tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71315880372512283442024-03-12T20:36:06.353-07:00Hot Wheels Collecting GuideShowcasing new additions to my growing Mattel Hot Wheels collectionMore Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-8966627405803472112012-04-29T12:00:00.001-07:002012-04-29T12:00:53.791-07:00Hot Wheels 2012 Poster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The 2012 Hot Wheels poster is out. It shows every model slated to be released this year for every series. Now we know what to look for. I have included a screenshot, and the<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/Poster%20Hotwheels%202012.pdf" target="_blank"> .pdf file </a>is available to<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/Poster%20Hotwheels%202012.pdf" target="_blank"> download. </a>There are some cool cars in the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2012firsteditions1.html" target="_blank">2012 new models series</a> that I am looking forward to. Even a couple of angry birds themed cars. Check it out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a66HmS8Zr9k/T52OzPE0RmI/AAAAAAAAAoI/z4A3AZNBybM/s1600/2012+hot+wheels+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a66HmS8Zr9k/T52OzPE0RmI/AAAAAAAAAoI/z4A3AZNBybM/s400/2012+hot+wheels+poster.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br /></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-75001035653172570752012-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:002012-02-25T21:51:09.982-08:00So Many Mustangs: Shelby GT500 Super Snake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are so many Mustang variations that have been featured as Hot Wheels new models lately. The 2011 model year alone saw 3 different Mustang models.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z5v03TkXu0/T0nCKrJUakI/AAAAAAAAAno/GNHgt87AXjc/s1600/01-07SHELBYGT500V1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z5v03TkXu0/T0nCKrJUakI/AAAAAAAAAno/GNHgt87AXjc/s1600/01-07SHELBYGT500V1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z5v03TkXu0/T0nCKrJUakI/AAAAAAAAAno/GNHgt87AXjc/s200/01-07SHELBYGT500V1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'07 Shelby GT 500</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the Mustang examples from the 2011 new models is the Shelby GT500 Super Snake. Thinking back, we have seen this body style in a few different versions in the recent past. The first appearance would be the <a href="http://diecast.spiraln.com/ford/mustang/5th_generation/hw_mustanggtconcept/index.html" target="_blank">Mustang GT Concept</a> from 2004. Then in 2005 we saw the <a href="http://diecast.spiraln.com/ford/mustang/5th_generation/hw_05mustanggt/index.html" target="_blank">'05 Mustang GT</a>. This was followed up by ‘07 Shelby GT-500 as a 2008 First Edition.(pictured above)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV7EiUkC0uo/T0nDwGhtZdI/AAAAAAAAAnw/J6N0h0EiYp0/s1600/41-2010MUSTANGGTv2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV7EiUkC0uo/T0nDwGhtZdI/AAAAAAAAAnw/J6N0h0EiYp0/s200/41-2010MUSTANGGTv2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Mustang GT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then in 2009 we got the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2010mustanggt.html" target="_blank">2010 Mustang GT</a>. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsRN0Djiw-c/T0nFS4xK1cI/AAAAAAAAAn4/OwKJ3tq9fFc/s1600/09-10FORDSHELBYGT500l3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsRN0Djiw-c/T0nFS4xK1cI/AAAAAAAAAn4/OwKJ3tq9fFc/s1600/09-10FORDSHELBYGT500l3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Ford Shelby GT500</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cveQIRCF51c/T0nFtIKjk5I/AAAAAAAAAoA/rQejLQFHRFc/s1600/03-%2710+FORD+SHELBY+GT500+SUPER+SNAKE+l3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cveQIRCF51c/T0nFtIKjk5I/AAAAAAAAAoA/rQejLQFHRFc/s400/03-%2710+FORD+SHELBY+GT500+SUPER+SNAKE+l3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelby GT 500 Super Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2010 gave us the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars10fordshelbygt500.html" target="_blank">'10 Ford Shelby GT 500</a>. And now in 2011 we get the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsfordshelbygt500supersnake.html" target="_blank">Shelby GT500 Super Snake</a>.<br />
<br />
Coming soon: 2012 Laguna Seca Mustang. <br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I could probably not be able to tell which model is which without seeing them side-by side. The change to the striping is interesting. I appreciate the different hood scoops and vents, and I just noticed the rear side window is removed in the Super Snake. In the end I realize that I am a "details oriented" individual and so if the only change is a tweak to the fog lights, it is pretty cool to see a company like Mattel commit to bringing us those little changes.</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-37642318941308916812012-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:002012-01-27T13:16:14.613-08:00Packaging Mistake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is one from the "oops files". Occasionally one might come across a production blooper. something small like a car facing the wrong direction or upside down. There might be problems with the casting, assembly or painting which gets past QA. But in this case it was a matter of the car not matching the packaging. Here we have a yellow Porsche Carerra GT in a Fast Fortress package. You would think that having an image of the model printed right on the card would be a small hint. In reality, I am sure the process is largely automated but it makes me wonder how something like this could happen. Wouldn't this make a great episode of <a href="http://www.commentcestfait.com/en/index.php" target="_blank">"How its made"</a>?