Get ready for an extraordinary opportunity within the next 48 hours as a highly sought-after piece of NASCAR history is set to cross the auction block. A genuine race car chassis utilized by the seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson during his 2011 season, a year marked by intense competition and thrilling races, is a featured item in an upcoming auction hosted by Charlotte-based IronHorse Auction Co., Inc. This particular chassis stands out not only for its pedigree but also as the sole item currently attracting a five-figure bid among a diverse array of auction lots.
This event represents an exceptionally rare chance for dedicated fans and collectors alike to acquire authentic components from the renowned Hendrick Motorsports organization, items that have historically remained inaccessible to the general public. Will Lilly of IronHorse Auction Co. emphasized this point, stating in a press release issued by Hendrick Motorsports, “This is a rare chance for ordinary fans to own rare components from Hendrick Motorsports that have never been available to the public before.”
Currently, bidding for this significant artifact, identified as Chassis No. 659, sits at $18,250, with subsequent bids required to increase by minimum increments of $250. The chassis is presented in a state of good preservation; its engine remains in running condition, it is equipped with a standard 7-gallon fuel tank, and the overall bodywork is largely intact, with the notable exception of the battery.
While the auction listing might identify this as a Gen-6 chassis, historical records confirm its true lineage traces back to the Gen-5 era, specifically the 2011 NASCAR season. That year proved to be a formidable one for Jimmie Johnson, who secured two victories and concluded the championship standings in a respectable sixth position. The 2011 season is widely regarded as one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, culminating in a dramatic title battle where Tony Stewart narrowly edged out Carl Edwards for the coveted championship.
Hendrick Motorsports has officially validated the identity of this chassis as No. 659. Furthermore, meticulous records maintained by racing historian and X (formerly Twitter) user nascarman indicate that this specific chassis saw action in seven races throughout the 2011 season. Its history includes notable performances such as securing a third-place finish at Kansas Speedway and, remarkably, surviving a significant incident during the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October of that year.
Beyond the headline Jimmie Johnson chassis, the auction catalogue features other compelling items for enthusiasts. Among these is Chassis No. 878, originating from the Gen-6 cars. This chassis boasts a fascinating history, having been campaigned by the legendary Jeff Gordon during the 2013 and 2014 seasons before later being utilized by Chase Elliott in 2017 and 2018. Adding to its appeal, this chassis still proudly displays Elliott’s distinctive No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts livery. As this item does not include an engine, its starting bid is set at a more accessible $5,250, representing another significant relic from the storied history of Hendrick Motorsports and a potential acquisition for collectors looking for a tangible connection to multiple eras and drivers of the team. This auction promises to be a pivotal event for those seeking to own a piece of NASCAR’s modern history.