Yearly Archives: 2024

Hot Wheels 57th Anniversary “Pearl & Chrome” Set: A Purple and Gold Celebration

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The first Hot Wheels 57th Anniversary “Pearl & Chrome” set for 2025 has arrived, and it’s a vibrant celebration of purple and gold! This year’s theme brings us six new models with striking color schemes, though the casting choices might leave some collectors feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Let’s dive into the individual cars:

  1. Volkswagen “Baja Bug”: This classic off-roader comes in a dazzling metalflake purple with gold accents and gold Beadlock Off-Road wheels. It’s a sharp look for the Baja Bug, and I suspect this will be the most sought-after car in the set. The Baja Bug has been a popular Hot Wheels casting since its introduction in 1970. It’s based on the modified Volkswagen Beetles that were popular in off-road racing in the 1960s and 1970s.
  2. D-Muscle: This modern muscle car is decked out in metalflake purple with gold PR5 wheels. While not as iconic as some other muscle cars in the Hot Wheels lineup, the D-Muscle still looks good in this color scheme.
  3. ’73 Jeep CJ10: This rugged pickup truck gets the purple and gold treatment with metalflake paint and gold Beadlock Off-Road wheels. The CJ10 is a decent casting, but it’s not one that usually excites me. The ’73 Jeep CJ10 was first introduced in the Hot Wheels lineup in 2021. It’s a faithful replica of the real-life Jeep CJ10, which was produced from 1972 to 1986.
  4. ’55 Corvette: This classic American sports car is always a welcome addition to any collection. The metalflake purple with gold AeroDisc wheels is a nice touch, but I’m not sure it’s enough to make this Corvette stand out from the crowd. The ’55 Corvette is one of the most iconic American sports cars of all time. It was first introduced in 1953 and was in production until 1962.
  5. Muscle and Blown: This Viper-inspired muscle car is a bit of an oddball in the set, but it’s still a fun casting. The metalflake purple with gold AeroDisc wheels is a good look for it. I’m not sure how this one will be received by collectors. It seems like it might be overlooked in the set.
  6. Baja Bison T5: This off-road truck is the chase piece for the set, and it’s easy to see why. The gold chrome finish with purple accents and gold Beadlock Off-Road wheels is stunning. The Baja Bison T5 is a relatively new casting, but it’s already become a favorite among collectors.

Overall, the Hot Wheels 57th Anniversary “Pearl & Chrome” set is a mixed bag. The color schemes are fantastic, but the casting choices are a bit uninspired. I think the Volkswagen “Baja Bug” and the Baja Bison T5 will be the most popular cars in the set, but the other four cars might have a harder time finding homes in collectors’ displays. I’m interested to see what the secondary market prices for these will be. I’m guessing the Baja Bug and the Baja Bison T5 will be the most expensive, but I could be wrong.

Hot Wheels RLC 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red: A Modern Muscle Masterpiece

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The Hot Wheels Red Line Club (RLC) is about to unleash a diecast beast that’ll have collectors and enthusiasts alike roaring with excitement: the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red. This isn’t just another Mustang; it’s a limited-edition tribute to an incredibly rare, street-illegal monster that only a select few have ever laid eyes on.

The Real-Life Code Red: A Beast Unleashed

The real-life 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red is a collaboration between Shelby American and Fathouse Performance. It’s a heavily modified version of the already potent Shelby GT500, boasting a mind-blowing 1,300 horsepower, thanks to upgraded turbos, a new fuel system, and a host of other performance enhancements. With a price tag north of $200,000, it’s a car reserved for the elite few.

Hot Wheels RLC: Capturing the Essence

Hot Wheels has faithfully recreated this modern muscle masterpiece in 1:64 scale, capturing the aggressive lines and menacing presence of the Code Red. The Spectraflame Slate paint job with Code Red accents perfectly complements the car’s muscular stance. The opening hood reveals a detailed engine bay, showcasing the heart of this beast.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

With only 30 of the real-life Code Reds ever produced, owning one is a dream for most. However, the Hot Wheels RLC version offers a more attainable way to experience this automotive legend. At just $25, it’s a steal compared to its real-life counterpart.

My Take

As a self-proclaimed Dodge Challenger guy, I can’t help but appreciate the raw power and presence of the Code Red. It’s refreshing to see modern American muscle getting some love in the RLC lineup. While JDM and classic muscle cars have their place, there’s something undeniably exciting about the latest generation of high-performance American cars.