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMngsuMej7E/TyMTAmw5jnI/AAAAAAAAAmk/wUQbVyPp2SE/s1600/OOPS+Hot+Wheels+Porsche+GT+in+Fast+fortress+package.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMngsuMej7E/TyMTAmw5jnI/AAAAAAAAAmk/wUQbVyPp2SE/s320/OOPS+Hot+Wheels+Porsche+GT+in+Fast+fortress+package.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-28274869130236539042012-01-20T22:58:00.000-08:002012-01-20T22:58:17.135-08:00Hot Wheels 2011 Year in Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dr0TtOGp34/Txpg2ASMDYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/rL4DzDgijZU/s1600/hws2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dr0TtOGp34/Txpg2ASMDYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/rL4DzDgijZU/s320/hws2011.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
One post I never did get to in 2011 was about "the poster". Every Year we can count on a poster depicting the planned releases for the Hot Wheels 1:64 scale. Every series is here, New Models, Treasure Hunts, Track Aces and all. You might have already seen this, but if not, it would help see what 2011 was all about. Check it out, see what you might have missed:</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-236300923984865512012-01-17T15:51:00.000-08:002012-01-17T15:51:00.673-08:002011 New Model Review Part 2 - Back To The Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As promised, another highlight from the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions2.html" target="_blank">2011 New Models</a>. This one ties in with the previous post regarding the target demographic and power of nostalgia in everything these days. The A-Team on T.V and <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsbttftm.html" target="_blank">Back To The Future</a> at the theaters; you have to admit the 1980's had some great entertainment for the kids of that time (a group I feel fortunate to be a part of).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8qs20baaQo/TxEI3tF7tYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/W7_6p1FaqfI/s1600/18-BACK+TO+THE+FUTURE+TIME+MACHINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8qs20baaQo/TxEI3tF7tYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/W7_6p1FaqfI/s400/18-BACK+TO+THE+FUTURE+TIME+MACHINE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1.21 Gigawatts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-28100994014665758212012-01-13T20:38:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:34:54.043-08:002011 New Model Review Part 1 - A-Team Van<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a while since my last post. Life gets busy but it is always my desire to make time to post here. I have not been idle with the collecting though. 2011 is behind us, and as we look forward to what 2012 will bring, it is time to recap on the past year. I have spent some time updating<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/" target="_blank"> my catalog site</a> with the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions1.html" target="_blank">New models from 2011</a>. There are<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsNissanSkylineHT2000GTX.html" target="_blank"> a few I have missed</a> and I might need to check e-bay or ask around to see if they are available. If anyone wants to see what I don't have (2011 New models) and offer up any doubles I would be interested to hear from you. I will concentrate on some awesome 2012 models that have been popping up in future posts. For now, I will dedicate this and the next few posts to the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions2.html" target="_blank">2011 New Model</a> highlights. Here is one I'd like to share now:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbWXsGTPUyU/TxEE4f2VGcI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xzashA4KCS8/s1600/39-A-TEAM+l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbWXsGTPUyU/TxEE4f2VGcI/AAAAAAAAAmE/xzashA4KCS8/s400/39-A-TEAM+l1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you recognize this van, congratulations, you are awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, the good people at Mattel have seen fit to grace us '80's children
with an ample dose of nostalgia in 2011, the A-Team van being a prime
indicator that my demographic still counts for something in this world. </div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-25426905237612867242011-06-22T22:20:00.000-07:002011-06-22T22:20:40.284-07:00All Time Favorite List - 1991 Porsche 930<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For an early 90's casting, this one has the right amount of detail. It feels balanced and heavy with its all metal construction. The Porsche 930 is an awesome car - an icon in the world of sports cars. It has a classic shape regardless of the scale. We have seen this one a lot, it has been released many times since its initial casting, but not lately. I haven't seen it in the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">Hot Wheels</a> mainline for at least a few years so this is a great opportunity to dig them up and get another look. That is what you get with these 3 models. I like each colour choice; Orange is bold, Blue is racy and Red is classic sports car. It is hard to make such a slick car look bad - see for yourself:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgLcFT5C2iM/Tfbf6TRdQOI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/SoAmk7CwgRU/s320/Porsche+930+Turbo+3.