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