Jeff Gordon NASCAR Race Car Sells at Reno Auction

A former Jeff Gordon NASCAR Cup Series vehicle sold for $55,000 during a September 2026 auction in Reno.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Motorsports

Expressionist sports illustration of a race car in an indoor showroom, rendered with bold brush strokes and vibrant red and gray tones. — A former NASCAR Cup Series race car driven by Jeff Gordon sold at a Reno auction for $55,000 this September. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A Chevrolet Impala driven by Jeff Gordon during the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series season was sold at an auction in Reno in September 2026 for $55,000. Rick Ware Racing performed a two-year rebuild of the race car prior to the sale.

Why it matters

This auction provides collectors with an opportunity to own a piece of the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow era history. The sale preserves the legacy of the vehicle, which notably finished second in the Brickyard 400.

The vehicle features a 358ci SB-2 V8 engine, 15-inch Aero wheels, and a 9-inch rear axle. Rick Ware Racing completed a two-year rebuild on the car before it reached the auction block.

The players

Jeff Gordon

He is a legendary NASCAR driver and four-time Cup Series champion who retired from full-time racing in 2015.

Rick Ware Racing

This is a professional auto racing organization that competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and oversaw the two-year restoration of the vehicle.

Hendrick Motorsports

This is a premier NASCAR organization that has earned numerous championships and plans to bring back neon yellow door numbers for 2027.

The details

The race car competed during the 2011 season, earning a second-place finish at the Brickyard 400, a sixth-place finish at Michigan, and a 24th-place finish at Chicagoland. To prepare the machine for sale, the team replaced the original raised rear wing with a wicker-style version, and the car lacks a traditional title or VIN, making it illegal for road use.

The car competed in the NASCAR Cup Series throughout 2011.
The race car was sold at auction in September 2026.

Season Trajectory

The sale of this machine serves as a reminder of the engineering shifts that defined the sport during the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow era. This vehicle represents a departure from modern chassis standards as teams look toward the 2027 season.

Prospective collectors should note that because the car lacks a title and VIN, it cannot be driven on public roads. The buyer acquired a specialized track vehicle that serves strictly for display or private track use.

The takeaway

Owning a professional race car requires understanding the limitations of retired series vehicles, which are often restricted to track use. Collectors should verify the technical history of such machines to ensure they meet their intended display or performance needs.