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prDsRU5eX-0/Tfbf6366rcI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6oUcbsTffbA/s1600/Porsche+930+Turbo+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prDsRU5eX-0/Tfbf6366rcI/AAAAAAAAAjU/6oUcbsTffbA/s320/Porsche+930+Turbo+Back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2kGs_HuYFA/Tfbf7KbnCZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/wncwGEsp1Eo/s1600/Porsche+930+Turbo+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2kGs_HuYFA/Tfbf7KbnCZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/wncwGEsp1Eo/s320/Porsche+930+Turbo+blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYemKIKDQ7s/Tfbf7uyuLPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/MV7uJyLxDr4/s1600/Porsche+930+Turbo+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYemKIKDQ7s/Tfbf7uyuLPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/MV7uJyLxDr4/s320/Porsche+930+Turbo+Orange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3McNRS3Ir20/Tfbf8D36QUI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Xk9_r4-MMO0/s1600/Porsche+930+Turbo+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3McNRS3Ir20/Tfbf8D36QUI/AAAAAAAAAjg/Xk9_r4-MMO0/s320/Porsche+930+Turbo+Red.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-18539335398620700822011-06-15T10:21:00.000-07:002011-06-15T10:21:00.141-07:002011 First Editions # 9 of 50 - Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have mentioned here many times before that I am a fan of exotic cars. If you are anything like me, the sight of a <a href="http://ferrari.hotwhlz.com/">Ferrari</a> or Lamborghini can be a stirring experience. To a smaller degree, the same is true when I hold one in my hand. What we have here is a pair of<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars%20Lamborghini%20Gallardo%20LP%20570-4%20Superleggera.html"> Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera</a> models. This is a faithful reproduction, down to the side graphics and black-out rims, showing that this particular Gallardo is above and beyond the <a href="http://hotwheelscollector.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-first-editions-12-0f-52.html">regular model</a> in terms of weight reduction and performance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars%20Lamborghini%20Gallardo%20LP%20570-4%20Superleggera.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1t2_2QzuIw/Teu8T4buYWI/AAAAAAAAAjI/eHNRwizdF4Y/s320/09-LAMBORGHINI+GALLARDO+LP+570-4SUPERLEGGERA+l1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars%20Lamborghini%20Gallardo%20LP%20570-4%20Superleggera.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAG5ia8pfdM/Teu8VSK0RzI/AAAAAAAAAjM/H4SGh4cAxr4/s320/09-LAMBORGHINI+GALLARDO+LP+570-4SUPERLEGGERA+l2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-26185401708941491972011-06-05T10:20:00.000-07:002011-06-05T10:20:14.329-07:002011 First Editions Honda S2000<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we have 2 variations of the recently release Honda S2000. Compared to its real world source, the Hot Wheels model has some modifications including custom body panels, roof scoop and rear wing. This model fits right in with the "street racing" theme that a lot of recent Hot Wheels have. It is a fitting choice, as the Honda S2000 is a good starting point for performance enhancements. A great sports car and a bargain at its price point. Though Honda ended production in 2009, the racing spirit of this roadster lives on in 1:64 scale. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QN4t6UNheek/Teu4BQ95lZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/UZYK_Ad2Rhg/s1600/20-HONDA+S2000+l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QN4t6UNheek/Teu4BQ95lZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/UZYK_Ad2Rhg/s320/20-HONDA+S2000+l1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carshondas2000.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIPZZAI5XVA/Teu4BzvzUsI/AAAAAAAAAjE/sMBD0BQD2YA/s320/20-HONDA+S2000+l2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-21686960789610553552011-06-02T20:19:00.000-07:002011-06-05T10:05:35.089-07:002011 New Models: Reverse Colour Variations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have noticed a trend this year for the new models released thus far. The Colours selected for variations seem to be a reverse of the primary and secondary colours. I know there is a history of this with Mattel, but it seem to be more prevalent lately. It is a great way to explore some specific combinations and it makes for some interesting photo opportunities I could not resist:<br />
<br />
A pair of <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsmeganetrophy.html">Megane Trophy Renault's</a> show well in yellow on black or black on yellow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sphCZdv7VVo/TehQUbJxgSI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/xc0U4Z9v6SU/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sphCZdv7VVo/TehQUbJxgSI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/xc0U4Z9v6SU/s320/200.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This pair of<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars63mustangiiconcept.html"> '63 Mustang II concept</a> cars applies the colour reverse idea to the interior as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2SKLOetrtQ/TehQN8y4mJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/z1uPiAJjt44/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2SKLOetrtQ/TehQN8y4mJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/z1uPiAJjt44/s320/194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Even the<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsdanicar.html"> Danicar</a> gets a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro_World">Bizzaro world</a> clone. