It is a rare event for any Dale Earnhardt or racing fan to find an authentic full sized car that was driven by “The Intimidator; but after the closure of the Winstin Cup Museum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina one of the very few cars not already in Richard Childress’ collection is being put up for auction.

The car is a 1995 trademark black number three that has been driven by two Earnhardts.  Dale Sr drove the car in 1995 and son Kerry drove the car in the Goowood Festival rally in 1996.  The car was relegated to “show car” status in 1997.

The Winston Cup Museum closed its doors December 16, 2023 after declining attendance and some financial issues after 33 years.

A vast majority of the collection is being auctioned off via Mecum Auto Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida from January 2 through the 14th.  The auction will include over 30 cars, motors, arcade games, helmets, fire suits, framed photos, a handful of trophies, and car hoods.

Also coming up for auction with Mecum is Smoke’s rookie car.  Tony Stewart made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 1999 in the number 20 car.  He won three races that season on his way to 49 career wins and three championships.  The car was retired a the end of the 1999 season.

The dashboard has been autographed by Stewart and then crew chief Greg Zippadelli.

Along with the car, the auction includes Smoke’s pit board and a fire suit.

The car was also driven by Bobby Labonte.

Smoke’s car is among the cars in the auction set to begin January 2 in Kissimmee.