Hot Wheels redefined the toy car industry when it launched in 1968. They looked cooler, were made with high-quality material, and performed better than what Matchbox produced.
Initially created as a viable Barbie alternative for boys, Hot Wheels has evolved into a highly valued collectible. Today, it’s a multi-million-dollar industry with an army of loyal collectors.
While Hot Wheels has long been a beloved collectible item, its popularity has exploded over the last few years. The Gross Sales of Hot Wheels have steadily grown, from $777 million in 2017 to $1.25 billion last year.
The value of Hot Wheels also reflects this renewed interest. Scores of Hot Wheels are now worth thousands of dollars, and several are easily hitting five figures. The 1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb, considered the Holy Grail of Hot Wheels, is worth more than some actual Ferraris.
This guide to Hot Wheel collecting shall cover what you need to know to get started in collecting Hot Wheels, from knowing what to collect to maximizing your ROI to the best way to store your collection.
The original Hot Wheels were made by Elliot Handler and introduced by his company, Mattel, in 1968. Before Hot Wheels, boys had Matchbox cars, 1–75 miniature toy cars sold in boxes like matches were sold.
These were staid and lacked any appeal. According to Hot Wheel Media, Handler challenged his design team to “create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market”. The lineup, unveiled with fanfare, featured sixteen 1:64 scale cars characterized by vibrant colors and speed.
This marked the birth of the Hot Wheel era. More than 10 billion toy cars later, these miniature cars have transcended from mere playthings to highly desired collectibles.
The first line of Hot Wheels die-cast cars introduced was called “The Sweet Sixteen.” These were the first of the Red Line Series, named for the tires which had a red pinstripe on their sides.
Their design was inspired by California muscle cars and hot rods. Harry Bentley Bradley designed eleven of the sixteen casting releases with assistance from Handler and Ryan. The 1968 model lineup included;
The release of these miniature cars was met with staggering success. They instantly became a national obsession and completely disrupted the small die-cast car industry.
The success of the Sweet Sixteen was followed up with a 1969 release. This was a massive success and effectively established Mattel as the hottest brand of small toy car models.
The 1970s was a prosperous era for Mattel’s Hot Wheels. A surge of 43 new cars in 1970, including introducing the Sizzlers and Heavyweights lines, reinforced Hot Wheels’ dominance.
Larry Wood joined the team in 1970, leaving an indelible mark with designs like the Tri-Baby. 1972 and 1973 saw a slowdown in new releases, and the shift to solid enamel colors mirrored a period of change for Hot Wheels.
In 1989, Hot Wheels embraced a new era with collector numbers, assigning unique numbers to each car. Despite skip-numbering, these collector numbers contributed to the organization and identification of Hot Wheels cars.
This period marked the onset of the Treasure Hunt Series, a game-changer that included thematic paint schemes and skyrocketed sales.
1995 witnessed the introduction of the concept of series with specific themes like “Rescue Team,” “Father’s Day,” and “James Bond.”
Mike Strauss organized the first convention for Hot Wheels collectors in the late ’80s—widely regarded as the “father of Hot Wheels collecting”. Newsletters, price guides, and trading groups followed, further cementing its place as a collectible. 1997 was pivotal, as Mattel acquired Tyco Toys, bringing Matchbox under the same corporate umbrella.
Hot Wheels has shown innovation and continuity with diverse series, including New Models, Treasure Hunts, and the Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 animated series.
2011 – 2013 saw the introduction of the “Team Hot Wheels” series and diverse models like the Lamborghini Aventador and the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine.
Today, Hot Wheels continues to evolve, featuring exciting developments like the 2023 reality competition series “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” and the announcement of the animated series “Hot Wheels Let’s Race” on Netflix, ensuring the enduring legacy of these iconic miniature cars.
Over the years, Hot Wheel cars have evolved from toys for children. It has become a collector’s item for many adults, too. Grown men can spend hundreds of dollars to get their hands on rare models. Mattel says over 15m “avid collectors” average 1,550 cars each.
Hot Wheels has become a highly collectible brand, attracting enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Let’s consider what makes Hot Wheels good collectibles and why you should start collecting.