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ySASfCLlXM/TehQaHP4f9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/Xdus7Vbl2O0/s1600/202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ySASfCLlXM/TehQaHP4f9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/Xdus7Vbl2O0/s320/202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-66347615480369985262011-02-04T00:22:00.000-08:002011-02-05T22:13:56.356-08:00Hot Wheels 2011 - New Packaging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In addition to all the new things happening in the world of <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">Hot Wheels,</a> we have a new look to the standard mainline packaging again this year. The rendering of each individual car (complete with actual color and rim variations in most cases) is a great feature added last year and I am glad to see that it will continue to be featured even more prominently <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions1.html">this year</a>. What wont be returning are the mystery cars series.<br />
<br />
In total it looks like there will be 244 mainline releases including 50 First Editions.<br />
<br />
The breakdown looks like this:<br />
<br />
<h2 style="background-color: #000099; color: #ccffff; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><small>2011 Main Line 244 Models</small></h2><ul style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><li style="background-color: yellow;"> <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions1.html"><span style="color: black;">50 2011 HW Premiere</span></a></li>
<li style="background-color: #33cc00;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011thunts.html"><span style="color: black;">15 Treasure Hunts</span></a></li>
<li style="background-color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011trackstars.html"><span style="color: black;">15 Track Stars</span></a></li>
<li style="background-color: red;"><span style="color: black;">42 Thrill Racers</span></li>
<li style="background-color: #993399;"><span style="color: black;">22 Video Game Heroes<br />
</span></li>
</ul><ul style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><li style="background-color: #000099; color: white;"><b style="color: #999999;">10 segments (10 cars each):</b><span style="color: #999999;"> </span> <ul><li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>Faster Than Ever™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>MuscleHeat Fleet®</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>HW City Works™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>HW Drag Racers™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>HW Main Street™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>HW Performance™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>HW Racing™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>Muscle Mania®</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><b>Nightburnerz™</b></li>
<li style="background-color: #000099;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011streetbeasts.html"><b>Street Beasts®</b></a></li>
</ul></li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-53929595714292326182011-01-30T00:22:00.000-08:002011-01-30T00:25:01.126-08:00Hot Wheels 2011 Premieres Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">2011 is barely a month old and so I figure I should post before the new models flood in. As usual, I will make the <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars.html">New Models</a> my focus. So far I have been able to snag <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011firsteditions1.html">6 different models</a> (with one variation). It is also nice that they are pretty much in order compared to last year when the first models to show up were all over the range. The First Editions I have been able to acquire are all posted on <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">my collection site</a>, and I will show the thumbnail links below:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846788" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_01-DANICAR%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsdanicar.html">The Danicar - a nice start for the first of the year</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846793" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_02-%2772%20FORD%20GRAN%20TORINO%20SPORT%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars72fordgrantorinosport.html">Gran Torino - Inspired by the film, no doubt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846798" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_03-%2710%20FORD%20SHELBY%20GT500%20SUPER%20SNAKE%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsfordshelbygt500supersnake.html">What Hot Wheels model year would be complete without a few Mustangs?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846803" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_04-%2769%20COPO%20CORVETTE%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars69copocorvette.html">Classic Corvette</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846808" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_04-%2769%20COPO%20CORVETTE%20l2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars69copocorvette.html">Looks great in white, but hard to see against my regular backdrop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_05-CUSTOM%20%2711%20CAMARO%20l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846813" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_05-CUSTOM%20%2711%20CAMARO%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2011customcamaro.html">Where there's a Mustang, a Camaro can't be far behind... or in front?