Richard Petty and Kyle Petty carried the legendary Petty family legacy through NASCAR® history behind the iconic No. 43 and No. 42 machines. Richard earned the vast majority of his record 200 NASCAR Cup Series® victories in the famous No. 43, while his son Kyle proudly raced the Petty Enterprises No. 42—just as his grandfather Lee Petty had during NASCAR’s formative years.
Yet in one unforgettable moment during the 1981 season opener at Riverside International Raceway, the father-son duo did something that would become one of NASCAR’s most unique footnotes: they swapped cars. Petty Enterprises, which fielded both entries, sought to place Kyle’s No. 42 into NASCAR’s “Winner’s Circle” incentive program. With Kyle beginning his first full Cup season, Richard’s championship-winning experience behind the wheel of the No. 42 gave the team the best chance to secure eligibility. Kyle, in turn, piloted his father’s legendary No. 43 that day in Southern California.
When the grueling Riverside road course event concluded, Richard Petty delivered a strong fifth-place finish in the No. 42, while Kyle brought the No. 43 home in 20th. Afterward, both drivers returned to their traditional numbers as Winner’s Circle rules evolved. Richard went back to the No. 43 and captured two more victories that season, while Kyle resumed driving the No. 42 and earned 10 top-10 finishes during his rookie year.
Although the number swap never happened again, Lionel Racing—the Official Die-cast of NASCAR®—now commemorates this historic Riverside moment with newly produced NASCAR diecast replicas of Richard Petty’s No. 42 STP Chevrolet and Kyle Petty’s No. 43 STP Chevrolet.
These highly detailed Lionel Racing diecast are available individually in 1:24 scale in both autographed and unsigned versions, each featuring opening hood and trunk, rolling Goodyear tires, authentic 1981 STP race graphics, and period-correct details. Collectors of 1:64 scale NASCAR diecast can also order each car separately, or choose the special two-car 1:64 scale set showcasing both Riverside entries in a custom collector box.
Produced in a strictly limited edition and never to be remade, these historic Petty family NASCAR diecast are essential additions for Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, and classic NASCAR collectors alike. Secure yours today at Diecast Depot—your trusted source for rare and collectible NASCAR diecast since 1999.
Each car fetures:
Diecast body; opening hood and trunk; serialized DIN (diecast identification number); detailed deco body; painted chassis detail; posable wheels; fabric window net; detailed engine compartment; and more!
Due in Summer 2026. You will not be charged until your car is in stock & ready to ship.
