From Diecast to Real Steel

By Tanya Manus

Richard Haken owns every replica of diecast cars ever made, and he's an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. For a collector like Richard, the only thing more satisfying than having a diecast model of a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. car is owning and driving the real thing; his 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Supercharged Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Signature Edition.

This isn't just any Monte Carlo. Only 2,883 of these special editions were produced, making Richard's car exceptionally rare. What makes it even more unique is that it's one of only 328 built without a sunroof, a low-production variant that true collectors prize.

Richard's connection to this particular car began in 2015 when he first spotted it on carsforsale.com, where he works. The car caught his attention, but it wasn't meant to be, yet. Seven years later, in 2022, fate intervened when the same Monte Carlo appeared for sale again. This time, Richard didn't hesitate. Tired of driving his truck everywhere, he purchased the car from Highway Chevrolet in Rock Valley, Iowa, initially intending to use it as a reliable second vehicle.

Richard dubbed his acquisition "Red Alert" for its attention-grabbing original Victory Red paint color and impressive performance. "It's pretty quick for having a supercharger engine," Richard adds. "It's a great car for road trips. It gets a lot of head turners!"

What started as practical transportation quickly became something more precious. "I realized it was pretty nice to be driving every day, so I started storing it," Richard says. "It sits in a heated garage when it's not being driven."

The car remains largely original, with only a few modifications: ground effects, front spoiler, front headlight covers, and tinted windows. Thanks to the previous owner's son, who was a mechanic, the Monte Carlo was exceptionally well-maintained when Richard acquired it. Apart from needing new tires, everything was in excellent condition.

For Richard, the Monte Carlo SS's NASCAR heritage creates the deepest connection. He watched Dale Earnhardt, Jr. race in the 2003 Daytona 500, making this car a tangible link to that memory. The Signature Edition features Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s incorporated stripes along the sides, while the interior showcases original Dale Earnhardt, Jr. floor mats. The racing legend's autograph graces both the back of the seats and the dash plaque, and his iconic number 8 appears on the car body and speedometer.

Richard considers only minor updates, mentioning he might someday install a new sound system while keeping the original stock system intact.

Richard's passion extends beyond just owning the car as he actively shares it with fellow enthusiasts. "I've always gone to car shows. My son Tavis and I sell diecast cars on the side, muscle car diecasts, also plastic model cars and Hot Wheels," Richard explains. This family business inspired his personalized license plates: 'RAT WHLS,' where RAT represents Richard and Tavis.

"I take this to all local car shows. I've gotten a trophy in a few of them, but it's basically show and shine. I don't really like competition. I just like showing my car off," Richard says. For him, the joy lies not in winning but in celebrating automotive passion and connecting with others who share his appreciation for these remarkable machines.