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846823" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_06-DODGE%20CHALLENGER%20DRIFT%20CAR%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars%20Dodge%20Challenger%20Drift%20Car.html">A modern Musclecar by Dodge, the GM and Ford boys can't have all the fun!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_673846828" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hotwhlz.com/images/2011/First%20Editions/128/sm_09-LAMBORGHINI%20GALLARDO%20LP%20570-4SUPERLEGGERA%20l1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars%20Lamborghini%20Gallardo%20LP%20570-4%20Superleggera.html">readers should know my preference for Italian exotics.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-83000799263680182912010-09-12T18:22:00.000-07:002010-09-12T18:23:08.286-07:00Fun With Photos - BackslidersWhat do you do with 3 flatbed <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsbackslider.html">Backsliders</a>?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TI18de17NuI/AAAAAAAAAho/fEEKU_3UHs4/s1600/3+Backsliders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TI18de17NuI/AAAAAAAAAho/fEEKU_3UHs4/s320/3+Backsliders.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stack'em!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-85684802093386016532010-08-28T09:04:00.000-07:002010-08-28T09:08:01.628-07:00The Real Cars - Nissan GT-R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsnissangtr.html#anchorl"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkxUwrV48I/AAAAAAAAAgg/OQ_z28zEqV4/s320/01-NISSANGTRl3.jpg" /></a></div>The new <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsnissangtr.html">Nissan GT-R</a> is a spectacular car. Quality, performance and value are the virtues it possesses as recognized by the automotive press and the sports car enthusiast public. For a car in the $100,000 price range, it may seem that these be a minimum requirement, but considering the competition, in relative terms, this car is a stand out.<br />
It is only fitting that a <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">Hot Wheels</a> model was made of this car to celebrate its release in <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2009firsteditions1.html">2009</a>. Here, in pictures is the initial model run for both Nissan and Mattel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkxhBeHKXI/AAAAAAAAAgo/bhnUtdTjFVk/s1600/NissanGT-R_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkxhBeHKXI/AAAAAAAAAgo/bhnUtdTjFVk/s320/NissanGT-R_01.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkylnXGb0I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/pU06Yj8Dj-A/s1600/NISSAN+GTR+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkylnXGb0I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/pU06Yj8Dj-A/s320/NISSAN+GTR+%283%29.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkyQfO7-OI/AAAAAAAAAhA/ETh0MfoUD2c/s1600/NISSAN+GTR+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkyQfO7-OI/AAAAAAAAAhA/ETh0MfoUD2c/s320/NISSAN+GTR+%282%29.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THkyFuiRWJI/AAAAAAAAAg4/8iCzSH7hOEA/s320/NISSAN+GTR.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THk0MdXU5VI/AAAAAAAAAhY/XvX0DWrqbuw/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/THk0MdXU5VI/AAAAAAAAAhY/XvX0DWrqbuw/s200/089.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-61176759319881155252010-07-18T10:07:00.000-07:002011-06-13T18:08:00.298-07:00The Real Cars - Ferrari California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://ferrari.hotwhlz.com/FerrariCalifornia.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEMzuZyN-dI/AAAAAAAAAfw/KxakugH-TEA/s200/California+l3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Here is another fun idea - I am digging through some of my photo collection to find pictures of the real cars along with their Hot Wheels counterparts. Today's post will be showcasing the <a href="http://www.hotwhlz.com/carsferraricalifornia.html">Ferrari California</a>. The <a href="http://ferrari.hotwhlz.com/FerrariCalifornia.html">California</a> is one of those cars that has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated. The design is so subtle and well thought out, but the essence of the car's shape rarely comes through in a photograph.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEMz6DT2BoI/AAAAAAAAAf4/uPFO2v9xQek/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEMz6DT2BoI/AAAAAAAAAf4/uPFO2v9xQek/s320/055.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEM0Oko9EhI/AAAAAAAAAgI/2qJS1v9xLpY/s1600/Ferrari+Emblem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEM0Oko9EhI/AAAAAAAAAgI/2qJS1v9xLpY/s200/Ferrari+Emblem.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Also, I thought it would be a good opportunity to give a sneak peak of an on-going project - The <a href="http://ferrari.hotwhlz.com/index.html">Ferrari Hot Wheels collector site</a>. It is a <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">Hot Wheels site</a> dedicated entirely to <a href="http://ferrari.hotwhlz.com/models.html">Ferrari models</a>. It is a work in progress, so be sure to bookmark and return in a few months if you visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEM0lu7j4kI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/ztEtDU-oNbI/s1600/California+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TEM0lu7j4kI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/ztEtDU-oNbI/s400/California+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-74194954975451295272010-07-12T15:45:00.000-07:002010-07-12T15:45:00.208-07:00Not all Treasure Hunts Are Created Equal<div style="text-align: left;">There are Treasure Hunts and there are Treasure Hunt$! You probably know that there are a series of 12 cars released every year since 1995 which are made in limited numbers. They have some enhanced features like rubber tires and special high-detail pain treatments. Because of that they are highly sought after by the collecting community. If you are in a "competitive" area like I am, you would rarely see one in stores because they rarely make it to the shelves (insiders and shelf stockers usually get first dibs).<br />