I predict this RLC release will be highly sought-after by collectors. The combination of a modern muscle car, limited production, and an attractive price point is a recipe for success. Don’t miss out on your chance to add this beast to your collection!  Goes live on Mattel Creations at 11:00 AM CST on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Hot Wheels Pop Culture Mix 1 for 2025 Announced

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Hot Wheels has recently announced the first mix of Pop Culture cars for 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a great one! The Pop Culture line is part of the Hot Wheels Gold series, featuring premium releases with rubber tires and more detailed bodies than the mainline cars. This set includes some real gems, with a nice variety of castings and themes. Let’s take a closer look.

Aston Martin Vanquish from James Bond “Die Another Day”: This sleek silver Aston Martin comes equipped with Real Rider Modern 10-spoke wheels and captures the essence of the iconic car from the James Bond film. The Vanquish was a fitting choice for Bond, showcasing cutting-edge technology and performance, much like the DB5 did in earlier films. It’s sure to be a popular choice for both Bond and diecast enthusiasts.

The Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo: This turquoise and orange Mystery Machine is an instant classic. It features orange Real Rider wheels and the classic Scooby-Doo graphics. The Mystery Machine has been a staple of the Scooby-Doo franchise since its inception in 1969, and this Hot Wheels release is a great way to celebrate its enduring popularity.

1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport from Jay Leno’s Garage: This white 1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport with chrome Slotted Real Riders is a beauty. The Cosmo Sport was a groundbreaking car for Mazda, featuring a sleek design and a rotary engine. Its appearance on Jay Leno’s Garage introduced this classic car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Kool Kombi with Mattel 80th Anniversary graphics: This red Kool Kombi with chrome Real Rider 10-spoke wheels is a standout in the set. The Kool Kombi is already a popular casting, and this new livery celebrating Mattel’s 80th anniversary is sure to make it even more desirable. I predict this one will be the big hit from this case.

K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider: This black K.I.T.T. with black Dish Real Rider wheels is a must-have for fans of the classic TV show. K.I.T.T., or Knight Industries Two Thousand, was a technologically advanced car featured in the 1980s series Knight Rider. This talking car captured the imaginations of a generation, and this Hot Wheels release is a great way to relive the nostalgia.

While the Mystery Machine and K.I.T.T. always have a following, they have also been done in very similar releases in the past. The Kool Kombi will likely be more desirable because it is already a popular casting and showing up in a new livery. It’s also worth noting that the Aston Martin Vanquish and the 1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport are both excellent castings that are sure to be popular with collectors.

Overall, this is a strong mix of Pop Culture cars that is sure to please a variety of collectors. I’m particularly excited about the Kool Kombi and the Aston Martin Vanquish. What are you most looking forward to in this release? Let me know in the comments below!

Hot Wheels 2024 Q Case Review: A Surprise Ending to the Year!

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It’s that time again, diecast collectors! The final case of the year has arrived, and it’s time to dive into the Hot Wheels 2024 Q Case. In the past, the Q Case has often been a bit of a letdown, filled with repeats and less desirable models. However, this year’s Q Case breaks the mold and delivers a fantastic lineup of new models, recolors, and even a few surprises. Let’s take a closer look at what this case has to offer.

New Models in the 2024 Q Case: Fresh Metal for Your Collection

The 2024 Q Case kicks off with a bang, introducing several exciting new models. The VW T3 Custom (#227) in a sleek brown and metalflake gold is a standout. This casting captures the iconic VW van with a customized touch, and the color combination is simply stunning. Another new addition for 2024 that caught my eye is the Retro-Active (#237) in a vibrant orange pearl. This futuristic-looking car has a unique design that’s sure to turn heads.

Hot Wheels continues its impressive “HW: The ’90s” series in this case with two fantastic additions. The McLaren F1 (#243) in red is a personal favorite. This legendary supercar is a must-have for any diecast collection, and the red paint job perfectly complements its iconic lines. Joining the McLaren is the ’98 Subaru Impreza 22B STi-Version (#244) in white. This rally-inspired icon is a true legend of the 1990s, and Hot Wheels has done a fantastic job recreating it in diecast form.

Another of the new releases is the Porsche 928S Safari (#245) in red. This rugged take on the classic Porsche 928 is a welcome addition to the Hot Wheels lineup. It also serves as the regular Treasure Hunt for this case, adding an extra layer of excitement for collectors.

More New Models and a Super Treasure Hunt!

