“I do not collect Hot Wheels, I do not collect Hot Wheels…” I find myself saying that to myself an awful lot lately. The problem is that every time I go to the store, these shiny little bits of awesomeness are calling to me from the pegs.
There is simply no better value on the toy store shelves than Hot wheels cars. You can keep your kids quiet and well-behaved for the entire shopping trip with a few simple words–“If you’re good, you can get ONE Hot Wheels car.” For just $0.99 you can buy a peaceful, trip to Target–now, THAT is a bargain.
This past weekend, I took the kids to the Greenberg Toy and Train show, which was 99.8% trains, but there was one guy there with several tables full of Hot Wheels cars, including several bins of brand “new” cars for a dollar. I told my kids to find the silliest cars they could, and they succeeded…
What could be better than a shopping cart with a giant motor and exhaust pipes?
I was never really into Hot Wheels as a kid, but something about them is just so appealing to me now, and I hate to say it, but I think it boils down to the price point. You simply can not buy another toy with as much personality and playability for a dollar.
I’ve been slowly gathering pop culture-centric cars (FINE I DO COLLECT THEM!), such as this ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters. I’ve been on the lookout for KITT, the BTTF Delorean, and now there’s a Mystery Machine out there. So, if you have any extras, give me a shout.
It really is impressive how much detail they can pack into these tiny cars. This one is called Boneshaker and has a cool skull on the front grill.
I honestly don’t know what the “normal” Hot Wheels collector goes for, but I love the vintage hot rods and muscle cars–the crazier the better!
If I’m not careful, I might end up like Crazy Jack, so I’ll just keep saying it: “I do not collect Hot Wheels…”
Is the Fall Guy truck up top an actual Hot Wheels or is it just in the same scale?
Nope, not a Hot Wheels. That one was made by Ertl.
Yes they did make it. There is a jeep that resembles the truck as well. But you have to go back to the mid 80’s and 90’s cause the ones they put out today are terrible.
I might have a DeLorean hanging around, I’ll check when I get home. I have a more Halloween-centric version of Boneshaker (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090408065145/hotwheels/images/1/13/BoneShaker09_RF_Thomas.jpg) Because I only collect Hot Wheels that fit the Halloween theme…but I do not collect Hot Wheels.
nope, neither do I. 😉
I’m currently seeking The Bat and The Mystery Machine. I do collect Hot Wheels because dammit they make SO MANY cool ones!
They really do. I’ll keep an eye out for the Bat. 😉
I collect some of the cooler pop culture cars. Not necessarily Hot Wheels, but die cast cars in the scale of Hot Wheels.
I currently have a BTTF Delorean, but it’s the Johnny Lightning version with rubberized wheels. Got it many years ago at Universal Studios before they closed the BTTF Ride. I also have the General Lee, but it was made by Ertl in the 80s, I think. And a 60s Batmobile also made by Ertl in the 80s.
I would love to get a KITT and the Munsters dragsters (Koach and Drag-u-la). Maybe an Ecto-1. Being such a pop culture nerd I am helpless to resist them.
Pax
I have the bad habit of calling all diecast cars “Hot Wheels” or “Matchbox” but I’m not partial to the brand. If I see a similar scale pop culture vehicle, I’ll buy it.
Damn Mattel and their licensed properties! They sucked me in a few years back after my brother gave me a ’66 Batmobile. After that I’ve picked up Batmobiles whenever I find them at the store, but recently resorted to eBay for the ’89 Burton version. Also, gave up searching for Ecto-1, so bought that on the ‘bay, too.
Right now KITT, the Bat and the Mystery Machine are on my hitlist, but it seems scalpers have been getting to them before I do.
It seems like we should buy one of those Mystery Machine lots on ebay and distribute them to everyone who chimed in here. 😉
Now that i know you are into these cars Brian i will keep my eyes out for you for some. : )
Thanks Jboy!
Found the A-Team van at a dollar store. I think you hit it on the head by mentioning value. For a dollar I get a great piece of pop culture. Plus there is the hunt. Every store has Hot Wheels. Its possible to find the next cool one anywhere.
I actually picked up a couple of those A-Team vans at the grocery store last week. The sight of them made me hunt through the pegs, but no DeLoreans were to be found.
I did collect Hot Wheels for a short while, but it didn’t stick with me. However, with all the Batman related vehicles that they have been releasing my interest has been reactivated. I’ve had some luck lately with Hot Wheels, I’ll keep an eye or two open for you.
I was at Walmart the other day and they had a big display full of those various Batmobiles. It took every fiber in my being not to scoop those up. Still regretting it. 😉
There’s a new line of DCU Hot Wheels which of course has its own Batmobile https://p.twimg.com/A0YMGaCCMAABgFX.jpg
I’ve been tempted by those on many occasions. must. resist.
What is the purple car with the green glass and big engine