<br />
If you are lucky enough to get one it is a treat, but if you are particularly lucky, you might find a "SUPER T-HUNT$". I have some high resolution pics of both below, see how many differences you can spot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-_n6DsApI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Q8i5V0a0HcU/s1600/2009+T-HUNT+NEET+STREETER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-_n6DsApI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Q8i5V0a0HcU/s400/2009+T-HUNT+NEET+STREETER.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-_r0-UwQI/AAAAAAAAAfo/SHQ0ytllkDc/s1600/2009+T-HUNT%24+NEET+STREETER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-_r0-UwQI/AAAAAAAAAfo/SHQ0ytllkDc/s400/2009+T-HUNT%24+NEET+STREETER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-81594661833563469722010-07-07T15:32:00.000-07:002010-07-07T15:32:00.330-07:00All Time Favorite List - 2005 Shelby GR-1 Concept<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7Y0xlJwI/AAAAAAAAAfI/DG-l7PBKmF8/s1600/16+FORDSHELBYGR1CONCEPT+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7Y0xlJwI/AAAAAAAAAfI/DG-l7PBKmF8/s400/16+FORDSHELBYGR1CONCEPT+%281%29.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Awesome in chrome</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7aiqkTgI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ZxeJYxszmEg/s1600/16+FORDSHELBYGR1CONCEPT+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7aiqkTgI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ZxeJYxszmEg/s400/16+FORDSHELBYGR1CONCEPT+%282%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Also good, but not as awesome as chrome</i></div><br />
At a recent car show I had the opportunity to see the actual concept car which this model was based upon. It was indeed made with a chrome finish. When this Hot Wheels model was released back in 2005 as a First Edition, it was available in chrome and gray. I made a point to scoop up a few extra <a href="http://hotwheelscollector.blogspot.com/2009/10/2010-first-editions-2-0f-52-tooligan.html">chrome ones</a> because I really like the look.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>My son stands in front of the actual Shelby GR-1 Concept at the Shelby show</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7qmdhamI/AAAAAAAAAfY/7MdrSCZlaf4/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-7qmdhamI/AAAAAAAAAfY/7MdrSCZlaf4/s400/117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-3974986688801948372010-07-03T15:31:00.000-07:002010-09-12T17:53:34.869-07:00All Time Favorite List - 1995 Pearl Drivers Series - Purple Passion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-4i9Nc8-I/AAAAAAAAAfA/lYQjGQ5Jge0/s1600/1995+Pearl+Driver+Purple+Passion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TC-4i9Nc8-I/AAAAAAAAAfA/lYQjGQ5Jge0/s400/1995+Pearl+Driver+Purple+Passion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Back in 1995, I was just starting to collect Hot Wheels as a hobby. I knew this one was special when I first saw it. This particular car has been sitting on my shelf for years. What I like about it is the excellent custom design based on the '49 Mercury. Also, the series that this one is from had a pearescent paint theme. Each car in the 4 car series had a special paint job which was part peal, part chameleon. This one looks metalic purple with some green highlights. Although it has been released in many variations over the years, I most appreciate the colour of this one. It is impossible to show the complex way the light dances off it but if you look closely you can see the green and white highlights.More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-57660003358801684582010-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:002010-06-13T11:39:15.623-07:00The End Of Hot Wheels Pop Offs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULUZpaOkI/AAAAAAAAAew/kkaftvuJM9I/s1600/202-RWE+SCION+XB+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULUZpaOkI/AAAAAAAAAew/kkaftvuJM9I/s200/202-RWE+SCION+XB+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
There were only a handful of models made to be "Pop-offs" in Hot Wheels history. The first one I know of was the Mini Cooper from the 2000 First Editions. They are a neat idea. They do not have the standard rivets holding every component together. Instead they are clipped together and the body can be taken off of the chassis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULb3k8CdI/AAAAAAAAAe4/zZBvuz_xKTI/s1600/107-HWP+GROUND+FX+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULb3k8CdI/AAAAAAAAAe4/zZBvuz_xKTI/s200/107-HWP+GROUND+FX+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Pop-offs were different, they had to be specially detailed throughout the interior because when the body is removed, everything is visible. I also liked the idea that every time they came out with a new variation, you had an increasing number of combinations of tops and bottoms to fit together.<br />
<br />
And now, it seems Mattel has decided to remove the "Pop-off" ability of these models. I have 2 examples from this year where the clips have been replaced by standard rivets. I have to say I am surprised that this feature has been taken away; and disappointed too.<br />
