Back in May, Splash ‘n Go and Lionel Racing decided to introduce a new monthly feature — the Collector’s Corner in which we interview different die-cast collector every month and showcase his or her collection.
This month, our spotlight is shining on Bob “Mopar” Domecq from Superior, Wisconsin. Bob is a California native, Marine Corps veteran, avid Mopar enthusiast and a Visual Arts teacher by trade. He spends his off-time painting, shooting photos and drawing, as well as collecting and working on the 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda 360 Rallye that I own.
We hope you enjoy the slideshow of Bob’s collection.
When did you become a NASCAR fan? I became a fan in the late 1960s-early 1970s when the Hemi-powered, winged Dodges and Plymouths were dominating the NASCAR circuit.
Which drivers/teams/car manufacturers do you pull for? Any driver or team that drives for Dodge/Mopar. Tony Raines, Bob Keselowski, Brendan Gaughan, Joe Ruttman, Bobby Hamilton, Ted Musgrave, Ward Burton, Sterling Marlin, Jamie McMurray, Bill Elliott, Ryan Newman, Rusty Wallace, Kasey Kahne, Juan Pablo Montoya, Justin Allgaier and Brad Keselowski are the big names who’ve won races and/or championships for Dodge in the Truck, Xfinity and Cup series. Sadly, Dodge corporately quit racing in 2012 after winning a Cup championship. However, there are still a few independent teams that run in the Xfinity and Truck series and I still cheer them on.
What tracks/races have you been to? Milwaukee Mile, Sears Point (Sonoma) Raceway. Which drivers have you met? I met Richard and Kyle Petty as well as John Andretti at a General Mills meet-and-greet hosted at the Mall of America in 2002. I presented Richard with several of my paintings of his cars.
What is on your NASCAR bucket list? To live long enough to see Chrysler fund and fully support Dodge to go back to NASCAR racing.
How many die-cast are in your collection? Roughly 500 or more. 1:64s? 178 1:24s? 405 1:18s? 14 1:16s? 3
What year did you start collecting die-cast? I started collecting Hot Wheels Redlines as a kid when Shell stations would give them away every time you filled your tank. These were promotions in California where Hot Wheels originated. Eventually, after my time in the service, my collecting habits evolved into NASCAR and NHRA diecast. What year did you become a RCCA Member? I became a member of RCCA in 1996.
What was your first die-cast? I don’t think I can remember that far back, but probably a Hot Wheels Redline of some kind. Most recent? University of Racing/ICONS 1969 Bobby Isaac #71 K&K Insurance Dodge Charger 500 1:24.
What is your favorite die-cast? Action Racing Collectables 2009 Elliott #19 Sadler Geek Squard Dodge Charger COT Team Sample. Why? It was sent to me personally from Paul Zindrick who was at that time the CEO of Best Buy Racing. This car was originally a “DNP” but a special run of cars was done for the team. I had contacted several channels through Best Buy Corporate offices searching and the next thing I know, I received an email from Paul stating he’d send me a car. … And he did.
What die-cast would you love to add to your collection? Nothing specific at this point, but I am always on the lookout for special 1:24-scale Dodge prototypes and samples. Why? There are plenty of regular release diecasts that I don’t have, but am satisfied with what I do; therefore, prototypes and samples, which are unusual in nature, would fit nicely in my collection.
What die-cast would you love to see produced? A Gen 6 Dodge Charger or any Lionel Racing, 1972-1977 tooled Dodge Chargers in their NASCAR Classics Series. Why? The first choice is a given, but would require Dodge to go Cup racing again. The second choice would be an acknowledgement by Lionel Racing to us NASCAR Dodge fans/customers who do not have much to collect from their company since 2012. We’re still out here and we’d love to have some of their product to add to our collections.
MoparBob Domecq
August 3, 2016 — 10:33 pm
Awesome! Thank you! In the write up you mentioned My ‘Cuda 360 *RALLYE*… LOL! Not sure if it was a misspelling on my part… Heh.
Lionel Racing
August 4, 2016 — 6:43 pm
That was my bad. We’ve fixed it.
Bob Domecq
August 20, 2016 — 12:40 pm
Thanks for the fix!
MoparBob Domecq
August 27, 2016 — 12:54 pm
As the month of August draws to a close, once again, thanks for showcasing my collection on the Splash ‘n’ Go blog. It was an honor. If anyone would like to see my individual pieces, they can be found here in my albums along with some other interesting items:
http://diecastcrazy.com/media/users/moparbob.7409/albums
Take care and I hope folks will have a look for reference purposes or just out of curiosity. Feel free to continue to drop comments as well. See ya around!
