How much did the first Hot Wheels cost?
The first sixteen Hot Wheels cars, sold for 59 cents each, were introduced into the market in 1968, and they featured redline tires, spectraflame paint, a metal collector button, and some had roofs painted black to look like vinyl. How can you tell if a Matchbox car is rare?
Which Hot Wheels are worth the most?
The Most Valuable Hot Wheels Cars Ever
- 21 1974 Magenta Rodger Dodger with White Interior – $3000. ...
- 13 1971 Red Olds 442 with Black Interior – $4500. ...
- 11 1970 Red Ferrari 312P with White Interior – $5000. ...
- 10 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal – $6000. ...
- 9 1969 Cheetah Base with Python Body – $6000. ...
- 8 1969 Brown '31 Woody – $8000. ...
- 7 1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX – $10,000. ...
What year were Hot Wheels cars first made?
Hot Wheels is an American brand of scale model cars and slot car racing kits introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1997, when Mattel bought Tyco Toys, former owner of Matchbox.. Many automobile manufacturers have since licensed Hot Wheels to make scale models of their cars, allowing the use of original design blueprints and detailing.
What is the best Hot Wheels Car in the world?
Top 10 Most Valuable Hot Wheels Cars
- Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb (1969)
- “Cheetah” Base Python (1968)
- “Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick (1970)
- Red Baron (with white interior, 1970)
- Custom Volkswagen (without sunroof, 1968)
- Ed Shaver Custom AMX (1970)
- Blue Rodger Dodger (1974)
- Purple Olds 442 (1971)
- Collector Number 271 Funny Car (1995)
- White Enamel Camaro (1968)
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What year did Hot Wheels come out?
May 18, 1968Hot Wheels / IntroducedHot Wheels® might be the best-selling toy brand of all time, with a total production of more than 6 billion cars since the brand's founding in 1968.
How much did Hot Wheels cost in 1968?
$0.98The price has not changed much in almost 40 years, although in real terms the models have dropped significantly in price (a Hot Wheels car cost $0.98 in 1968 and costs $0.98 today, in spite of inflation). After the cars are no longer available at retail the cost can vary significantly.
How much is the first Hot Wheels car worth?
The original was a model kit of a stylized hot-rod featuring a WWI German infantry helmet and an Iron Cross motif on the radiator. The version released in 1970 by Hot Wheels is one of the most popular and memorable cars ever. Its estimated worth is around $3,000 to $4,000.
How many original Hot Wheels were there?
The first line of Hot Wheels die-cast cars introduced were called “The Sweet 16,” and made their debut at the International Toy Fair in 1968. “The Sweet 16” were 16 cars whose designs were inspired by California muscle cars and hot rods.
What is the oldest hot wheel car?
custom Camaro1) The first Hot Wheels car that was produced was a dark blue custom Camaro in 1968. You may recognize the Camaro name from Transformers movies; Bumblebee transforms into the muscle car while saving the day. Watch Bumblebee transform at The Children's Museum.
What Hot Wheels are worth collecting?
Top 10 Most Valuable Hot Wheels CarsThe ultra-rare Pink Rear-Loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb, 1969. ... Cheetah Base Python, 1968. ... “Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick, 1970. ... Red Baron with white interior, 1970. ... Custom Volkswagen without Sunroof, 1968. ... Ed Shave Custom AMX, 1970. ... Blue Rodger Dodger, 1974. ... Purple Olds 442 (1971)More items...
How can you tell if a hot wheel is rare?
4:528:37Collector Tips #3 - How To Tell If A Hot Wheels is Rare - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo far are cards that you can find on the peg. Usually the older the release the more valuable.MoreSo far are cards that you can find on the peg. Usually the older the release the more valuable.
What is the most common hot wheel?
The Red Baron is one of the most popular Hot Wheels of all time, and it has been in production on again and off again for decades.
What's the most expensive Hot Wheel collection?
The 10 Most Expensive Hot Wheels Cars Of All Time1 Pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb $150,000.2 40th Anniversary Diamond Encrusted Otto - $140,000+ ... 3 Tesla Cybertruck Signed Edition $50,000. ... 4 1968 Over Chrome Mustang $40,000. ... 5 1968 Over Chrome Camaro - $25,000. ... 6 1970 Mad Maverick, $15,000. ... More items...•
Which is older Matchbox or Hot Wheels?
Matchbox is older having begun in England in the fifties, Hot Wheels came onto the scene in 1968 from the USA, with their fast wheels on piano wire axles.
What are old Hot Wheels worth?