<br />
The following pictures show the <b>2010 Race World Earth Scion XB</b> with clear green body (Right). Beside that is a previous variation, the <b>2005 First Editions X-Raycers</b> version of the same model (Left).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUIZnu3VbI/AAAAAAAAAdw/bmDq-wTusk8/s1600/Scion+XB+2+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUIZnu3VbI/AAAAAAAAAdw/bmDq-wTusk8/s320/Scion+XB+2+shot.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUIl38YrrI/AAAAAAAAAd4/631C1wjFtbE/s1600/Scion+XB+body+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUIl38YrrI/AAAAAAAAAd4/631C1wjFtbE/s320/Scion+XB+body+off.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here is the previous model, popped off - pretty cool.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUJOlLVofI/AAAAAAAAAeA/8LtdLdVamj8/s1600/Scion+XB+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUJOlLVofI/AAAAAAAAAeA/8LtdLdVamj8/s320/Scion+XB+rear.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Something different with the green one...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUJewpy6CI/AAAAAAAAAeI/m_720VEhxds/s1600/Scion+xb+old+and+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUJewpy6CI/AAAAAAAAAeI/m_720VEhxds/s320/Scion+xb+old+and+new.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Old one on the left, current one on the right... Hmm, no clip - no way to pop it off, its just a normal car now</i>. :(</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>You can see the clip on the red one, missing on the newest version. <br />
<br />
The next set of photos shows the <b>2010 Hot Wheels Performance Ground FX</b> in yellow. Beside that is a previous variation of the same model.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKLZpuTtI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ESlquK0iq2o/s1600/Ground+FX+2-shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKLZpuTtI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ESlquK0iq2o/s320/Ground+FX+2-shot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKgU78wPI/AAAAAAAAAeY/3_Wd-rL-RfE/s1600/Ground+FX+body+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKgU78wPI/AAAAAAAAAeY/3_Wd-rL-RfE/s320/Ground+FX+body+off.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> What it looks like under the skin</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKvUpDVxI/AAAAAAAAAeg/nyxkuwWLLsE/s1600/Ground+FX+new+and+old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBUKvUpDVxI/AAAAAAAAAeg/nyxkuwWLLsE/s320/Ground+FX+new+and+old.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The new one (yellow) with no clip</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULBnEVSSI/AAAAAAAAAeo/MIM4MLSsc5o/s1600/Ground+FX+rivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TBULBnEVSSI/AAAAAAAAAeo/MIM4MLSsc5o/s320/Ground+FX+rivet.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My disappointment confirmed - no clip.</i></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-11400204582239956162010-06-05T22:48:00.000-07:002010-06-05T22:49:27.205-07:00All Time Favorite List - 1999 First Editions #18 - TurbolenceWhat is this one all about? To me it could be a few things. It has the stretched lines of a salt flats racer, attempting to break a land speed record. It could be a pre-war endurance racer or maybe a prototype from some past era. In reality it is a great piece to be able to conjure up those images for me. And it has a solid feel too. This is one of the increasingly rare models with die cast top and bottom. It feels heavy and rolls great. I think the colour and tampos for this First Edition model are well done too but now I'm curious... what do you think? What does this model remind you of?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TAs2hQN3eKI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ziLrLZv4VkQ/s1600/99FE18-TURBOLENCE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TAs2hQN3eKI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ziLrLZv4VkQ/s400/99FE18-TURBOLENCE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-64273913258361483972010-05-17T19:08:00.000-07:002010-05-17T19:08:46.794-07:00All Time Favorite List - 1989 Speed Fleet - Pontiac Banshee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S_H2imYC_5I/AAAAAAAAAcw/r5Uk_RTkn00/s1600/HWC75-PONTIACBANSHEE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S_H2imYC_5I/AAAAAAAAAcw/r5Uk_RTkn00/s400/HWC75-PONTIACBANSHEE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now this is a perfect <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/index.html">Hot Wheels</a> car. Based on an actual car - a <a href="http://wiki.gmnext.com/wiki/index.php/1988_Pontiac_Banshee_Concept_Car">prototype</a> built by Pontiac in 1988. It has a futuristic look, smooth and sleek. It has some familiar lines (<a href="http://www.atozautolights.com/images/AutoPhotos/POFI9302.jpg">1990's Firebird</a>) but it is unlike anything on the road then or now. The "Ultra Hot" rims compliment the look of this model particularly well and the colour of the original release (1989) is true to the <a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1988-pontiac-banshee-concept-car1.htm">one-of-a-kind show-car</a>. <br />
<br />