The foremost reason for Hot Wheels collecting is because they look amazing. Even those who do not consider themselves enthusiasts admit to being captivated by Hot Wheels’ exceptional design.
Like many collectibles, nostalgia is a primary reason people collect Hot Wheels. Many collectors start their journey due to fond memories of playing with Hot Wheels during their childhood. Almost every adult and kid has played with a Hot Wheel at one time.
Most collectors collect Hot Wheels because it represents an investment opportunity. Certain models appreciate over time, and such collectors chase these models in the hope of making a profit.
Mattel frequently releases limited-edition models, creating a sense of exclusivity. The rarity of these releases ensures they hold their value exceedingly well.
Hot wheel collecting began decades ago. As such, it has a thriving, vibrant and global community. Collecting Hot Wheels connects you with like-minded people.
You can exchange your stories and experiences. Most people collect Hot Wheels to connect to a community of Hot Wheels lovers. The feeling of camaraderie and mutual interest enhances the overall collecting experience.
Hot Wheels have been in production for several decades. Before embarking on a Hot Wheels collection journey, you should familiarize yourself with the diverse offerings.
While you can collect just any car that strikes your fancy, it’s in your best interest to know what type of hot wheel they are.
Let’s rank the different types of Hot Wheels cars according to their value.
These are the basic Hot Wheels cars available at your local toy store. They come with plastic wheels and mostly have very simple details. However, most can come with a little more detail. These are great for kids looking for Hot Wheels to play with and not for collectors.
These are just like the basic Hot Wheels cars but are themed. Cars can be from any series, like the Lamborghini series, Super Mario, etc. While they have plastic wheels and simple details, their licensing sets them apart from the basic hot wheels.
These are licensed cars from top brands, like Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel, etc. These cars are unique because of how they are made. For example, the Darth Vader hot wheel is made to resemble Darth Vader.
It is painted all black, and the head of the car arc is modeled in the shape of his iconic helmet. There’s a red light saber by the side of the car, just like the one Darth Vader uses in the Star Wars movies. These cars are usually more expensive than the basic hot-wheel cars.
Cards here are much more detailed, with metal bases and rubber tires. All five sides of the car usually have decals. One of the most common examples of the premium lines is from the Car Culture Series. They typically come in a set of five cars.
These are similar to the character series but with a focus on pop culture references. They revolve around movies and cultures, like Avengers, Cereals, etc. A famous example is DeLorean from the Back To The Future franchise. There’s even an M&M’s Hot Wheel series. These cars can be worth anything from $20 to $500, depending on the line depicted.
A Treasure Hunt is an improved version of a mainline hot wheel series. They are randomly mixed in with basic ones on the shelves and are more challenging to find. A perfect example of this is the Sesto Elemento released in 2021.
It’s a mainline car and goes $2 at most. The Super Treasure version of the Sesto Elemento is much more detailed than the main line Elemento. Their rarity ensures they are worth so much more. Super Treasure Hunt cars can sell for anywhere between $30 and $200.
There’s no definite number on how many Super Treasure versions there are; however, experts assume there’s 1 Super Treasure version for every 1000 mainline Hot Wheels.
Treasure Hunts from 1995 to 2012 can be identified by a green stripe with “Treasure Hunt” or “T-Hunt” on the packaging. 2007 through 2011 Hot Wheels Super Treasure Hunts can be identified by a green stripe with “Trea$ure Hunt$” or “T-Hunt$” on the packaging.
To identify Super Treasure Hunts from 2012, look for the “TH” symbol on the vehicle. There should also be a gold low-production symbol on the card behind the car to let you know it is a Super Treasure Hunt.
Also known as the “Original Sixteen,” these cars were the first 16 models made when Hot Wheels launched in 1968. As expected from the first versions of a collectible, collectors pay a premium to get their hands on them. Sweet Sixteen cars cost between $50 and $500, depending on their condition.
Hot Wheels Redline cars refer to the specific line of Hot Wheels produced during the first ten years of production. The term “Redline” is derived from the distinctive red stripe on the tires of these early models. As expected, these cars are highly sought after by collector for their historical significance. They are also worth more than most recent models.