Here's a quick recap of the 15 most expensive Hot Wheels cars:1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb.2008 Diamond-Encrusted Custom Otto.1968 Over Chrome Mustang.1968 Over Chrome Camaro.1970 Made Maverick Base.1969 Brown Custom Charger.1971 Purple Olds 442.1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX.More items...•
Does Matchbox still exist?
Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, and is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997.
What is the most valuable Hot Wheels car?
1/10 Pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb $150,000 While other colors were produced, the pink one was the rarest of the bunch. It's now owned by collector Bruce Pascal who boasts the most expensive Hot Wheels car in the world and its value keeps going up.
What was the first Matchbox car?
The First Matchbox Car Their first die-cast toy was a road roller manufactured in 1947, and this road roller became the first Matchbox vehicle when Jack O'dell created a smaller-scale version of it for his daughter to take to school.
How many Hot Wheels exist?
That roughly 2 billion wheels, more than enough to cover any of their doored products. a toy company alone covers. There have been over 6 billion hot wheels sold since 1968 that's a lot of potential wheels still on earth in wheel form.
How do I know if my Hot Wheels are rare?
5:078:37Collector Tips #3 - How To Tell If A Hot Wheels is Rare - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo just know that usually when the car is released a longer time ago it's more valuable the same canMoreSo just know that usually when the car is released a longer time ago it's more valuable the same can be applied for cars that were released in the 1968.
When did the hot wheels come out?
The Hot Wheels® Custom Camaro® (shown right) hit shelves in May of 1968 . It was quickly followed by 15 more 1:64 scale speed machines. This first edition of cars became known as the “Sweet 16”—now among the most valuable and collectible toy vehicles ever made.
When did Hot Wheels diecast cars come out?
The first line of Hot Wheels die-cast cars introduced were called “The Sweet 16,” and made their debut at the International Toy Fair in 1968. “The Sweet 16” were 16 cars whose designs were inspired by California muscle cars and hot rods.
What is hot wheels?
For more than five decades, Hot Wheels has provided adrenaline-fueled vehicle play that ignites the challenger spirit in every kid with the most outrageous and innovative cars and track systems. Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler (shown left, with wife and Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler) challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market. They answered with the first-ever trackable toy car.
What did Hot Wheels do to influence the car culture?
Hot Wheels went on to influence car culture and real-world car design by creating toy cars that looked radically different from anything else on the road in 1968. To this day "The Sweet 16" remain among the most valuable and collectible toy vehicles ever made.
What was the key to the success of Hot Wheels?
The Hot Wheels design team knew that the key to the brand’s success was in the speed of the cars. Kids wanted their cars to be fast and the design team delivered. The suspension in the original Hot Wheels cars utilized a thick gauge music wire as the axle, which when lubricated and coupled with a unique plastic bearing, allowed the wheels to roll and spin freely with minimal friction.
What was the first response to the wheel rolling along the floor?
Handler was so impressed by the car’s groundbreaking new wheel design and performance that his first response when he saw it rolling along the floor was: "Those are some hot wheels!"
What was the first set of die cast cars?
The “Sweet 16, ” the first set of die-cast cars, included custom designs based on real life hot rods and reflected California’s custom car culture. Speed, power and performance were the common attributes shared by every car that bore the Hot Wheels name. Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler first entered into the die-cast car business while playing with his children in 1966. He realized that the die-cast cars available at that time were rather lackluster – not very agile and lacking a wide range of models and variations.
What was the first hot wheel car?from hobbylark.com
The very first Hot Wheels car released in 1968 was the Custom Camaro. This redlined classic is now very hard to find.
How many Hot Wheels cars were made in 1968?from hobbylark.com
Since 1968, over 4 billion Hot Wheels cars have been produced. If placed end-to-end, the line of Hot Wheels cars would circle the globe more than 4 times. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. You can still buy Hot Wheels cars for around $1.
Where Did My Hot Wheels Collection Go?from hobbylark.com
I was 10 years old when the first Hot Wheels cars hit the toy store shelves in 1968, and I can still remember the little display in Mike's Toy Store. Each Hot Wheels car cost $0.99, which was a fair amount of money at that time for a little metal toy car. I already had a number of Matchbox cars, and I was eager to add the new Hot Wheels cars to my collection—especially the shining miniature replicas of American muscle cars; Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds, Cougars and Corvettes.
How much is a 2007 Hot Wheels Twin Mills car worth?from hobbylark.com
Answer: The value depends on condition. There are a few listings on eBay for the 2007 version of the Hot Wheels Twin Mills car that sold for $1.50 to $7.50 (plus shipping).