Jerry
August 3, 2016 — 11:28 pm
This has to be the Ultimate MoPar Collection!
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 9:01 pm
Thanks Jerry! Much appreciated from a fellow oldtimer like yourself!
Thomas Meehan
August 3, 2016 — 11:49 pm
Congrats Bob a true CHC and very sweet “dodge” collection! Glad you won old friend! 🙂
Lionel Racing
August 4, 2016 — 6:35 pm
It is indeed a “sweet ‘Dodge’ collection. This isn’t really an award or anything you can win, just a way to show off different collections.
Bob Domecq
August 20, 2016 — 12:44 pm
You should see if there’s a “sweet Dodge” proto or sample laying around gathering dust in the offices of Lionel Racing you could send me… They give away those to people on the forum for sneezing, it seems, LOL…! 😉
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 9:00 pm
Thank you, Tank!
David Jacques
August 3, 2016 — 11:54 pm
Hi Bob “Mopar”
I was wondering if you happen to have the Boss Hoss Silver Special that Hot Wheels produced in the late 60s, early 70s? I believe it was a special edition collectors car.
BTW Congratulations Bob!
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 9:00 pm
I know the the car you speak of, Brohamski. You’re right, it is a hot one! Thanks for the comments and props!
Rusty Shackelford
August 4, 2016 — 12:40 am
What a great collection, it’s too bad that Lionel doesn’t make more classic mopars for collectors like Bob. #usethemold
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:58 pm
#usethemold. It’s a lifestyle, E-man! So many possibilities!
Mike kb972
August 4, 2016 — 1:04 am
Great looking collection of Mopars Bob. Well done on the award.
Lionel Racing
August 4, 2016 — 6:33 pm
We agree! This really isn’t an award, but just a way to showcase collectors’ collections.
Bob Domecq
August 20, 2016 — 12:50 pm
True, true… But this would be a great opportunity to reward folks who collect diecasts who aren’t on the forums with something special (ahem, sample/prototype) and a good way for collectors to participate in the Splash ‘N’ Go blog…. 😉
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:57 pm
Thanks Mike! No greater Kurt Busch fan than you!
Bob Domecq
August 20, 2016 — 12:52 pm
Thanks Mike! You’re a true blue Kurt Busch fan if I ever saw one…
MoparBob Domecq
August 4, 2016 — 1:10 am
Also, my friend Mike on DiecastCraZy.com was bummed because I forgot to mention Kurt Busch as a Dodge Driver and winner in my article… I am doing so now… 😉
Might as well mention Parker Kligerman too as well as Lee and Richard Petty, Pete Hamilton, Bobby Allison, Bobby Isaac, David Pearson, Fred Lorenzen and all the other Old-School ChryCo drivers from back in the day… 🙂
Brian Mattox
August 4, 2016 — 10:19 pm
Congratulations Bob………”it has to be a Dodge”……….Mopar Man.
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:56 pm
Thanks for the props, oh master of everything Kenseth!
Aaron Forkum
August 5, 2016 — 12:05 am
Always nice to see an original AKA old timer, get some recognition. Very spiffy collection. It’s a shame there isn’t any pictures of the outstanding artwork to go along with the outstanding collection. Again, congrats on the nod Bob.
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:55 pm
Thanks Aaron. Appreciate it!
DavidInFlorida3
August 5, 2016 — 10:58 am
Still going strong Mopar Bob. We had a lot of good times back in the days with Diecast Digest Chat and made a lot of lifelong friends. I hope you remember us all as most of us have faded out of the collection scene. Always have loved your dedication to Mopar and Diecast collecting. Stay focused and continue to give us old guys something to look at.
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:54 pm
You know it, David! You and Jabooti were the two that really got me into this whole NASCAR collecting thing some 20+ years ago. Those were some great times!
Don Anselmo
August 5, 2016 — 12:19 pm
I love your collection of Dodge/Mopar cars. It’s also great to see another’ devout collector of diecast. Your display is fantastic. Coming from a longtime Petty fan, this is a sight to see. Congrats to Lionel for writing and producing this article.
Bob Domecq
August 9, 2016 — 8:52 pm
Thanks, fellow Petty fan!
Jeff
August 22, 2016 — 8:17 pm
#Usethemold #Bringbackbob
Great collection Mr. Mopar
MoparBob Domecq
August 24, 2016 — 1:05 am
#freejeffFord Thanks Brohamski!
MoparBob Domecq
September 17, 2016 — 12:14 pm
Or was this INJ969 Jeff? Either way, it’s all good! 🙂