The 2024 Q Case keeps the hits coming with even more new releases for 2024. The Tesla Cybertruck (#246) in ZAMAC is a highly sought-after model. This futuristic pickup truck has generated a lot of buzz, and its popularity is reflected in its strong secondary market value, currently selling for around $15-$20.

Hot Wheels introduces another new casting with the Hi-Roller II (#247) in blue. This classic-looking car has a timeless design that’s sure to appeal to collectors of all ages. The Dodge Van (#248) in black is a cool addition, representing the popular Dajiban custom van scene in Japan. These vans are known for their unique drifting style, and Hot Wheels has captured their essence perfectly.

Truck enthusiasts will appreciate the ’83 Chevy Silverado (#249) in blue. This classic pickup truck is a staple of American automotive history, and the Hot Wheels version is a great representation. Keep an eye out for the Super Treasure Hunt version of this model, which features Spectraflame blue paint and Real Rider wheels. It’s already commanding a hefty price on the secondary market, selling for $125-$130.

Finally, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse (#250) makes its debut in a sleek satin blue with black wheels. This new Mustang model is a fantastic addition to the Hot Wheels lineup, and the color combination is spot-on.

Recolors Galore: Familiar Faces in New Hues

The 2024 Q Case also delivers a solid selection of recolors. Some of the highlights include the Loopster (#48) in neon yellow, the Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 (#98) in blue, and the ’91 Mazda MX-5 Miata (#120) in yellow. These recolors add variety to the case and offer collectors a chance to add new versions of their favorite castings to their collections.

The Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (#122) appears in a striking dark blue with Gulf Oil graphics. This iconic race car is always a welcome sight, and the Gulf livery looks fantastic. Other notable recolors include the Speed Dozer (#147) in dark red, the ’96 Porsche Carrera (#174) in white, and the ’90 Acura NSX (#175) in white, both from the “HW: The ’90s” series.

The Rally Speciale (#179) shows up in blue, while the Bugatti Bolide (#185) gets a red and black treatment. The Bumblebee (#186) VW Bug from Transformers returns in a dazzling metalflake gold. This casting, along with the yellow version released earlier this year, has been a huge hit with collectors.

Rounding out the recolors are the ’67 Lotus Type 49 (#188) in dark green with #4 on the side (a variation of the earlier #5 version), the Track Dwagon (#189) in black and yellow, and the ’66 Triumph Tiger 100 (#190) in white and blue.

Overall, the Hot Wheels 2024 Q Case is a surprising and satisfying end to the year. With a strong mix of new models, recolors, and sought-after Treasure Hunts, this case is a must-have for any diecast collector.

Hot Wheels Bronco & WRX: Collector Edition Re-Release!

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Hold onto your hats, collectors! Hot Wheels is giving us another shot at two highly sought-after Collector Edition cars from 2022: the ’85 Ford Bronco and the Subaru Impreza WRX. But there’s a twist – this time, they’re both up for grabs in a single promotion!

A Blast from the Past

Remember those awesome mail-in offers from 2022? The ’85 Ford Bronco was a Target exclusive, while the Subaru Impreza WRX was only available through Best Buy. Well, dust off your receipts and get ready for round two, because Walmart is bringing them back!

Why the Hype?

These cars were incredibly popular when they first came out. The Bronco, with its rugged charm and classic lines, quickly became a favorite among collectors. I mean, who doesn’t love a good Bronco? And let’s not forget the Impreza WRX, a rally-inspired legend with a die-hard following.

What’s the Deal?

Starting November 25th, 2024, head over to Walmart or visit Walmart.com and spend at least $20 on qualifying Hot Wheels cars or multipacks. Then, follow the official rules to submit your request. You’ll need your receipts, blister cards or UPC codes, a completed order form, and $7.00 for shipping and processing. The catch? You won’t know which car you’re getting until it arrives. It’s like a surprise grab bag!

Market Watch

Now, here’s the interesting part. The ’85 Ford Bronco currently fetches around $25-$30 on the secondary market, while the Subaru Impreza WRX commands a higher price, closer to $40. Will this re-release affect their value? It’s hard to say for sure. We might see a slight dip initially, but I suspect these cars will remain popular in the long run. After all, they’re both fantastic castings with a dedicated fan base.

My Two Cents

Personally, I’m thrilled about this re-release. It’s a great opportunity for collectors who missed out the first time around to add these awesome cars to their collection. Plus, the element of surprise adds a fun twist!

What do you think about this re-release? Are you planning to try and get your hands on one of these cars? Let me know in the comments!