What was the highest amount paid for a Hot Wheels car?from hobbylark.com
The highest amount paid for a Hot Wheels car (so far) was $72,000 in 2000 for a pink 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb. This specific car is a one-of-a-kind prototype that was never officially released.
What do you need to make a real car?from hobbylark.com
To make it a real car, the only thing you need is a magnifying glass. Original design blueprints from real automobile manufacturers. Only from Hot Wheels. Smaller size, same quality.
When did Anthony Altorenna collect Hot Wheels?from hobbylark.com
Anthony Altorenna collected Hot Wheels cars as a child, including some of the original 16 from 1968.
What was the first hot wheel car?
The first line of Hot Wheels Cars, known as The Original Sweet 16 was manufactured in 1968.
When were Hot Wheels cars made?
The first line of Hot Wheels Cars, known as The Original Sweet 16 was manufactured in 1968. These were the first of the Red Line Series, named for the tires which had a red pin stripe on their sides.
What was the success of Hot Wheels?
As it turned out, the Hot Wheels brand was a staggering success. The series completely disrupted the whole industry for small die-cast car models from 1968 onwards, forcing the competition at Matchbox and elsewhere to completely rethink their concepts, and to scramble to try to recover lost ground. Harry Bentley Bradley did not think that would be the case and had quit Mattel to go back to the car industry. When the company asked him back, he recommended a good friend, Ira Gilford. Gilford, who had just left Chrysler, quickly accepted the job of designing the next Hot Wheels models. Some of Hot Wheels' greatest cars, such as the Twin Mill and Splittin' Image, came from Ira Gilford's drawing board.
What was the original Hot Wheels track?
Though it would be updated throughout the years, the original track consisted of a series of brightly colored orange road sections ( pieced together to form an oblong, circular race track), with one (or sometimes two) "super chargers" (faux service stations through which cars passed on the tracks, featuring battery-powered spinning wheels, which would propel the cars along the tracks). An important feature here was Hot Wheel's use of wide, hard-plastic tires that created much less friction and tracked more smoothly than the narrow metal or plastic wheels used on contemporary Matchboxes; Hot Wheels cars were designed to roll easily and at high speeds, which was a great innovation at the time.
How long did the 1984 Corvette run?
The 1984 Corvette production ran for 1.5 model years covering half of the remaining 1983 model year and ending on time for the 1985 model year. In conjunction with Epyx Software, Mattel released a computer game edition of Hot Wheels for various 8-bit platforms in 1985, as part of the Computer Activity Toys series.
How many cars are on the Hot Wheels Legends Tour?
Each year, there are 18 Legends Tour events that are held at various Walmart locations across the United States. Over 111,000 people attend and about 5,000 cars are entered at those events. At each event, one car is picked to be recreated as a potential new Hot Wheels casting. After all the events for that year conclude, one finalist is then picked to be the winner, and their car then gets recreated as a new Hot Wheels casting next year. Hot Wheels are looking for vehicles that embody the fun and creative spirit of Hot Wheels, which is their main selling point.
Why are Hot Wheels 1972 models so collectible?
Due to low sales, and the fact that the majority of the castings were not re-used in later years , the 1972-3 models are known to be very collectible. In 1974, Hot Wheels introduced its ' Flying Colors ' line, and added flashy decals and "tampo-printed" paint designs which helped revitalize sales.
When did hot wheels first appear?
In 1985, Hot Wheels first appeared in Kellogg's cereal boxes. In the late 80s, the Blue Card was introduced, which would become the basis of Hot Wheels cars still used today. Also, the first Hot wheels collector's convention was held in Toledo, Ohio.
What year did Hot Wheels make their first toy car?
The success of the 1968 line was solidified and consolidated with the 1969 releases, with which Hot Wheels effectively established itself as the most important brand of small toy car models in the USA.
What was the success of Hot Wheels?
As it turned out, the Hot Wheels brand was a staggering success. (This accomplishment must be put in its historical perspective: Basically, the series "re-wrote the book" for small die-cast car models from 1968 onwards, forcing the competition at Matchbox and elsewhere to completely rethink their concepts, and to scamper to try to recover lost ground.) Harry Bentley Bradley did not think that would be the case and had quit Mattel to go back to the car industry. When the company asked him back, he recommended a good friend, Ira Gilford. Gilford, who had just left Chrysler, quickly accepted the job of designing the next Hot Wheels models. Some of Hot Wheels' greatest cars, such as the Twin Mill and Splittin' Image, came from Ira Gilford's drawing board. Larry Wood also joined the Hot Wheels team in 1969 to help with the increased demand. He'd left Ford and longed to return to southern California.
How many beach bombs are there on Hot Wheels?