Since these cars are classics, they are highly collectible. While the condition significantly impacts their value, more common redline cars sell for around $30, while rare models cost up to $500.
The Redline Club cars are the ultimate rarity when it comes to hot wheels. Mattel has a Hot Wheel Collector membership club to cater to adult Hot Wheels collectors. Members pay a membership fee of around $10 and get exclusive access to products, forums, and much more.
They also get to vote on new collectible releases created for members. In addition, they get access to limited edition hot wheel cars, the Redline Club cars.
An example is the Candy Striper drag bus, where just 20,000 copies were released worldwide. Members must queue and hope they get a chance to purchase one. Because of this, the resale value of Red Line Club cars is remarkable.
These cars are usually only sold or given at conventions or other Hot Wheels events. Due to this, conventional cars fetch hundreds of dollars in the secondary market.
When deciding which Hot Wheels to collect, casual collectors are encouraged to collect whatever appeals to them. However, it is recommended that you collect Hot Wheels based on a theme that resonates with your preferences. This can be anything from muscle cars, Star Wars cars, Hot Wheels from a specific era, or a favorite brand like BMW, Lamborghini, etc.
While there are several benefits to curating a themed collection, it’s not a rule. You can simply collect whatever appeals to you.
Several factors come into play for those considering collecting with the hope of turning a profit. You must consider factors such as age, demand, and condition.
These significantly impact the value of Hot Wheels. None of the Hot Wheels released this year would be worth as much as a vintage Hot Wheel on the secondary market. Collectors looking for an ROI are advised to collect vintage Hot Wheels as they’re more likely to keep increasing in value.
Aside from Vintage Hot Wheels, collectors eyeing potential profits should explore rare Hot Wheels, treasure hunt models, and Redline Club cars. These hold their value incredibly well and will fetch higher prices when you’re ready to sell.
Newer cars with limited production runs can also become valuable over time. Hot Wheels releases special edition cards when they celebrate an anniversary or commemorate certain milestones. These also hold their value exceedingly well.
There are various options available for building your Hot Wheels collection. Depending on your preference, some options are better than others.
The premier place for buying Hot Wheels is the Mattel official web store. It hosts a diverse collection of these iconic miniature cars. A major advantage of shopping on the Mattel web store is direct access to the latest releases, exclusive editions, and special collaborations that may not be available in physical stores.
Aside from the official stores, local toy stores, and other traditional brick-and-mortar establishments are the go-to spots when looking for Hot Wheels. They stock a variety of models, offering you a chance to explore the latest releases. There’s also the possibility of stumbling upon hidden gems.
Several e-commerce stores have become a reliable hub for Hot Wheels purchases. These stores let you browse a vast selection of Hot Wheels from the comfort of your home. While this is an attractive option, only buy from trustworthy sellers. The Hot Wheels Amazon Store specifically caters to Hot Wheels enthusiasts.
Online auctions have recently become a hotbed for Hot Wheels collectors. Platforms like eBay offer a vast selection of cars, ranging from mainline releases to rare finds. Online auctions are perfect if you’re hunting for rare Hot Wheels with great value.
This chapter is essential for collectors looking at collecting for ROI. When collecting Hot Wheels because of its investment potential, you should target the rare and limited-edition Hot Wheels.
Buying a fake mainline hot wheel for $2 wouldn’t hurt anyone. However, spending $500 on a fake hot wheel is a major disaster. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to spot a fake hot wheel.
Most fake Hot Wheels would display changes to the official Hot Wheels logo. A common example is spelling it as “HotWheel”, “Hot Whell”, “WonderWheel”, etc., rather than the complete and perfectly spelled logo, “HotWheels”. Check all spelling on the packaging and ensure all the letters are correct.
All authentic hot wheel cars must have information about the car’s brand of manufacturing, model name, and year of manufacture displayed on the packaging.
Look at the packaging for the name, the brand, the model, and the year of manufacturing of the car. Most fake Hot Wheels wouldn’t have these inscriptions present.
All genuine Hot Wheels have the Hot Wheels logo, car manufacturer, model, country of manufacturing, and year it was produced displayed on the bottom of the car. Examine the bottom side of the vehicle. Most fake Hot Wheels wouldn’t have any inscription at all. Some might have several inscriptions, but it would be incomplete.
