Monthly Archives: December 2024

Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Legends Archive Car Collection and Rally Case

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The Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Legends Archive Car Collection is a unique and captivating collaboration between the iconic toy car brand and renowned contemporary artist Daniel Arsham. This limited-edition set, available this Friday at 9 AM CST on Mattel Creations for $690, offers a fascinating blend of art and pop culture, reimagining classic Hot Wheels castings as “future archaeological” artifacts. You can check out some of Daniel Arsham’s work on his website. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this collection so special.

The Cars: A Fusion of Art and Nostalgia

The collection features eight meticulously crafted cars, each bearing Arsham’s signature “eroded” aesthetic. This distinctive style, achieved through a combination of Silkstone bodies and die-cast chassis, gives the cars an aged and weathered appearance, as if they were unearthed from a distant future.

  • Eroded Porsche 930: A classic Hot Wheels casting reimagined with Arsham’s signature eroded effect.
  • Eroded Rodger Dodger: This iconic Hot Wheels car gets a futuristic makeover, complete with crystallized erosions.
  • Porsche 356 Speedster: A beautifully detailed replica of Arsham’s own Porsche 356 Speedster.
  • Eroded Deora II: The futuristic Deora II concept car is given an ancient, artifact-like feel.
  • Arsham Livery Porsche 930A: This car features a unique livery designed by Arsham himself in a more traditional Hot Wheels release.
  • Eroded Twin Mill: The iconic Hot Wheels dragster is reimagined as a relic from the future.
  • Eroded Ford Mustang: A classic American muscle car transformed into an archaeological artifact.
  • Eroded Porsche Safari: This off-road Porsche gets a rugged, eroded look.

The Eroded Rally Case: A Display Worthy of Artifacts

The collection also includes a replica of the 1968 Rally Case, reimagined with Arsham’s eroded aesthetic. This unique case features eight storage shelves, allowing you to display your cars in their acrylic boxes with simulated granite bases. The frosted back of the case adds to the “future archaeology” theme, giving a hazy view of the treasures stored inside.

The Value Proposition: Art, Collectibility, and Investment

At $690, the Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Legends Archive Car Collection is a significant investment. However, considering the individual cars have been selling for $100 to $250 each, the set price offers a compelling value proposition. The recent sales of collector curated sets for $850 to $1200 prior to the announcement of this official set also suggest that this set could be a sound investment. The set’s limited availability, combined with Arsham’s artistic reputation and the enduring popularity of Hot Wheels, make it a highly collectible item with potential for appreciation in value.

My Thoughts: A Must-Have for Collectors and Art Enthusiasts

As a longtime diecast collector and enthusiast, I’m thoroughly impressed by the Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Legends Archive Car Collection. The attention to detail, the unique artistic vision, and the high-quality presentation make this set a standout piece in any collection. Whether you’re a die-hard Hot Wheels fan, an art enthusiast, or simply appreciate finely crafted collectibles, this set is definitely worth considering.

RLC Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34): A Collector’s Dream Come True

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Hot Wheels collectors and JDM fans, get ready! The second RLC sELECTIONs car of the year is here, and it’s a beauty. The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34) is a diecast model that’s sure to be a hit, and I’m going to tell you why.

This RLC release is a must-have for any serious Hot Wheels collector. It features a Spectraflame oxblood paint job, NISMO logo, and Real Riders 5-spoke modern wheels. The car also has an opening hood, full-metal chassis, and light smoke-tinted windows. It’s a stunning model that’s sure to turn heads. But there’s so much more to this release than meets the eye!

A “CHOICE” Selection: Designed by the Collectors

What makes this particular release extra special is the fact that it was designed with direct input from RLC members like you! Through a series of polls, collectors were able to voice their preferences on the casting, the paint scheme, and finally the wheel selection. This democratic design process is reflected in the car’s license plate which appropriately reads “CHOICE”. I love that Hot Wheels is engaging with the community this way and I think the final product is a testament to the discerning taste of RLC members.

Carbon Fiber Details and a Premium Pedigree

One of the standout features of this model has to be the carbon fiber hood and rear wing. These details add a level of realism and sophistication that you don’t always see in diecast cars. It’s a nod to the high-performance nature of the real-life Skyline GT-R and a reminder of its racing heritage.

Speaking of pedigree, this casting itself has quite a history. Originally designed by Brendon Vetuskey in 2019, it debuted as a premium model and quickly became a fan favorite. Vetuskey even acknowledged the casting’s popularity, stating, “Maybe it’s because the real cars were never sold here in the U.S., making it that much rarer and more desirable?” He’s got a point!

Skyline GT-R: JDM Legend and Pop Culture Icon

The Nissan Skyline GT-R, especially the R34 generation, holds a legendary status among enthusiasts. Known for its incredible performance and advanced technology, the R34 dominated Japanese touring car championships. Its twin-turbocharged 2.6L RB26DETT engine, all-wheel-drive system, and sophisticated ATTESA E-TS Pro system made it a force to be reckoned with both on the track and the street.

But the Skyline GT-R’s fame transcends the racing world. It became a pop culture icon thanks to its appearances in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise. Who could forget Brian O’Conner’s blue R34 in 2 Fast 2 Furious? These appearances cemented the Skyline’s place in automotive history and fueled its desirability among collectors worldwide.

RLC Exclusivity vs. Made-to-Order Availability

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the made-to-order nature of this release. While it guarantees that everyone who wants one can get one, it also potentially impacts its future value. Unlike traditional limited-production RLC releases, this Skyline GT-R might see a flood of cars on the secondary market, which could keep prices relatively stable. However, the two-week ordering window creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Those who miss out, and new collectors entering the hobby later, might be willing to pay a premium to acquire this model down the line. Only time will tell!

The Nissan Skyline is undoubtedly one of the most popular castings among Hot Wheels collectors. This RLC release, with its collector-chosen design, premium features, and connection to JDM royalty, is sure to be a standout in any collection. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Hot Wheels history!  Pre-order here.

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.