An unknown number were made as test subjects and given to Mattel employees, and today there are only about 25 known to exist.
How many Hot Wheels were released in 2008?
In 2008, Hot Wheels released 40 New Models. 12 Treasure Hunts, with Super Hunt variants and an assortment of Team Cars and other mainline releases.
Why were Real Riders short lived?
Despite the fact that they were very popular, the Real Riders line was short-lived, because of high production costs. Mexico and France begin production of Hot Wheels. Ultra Hots wheels, which looked like the wheels found on a Renault Fuego or a Mazda 626, were introduced in 1984 and had other speed improvements.
What is the red line on hot wheels?
The early years of Hot Wheels are known as the Redline Era as until 1977 the wheels had a red line etched around the tire rim. The "Torsion Bar" suspension was simple, but flawed. Inside the car, the axles followed a "C"-like shape that was connected to the chassis. When pushed down, the axles would bend like a real car.
History of Hot Wheel Cars
In 1968, American toy maker Mattel, famous for its Barbie dolls, introduced a new collection of toys into the market – Hot Wheels die-cast 1:64 cars. They started as children’s toys but soon became an adult favorite due to Mattel’s choice of using popular luxurious cars as models.
The 17 Most Expensive Hot Wheels Ever Sold
Here’s a comprehensive list of the most expensive hot wheels cars worldwide based on Car and Driver, Wealthy Gorilla, Complete Set, and Hot Cars, all reputable die-cast car sellers.
The Best Tips for Hot Wheels Collectors
Now that you know the history of Hot Wheels cars, we will proceed to hot wheel car tips every collector needs to know. This is because it’s easy to make mistakes.
Are Hot Wheels Cars Valuable?
Not all Hot Wheels Cars are valuable, but you can make thousands of dollars ($1000 – $175,000) on selected models. They have to fit into criteria, though, and that’s what you’ll learn in this segment.
Parting Words
Now that you know how to distinguish expensive Hot Wheels cars from regular models, always confirm the identity before you forfeit a die-cast toy. In case you’ve forgotten, here’s a quick reminder for you;
Overview
History
The original Hot Wheels were made by Elliot Handler. Handler discovered his son Kenneth playing with Matchbox cars and decided to create a line to compete with Matchbox. Hot Wheels were originally conceived by Handler to be more like "hot rod" (i.e.customized/modified or even caricaturized or fantasy cars,often with big rear tires, Superchargers, flame paint-jobs, outlandish proportions, hood blo…
Hot Wheels Legends Tour
Starting in 2018, Hot Wheels launched a new program called the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. This program was originally launched to commemorate Hot Wheels's 50th anniversary. Each year, there are 18 Legends Tour events that are held at various Walmart locations across the United States. Over 111,000 people attend and about 5,000 cars are entered at those events. At each event, one car is picked to be recreated as a potential new Hot Wheels casting. After all the even…
The "Sweet 16"
The Sweet 16 was the first production line of Hot Wheels for the year 1968. The lineup consisted of the following:
• Beatnik Bandit
• Custom El Dorado
• Custom Camaro
Collectors
Through the years, Hot Wheels cars have been collected mostly by children. However, since the late 1990s, there has been an increase in the number of adult collectors. Mattel estimates that 41 million children grew up playing with the toys, the average collector has over 1,550 cars, and children between the ages of 5 and 15 have an average of 41 cars. Most believe the collecting craz…
Hot Wheels Classics
The Hot Wheels Classics line was an immediate hit with enthusiasts everywhere. The new line focused on muscle cars, hot rods, and other offbeat vehicles (such as a go-kart, a motor home and even an airplane), many from the company's first ten years (1968–78) of production. The series is also used to debut several different castings, such as the 1965 Chevy Malibu or the 1972 Ford Ranchero.
Special model lines
Hot Wheels has also released slightly larger, more detailed models, such as the original Gran Toros (1/43 scale) from 1970, and the Dropstars line (a model line of "blinged" cars). Also in this larger scale are the HIN (Hot Import Nights), G-Machines and Customs lines. These lines were introduced in 2004–2005.
Hot Wheels has produced many replica scale models in the industry standard 1/43, 1/24 and 1/1…
Treasure Hunt series
Treasure Hunt (sometimes T-Hunt) is a line of Hot Wheels cars, introduced by Mattel in 1995. It consisted of 12 cars every year (15 beginning in 2011) with one or two released per month. The original production run was 10,000 of each car worldwide; that number has since risen due to the increasing demand for and popularity of Hot Wheels as a collector's item.
Treasure Hunt vehicles are identifiable by a label on the package. The blister card said "Treasur…