All real Hot Wheels have a collection number on their packaging. It states which collection the hot wheel car is from. An example is the 1965 Ford Galaxie. The collection number on the box would let you know which collection it’s from and its number in that collection. Most fake Hot Wheels wouldn’t state the model/collection of the car. Check the collection’s number and confirm that it matches the one mentioned in the official collection.
This question is common to almost all collectibles that also double as toys. Some argue that the true joy of a hot wheel collection comes from opening and playing with it. However, you should never open your hot wheels if you’re collecting as an investment.
They should be preserved and protected from scratches and other types of damage. Aside from protecting them from damage, keeping your Hot Wheels in their package increases their value.
Some experts recommend getting two of each hot wheel – one to play with and one to stay sealed in its package. Even if you must break the packaging, keeping the box as intact as possible is a good idea to prove your car’s origin.
Knowing how to determine the value of your hot wheel collection is essential when collecting hot wheels. Whether you’re gauging the worth of a potential purchase or considering selling off some of your collection, it’s crucial to know how to determine value. Let’s discuss three ways to find the value of your hot wheels.
Like most serious collectibles, there are several hot-wheel price guides. Utilizing the Hot Wheels price guide is a fundamental step in knowing the value of your collection. One popular hot wheel price guide can be found at HallsGuide.com. All you have to do is locate your hot wheel model, and you’ll see its recommended sales price.
Another way to determine the value of your hot wheel is to see how much other people are selling it for. Check online stores like eBay and Amazon. However, only consider the “sold listing” rather than the “current listing.”
The sold listing shows the true worth of a hot wheel, as that’s what people are willing to pay. This is much better than a price guide, as an event might push interest in a particular model, which would cause the price to increase. This increased price might take a while to reflect in a price guide.
The benefits of joining a Hot Wheels collection community go beyond sharing your passion. It’s also an invaluable resource for determining the value of your cars. Engaging with fellow collectors allows you to exchange information, seek advice, and stay updated on current trends.
Community members often share their experiences and insights, giving you a broader perspective on the value of specific models. Lastly, community members can predict when an event would cause a model to appreciate and get their hands on it early.
Properly storing your Hot Wheels collection is crucial for preserving its value. Aside from preserving its value, prospering storing your collection ensures your hot wheel car stays in top condition.
The first step to properly storing your collection is categorizing it. This can be based on theme, series, or personal preferences. You could also group your Hot Wheels by model types, release years, special editions, or any unique criteria that resonate with you. It’s much easier to store your collection once it is correctly categorized.
Whether you’re storing your car in its package or without it, it’s essential to invest in high-quality storage containers or cases. Transparent cases are recommended because they allow you to appreciate your collection without removing it from the storage container.
Some storage containers have adjustable compartments to accommodate different-sized Hot Wheels and prevent them from touching, reducing the risk of scratches.
You should store your hot wheels in a cool, dry place to prevent warping, discoloration, or deterioration of materials over time. Extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity levels can damage the packaging and affect the condition of the cars.
Avoid exposing your Hot Wheels to direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade. Display them away from windows or use UV-resistant curtains to minimize the impact of sunlight. Faded colors can significantly diminish the value of rare or limited-edition models.
You should consider a more sophisticated display for a more expensive Hot Wheels. Various display cabinets are explicitly designed to show off a Hot Wheels collection.
These cabinets often feature adjustable shelves, lighting options, and locking mechanisms to enhance security and aesthetics. Display cabinets protect your collection while allowing you to showcase it in an organized and visually appealing manner.
Hot Wheels offers a unique and thrilling avenue for collectors seeking a new and engaging item to collect. The entry price to build a hot wheel collection is amazingly low. Even the rarer versions are still affordable for lots of collectors.
In addition, given their aesthetic appeal, Hot Wheels look so great that people incorporate them into their home decor. Indeed, the profit margin might not be as high as most collectibles that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, few collectibles invoke as many good memories as the Hot Wheel.
Whether you’re captivated by the intricate designs, nostalgia, or the potential for finding rare treasures, Hot Wheels has something for everyone.
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