Jimmie Johnson‘s notoriously ill-fated race car, Hendrick Motorsports Chassis #659, has sparked an intense bidding war at auction in 2025, captivating NASCAR enthusiasts eager to own a piece of this unique motorsport history. Once a symbol of frustration on the track, this 2011 Cup Series car from Charlotte Motor Speedway now draws passionate collectors inspired by its resilient story.
The Journey of HMS-659: From Racing Misfortune to Coveted Collectible
During the 2011 NASCAR Cup season, Jimmie Johnson drove the Hendrick Motorsports HMS-659 car, famously recognized for its Coca-Cola 600 livery. Despite Johnson’s status as a seven-time champion, this particular chassis stood out for its tough luck rather than triumphs. Fans and insiders frequently discussed HMS-659’s string of setbacks—mechanical failures, pit road errors, and close calls—that kept it from joining Johnson’s many victories.
Now fully restored with its original Coke 600 design, the car’s value has soared beyond the racetrack, attracting fervent collectors and NASCAR fans alike. The car’s history, marked by persistence and near misses, appeals deeply to those who appreciate stories of grit and determination in sport.
I was very thankful the SAFER was there. I just wish we could find a way to extend the wall out and redirect the car from that opening, or close that opening up.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series driver
The car’s complexity extends beyond its racing career; after retirement, the chassis served as a pit stop practice vehicle, adding layers to its history. NASCAR historian Aedan McHugh explained,
Chassis 659 had a long service life as our pit stop practice car after she was retired,
emphasizing the car’s continued presence within the sport despite its misfortunes.
Recently, HMS-659 resurfaced in the collectors’ market. It was auctioned by Hendrick Motorsports earlier this year and noted for its working engine and original livery. Mark Ebert later listed the car on Facebook for $48,000, reigniting fan interest around the country and beyond.
HMS-659, which was auctioned away by HMS in January, now has the 2011 Coke 600 scheme back on it. It’s being sold on Facebook for $48K by Mark Ebert.
—Aedan McHugh, NASCAR historian
Why This NASCAR Relic Captivates Fans Despite Its Lack of Wins
Jimmie Johnson’s HMS-659 symbolizes more than just a racing car; it embodies resilience in the face of repeated adversity. For many NASCAR followers, cars like this resonate strongly because they carry tales of what almost happened, the hopes dashed and battles fought hard but ultimately lost. Unlike the usual celebration of winning machines, the appeal of HMS-659 lies in its perseverance and the emotional narrative embedded within its chassis.
The Hendrick Motorsports team’s dedication to maintaining the car’s historical authenticity, particularly its vibrant 2011 Coca-Cola 600 livery, ensures it remains instantly recognizable to fans. This combination of aesthetics and story creates a compelling package for collectors who seek meaningful memorabilia rather than mere trophies.
Memorabilia collecting in NASCAR thrives on these stories of endurance, making HMS-659’s auction a vivid demonstration of how sports fans appreciate narratives of resilience. As the sport evolves, artifacts like this car provide a bridge between NASCAR’s history and its present, enhancing the connection between fans and the sport’s cultural heritage.
The Auction Frenzy: How HMS-659 Became a Hot Commodity
When Hendrick Motorsports put HMS-659 on auction earlier this year, the response exceeded expectations quickly. Bids surged past $18,000 in the final days of the auction, sparking fierce competition among memorabilia buyers, NASCAR insiders, and devoted fans. The car’s combination of rarity, racing lore, and emotional pull has made it highly sought after in collector circles.
The sale of an “unluckiest” car highlights a larger trend in sports collecting, where emotional value and stories often overshadow on-paper accomplishments. Johnson’s HMS-659, once marred by bad luck on the track, paradoxically celebrates its legacy through the enthusiasm it inspires among its new admirers.
The demand for HMS-659 also illustrates how fans cherish tangible connections to motorsport heroes and their journeys, even when those journeys involved setbacks instead of podium finishes. The auction’s outcome reveals a market fueled not just by competitive bidding, but by a shared passion for NASCAR history and the drama inherent in every race season.
The Lasting Significance of Jimmie Johnson’s HMS-659
Jimmie Johnson’s unluckiest car represents a powerful narrative within NASCAR’s broader story of competition and human spirit. As memorabilia markets continue to grow, the value of meaningful stories like HMS-659’s is likely to rise, encouraging fans and collectors to seek items that evoke strong emotional connections.
This car’s journey, from a racecar marked by bad breaks to a treasured relic on the auction block, serves as a reminder that legacy is often crafted as much by resilience and memorable moments as by outright victories. For owners and admirers, HMS-659 stands as a testament to the highs and lows of racing, honoring the passion and determination seen in all facets of the sport.
Looking ahead, the story of HMS-659 may inspire other collectors and fans to reexamine the importance of how sports history is preserved and celebrated, especially through artifacts that embody the complex emotions experienced on and off the track.
