then." Could you please give me info on these and any value to them?-RbsOne

A: A set you seldom see anymore. The value of a single wax pack would be $4-5.

Q: I recently came across a NASCAR Café brand collectible car. It's 1:64 scale and the box is marked: NASCAR Café, Smoky Mountains, 1999 Pontiac, 1 of 1,152. I was wondering how much this collectible might be worth.-Mike

A; You don't see many of these anymore, but they still don't carry much value. It's worth around $5.

Q: I have a 1993 Winston Cup Championship clock. It is slightly retangle in shape. It has a black lacquer background. Dale Earnhardt Sr is sitting in front of his No. 3 race car. It still works, has rarely been used. It has the GM Goodwrench racing team behind the car. It also displays five trophies on the floor in front of the car and one next to Earnhart. Can you tell me what it is worth? I would greatly appreciate it.-Karen

A: This is a good solid collectible. It should be worth around $100, give or take $15.

Q: I have a 1:43 scale die-cast 1998 Winners Circle Coca Cola 1998 Dale Earnhardt No. 3 car. Could you please tell me what this car would be worth? This car is still in the original package.-- Joe

A: This is the car Earnhardt raced in Japan in 1998. Dale Jr. ran a No. 1 Coke car in that race. The Dale Sr. car should be worth $30-40. It should be interesting to note that, in the grand scheme of die-cast worldwide, 1:43 is the most popular scale. Of course, in this country-and particularly in NASCAR-1:24 is most popular.