Former Jeff Gordon Race Car Sells for $55,000 in Reno
The 2011-era Chevrolet Impala, rebuilt over two years, is not legal for road use.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Motorsports
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A former NASCAR race car driven by Jeff Gordon sold at an auction in Reno this September for $55,000. The Chevrolet Impala, which competed during the 2011 season, recently underwent a two-year rebuild by Rick Ware Racing.
Why it matters
The sale offers a window into the history of the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow era for local racing enthusiasts. Because the vehicle lacks a traditional VIN and title, it remains strictly a collector piece not legal for road use.
The vehicle sold for $55,000 at a Reno auction, following a two-year restoration process. The race car features a 358ci SB-2 V8 engine, 9-inch rear axle, and 15-inch Aero wheels.
The players
Jeff Gordon
The professional race car driver whose team operated the vehicle during the 2011 season.
Rick Ware Racing
The professional racing organization that performed the two-year rebuild of the vehicle.
The details
Rick Ware Racing managed the two-year reconstruction, which included replacing the original raised rear wing with a wicker-style spoiler. The car originally competed in the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series season, recording a second-place finish at the Brickyard 400. Potential buyers should note that this specific build is strictly for track or display purposes and cannot be titled for operation on public streets.
Timeline
The vehicle competed throughout the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series season.
The auction took place in Reno during September 2026.
The Truckee Meadows View
This auction sale highlights the ongoing interest in artifacts from the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow era. It tracks alongside documented collector trends for retired professional racing machinery.
Collectors in the valley should note that this vehicle is for track display only and is not legal for road use. The sale concluded this past September, setting a price benchmark for similar NASCAR-era assets.
The takeaway
Collectors should remember that NASCAR-era race cars require significant mechanical maintenance and are prohibited from highway travel. Watch for Hendrick Motorsports to reintroduce neon yellow door numbers across their fleet starting in the 2027 season.
Further reading
For more on local automotive interest, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FanBuzz - Sports News - NFL | NCAA | NBA | WWE.
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