It is amusing to think that the technology of this car was extreme for its time, and yet conveniences like GPS and rear view cameras are commonplace today. My inner child sometimes feels like he has been transported to the future.More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-18618663564393881122010-04-24T12:37:00.000-07:002010-04-25T08:29:46.187-07:00New 2010 First Editions - Mazda Furai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsmazdafurai.html"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S9NGGhAQ-zI/AAAAAAAAAco/FuKwnpiOmRA/s400/31-MAZDAFURAIl1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/carsmazdafurai.html">Mazda Furai</a> Hot Wheels 1/64 scale model is fun to look at. It is a <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2010firsteditions1.html">First edition car</a> (#31 of 52) for the 2010 model year. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/mazda-furai-breaks-cover/">actual car</a> this is based on is a Mazda concept car with the underpinnings of an American LeMans race car from a few years ago. Unlike the Hot Wheels car, I have never seen the real car in person, but I would like to. It seems to me that the flowing lines would be best appreciated up close. The name Furai means "the sound of wind" in Japanese.More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-15081467262542418512010-04-17T23:08:00.000-07:002010-09-15T15:11:05.009-07:00New 2010 First Editions - '71 Maverick Grabber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TJFEaSquSQI/AAAAAAAAAhw/dr9Q3CwCzio/s1600/38-71MAVERICKGRABBERl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/TJFEaSquSQI/AAAAAAAAAhw/dr9Q3CwCzio/s400/38-71MAVERICKGRABBERl1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars71maverickgrabber.html"> Ford Maverick</a> was a compact car produced in the '70's. The early years of the car coincided with the tail end of the muscle car era. Though the Maverick was not really a muscle car, there was a "Grabber" trim option available in 1971. "Grabber orange" was the name of Ford's bright orange paint. The graphics, spoiler and hood were what set a "Grabber" apart from a normal Maverick. This car was ahead of its time in many ways when you think about the phenomenon of custom graphics and tacking some aftermarket hood and spoiler onto a compact car to make it look more like a bigger faster sports car. Like any good <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/">Hot Wheels</a> car, this one is a celebration of small things trying to be bigger faster things and imparting some of that 'larger-than-life' feeling to whomever holds it in their hands.More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-13462635944856143712010-04-11T11:54:00.000-07:002010-04-11T11:57:59.697-07:00All Time Favorite List - 2002 First Editions #25 - Lancia Stratos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S8Ia9jDJmQI/AAAAAAAAAcY/rCm7G_tK-Z0/s1600/02-05-LANCIA+STRATOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S8Ia9jDJmQI/AAAAAAAAAcY/rCm7G_tK-Z0/s400/02-05-LANCIA+STRATOS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yes I am a fan of Italian Exotics of all types. The big names are more familiar: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati; but this 'Lancia' is not as well known. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Stratos">Lancia Stratos</a> was a purpose built rally car - and quite successful at that. It first appeared in the 1972-73 race season and won a number of championships throughout the '70's. I had always admired the originality of the design. It was wild and different, styled by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Gandini">Marcello Gandini</a> at Bertone. That might not mean much to some people, but others will recognize the name of the man responsible for the styling of some of the most beautiful cars on the road. A short list of his other works include the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_Montreal">Alfa Romeo Montreal</a>, <a href="http://www.lamborghini.com/">Lamborghini</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_Miura">Miura</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_Countach">Countach</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_Diablo">Diablo</a>.<br />
<br />
So as is usually the case, a beautiful road car makes for a beautiful 1/64 scale replica, but there are other things to consider with the Hot Wheels version. The colour of this one is a very nice shade of red, characteristic of the "Italian passion" for the automobile. The details are well represented, pop-up headlights, hood vents, fender flares and all.<br />
<br />
I truly appreciate the aesthetics of this car and I would have a place in my dream garage for this piece of automotive history. Having a <a href="http://www.allsportauto.com/english/wallpapers.php3?zl_id=13177&zl_idMD=903">Lancia Stratos</a> in my pocket is a good compromise.More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131588037251228344.post-64029248300548483832010-04-03T20:57:00.000-07:002010-04-03T21:02:43.117-07:002010 Hot Wheels PosterClick the picture below for a huge .jpg of the<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars.html"> 2010 Hot wheels</a> lineup poster. For all of the collectors out there, this is a great guide for what to expect for the rest of the year. It is a fun look at the entire 2010 main line of <a href="http://hotwhlz.com/">Hot Wheels</a> cars. Each series is listed and most of the cars are shown in their final form, or if that was not available at the time of the posters creation, a rendering is used for some of the<a href="http://hotwhlz.com/cars2010firsteditions1.html"> first editions</a>. Enjoy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S7gN71qCtvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/bZwmYNkvfZQ/s1600/HW_Poster_2010_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KBEMXzjQOZU/S7gN71qCtvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/bZwmYNkvfZQ/s640/HW_Poster_2010_Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>More Hot Wheelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11892387102170154898noreply@blogger.com