The automotive industry may have been hit hard by the shutdowns necessitated by fears of a global coronavirus pandemic, but all indications point to the secondhand and collectible markets blossoming during this period. Even as live events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance were canceled and auctions moved to online formats, the wide range of incredible cars coming out of the woodwork has remained highly impressive. All that remains to be seen is how starved wealthy collectors will be for auction action once in-person programming can resume and already, the lineups for events like Mecum's Indy 2020 and RM Sotheby's Elkhart Collection auctions look mind-blowing. Case in point comes in the form of RM Sotheby's recent listing of a 2012 Chevrolet Impala NASCAR racer that was piloted by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Real Deal
RM Sotheby's listing proves without a doubt that the entire concept of a "stock car" remains a joke, though as a NASCAR racer, this car looks like it could be very fun for the right buyer. Earnhart Jr piloted this Chevy for five races spreading across the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons. His best finish behind the wheel was a third-place at Sonoma in 2014. After the car's career on the track ended following the end of that season, the car returned to Hendrick Motorsports, from which it was then acquired by the Elkhart Collection.
Parts And Pieces
After Hendrick Motorsports received this Impala, it was rebuilt before being delivered to the Elkhart Collection by Lance McGrew "using authentic, period-correct road course components." Under the hood, a Hendrick Racing Chevy R07 engine has been installed with carburetors. It even sports a passenger seat, as apparently the owner wanted to take friends for rides at a local track and scare them. The car will be sold without reserve at RM Sotheby's event on the weekend of October 23 and 24 of 2020.
Source: RM Sothebys