This article is a simple guide for die-cast car models or Hot Wheels, especially if you are living in 2022. We will take a closer look at some essential years that is vital for enthusiasts, the year when the Hot Wheels toy was first launched by an organization called Mattel. Business, especially the industry, immediately gained popularity.
They designed and made sixteen castings in their first year: the now famous “The Original Sweet Sixteen.” These original designs now cost a lot of money. The lineup includes Custom Volkswagen, Thunderbird, Mustang, Fleetside, Firebird, El Dorado, Cougar, Corvette, Camaro, Barracuda, Silhouette, Hot Heap, Ford J Car, Deora, and Beatnick Bandit. Cars made from 1968 to 1977 are known as Redlines since their wheels featured red pinstripes on the side.
The Redline models sometimes make a short comeback in the special series. It is usually very rare and expensive. These toys also have an exclusive club called Red Line Club – it is a yearly premium membership that provides access to some exclusive features and deals. The next significant era of Hot Wheels toys is their Treasure Hunt era, which started in 1995 and is still active today.
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It is the era that collectors need to concentrate on. Nowadays, there are more or less 300 models that collectors can purchase as Mainlines or basic series. Here is the twist, some of the cars in the Mainline series are tough to find since they were called Treasure Hunts and produced in fewer numbers. It gets more complicated: Next to Treasure Hunts and basic models, there are a couple of Super Treasure Hunt designs that are even rarer, as well as enthusiasts are interested in collecting them. The biggest question is, “How can collectors find one?”
Treasure Hunt
These things are usually easy to find. They have circle flame logos on the spoiler or doors, but sometimes they are hidden in graffiti art or stripe decals. Also, the logo is featured on its box behind the Hot Wheels cars.
Super Treasure Hunt
These models are more interesting compared to their Treasure Hunt counterparts. They are harder to find since their production quantity is smaller. If enthusiasts see one, there is a good chance that they will not hesitate to buy one. Usually, they represent a tuned-up version of normal Mainlines, but they have better paint jobs, usually more flames, artworks, stripes, and are Real Riders or cars with rubber wheels instead of plastic ones. These designs also have better rims and sometimes have Redline tires. These things also have the letters “TH” on the body and are basically how collectors can spot them.
Mainline versus special series
According to research, Mainline cars are more notable for collectors. Mainly because of Treasure Hunts. Limited segments or Special Series such as The Beatles, Japanese, or BMW Historics are priced a lot higher in specialty shops, but basically, enthusiasts can get all the models everywhere.
There are no hard-to-find cars in the special series. It is usually cool to have collections of these toys, and most of the time, these things look more admirable compared to the mainline series, but collectors do not get the thrill of looking for Treasure Hunt gems.
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Errors, ZAMAC, and Variations
Most enthusiasts love these features, especially ZAMACs; the word sounds pretty cool by itself, but what does ZAMAC mean? ZAMAC stands for Zinc, Aluminum, Metal Alloy Casting or Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium, Copper. Sometimes, Hot Wheels toys are made without livery and sold as is, which is considered a ZAMAC Edition. Errors are basically models that have something weird on their designs because of certain situations.
Sometimes, particular wheelset would run out of factories and be replaced with another set. Back and front wheels may have different designs or patterns. Not only that, paint jobs may be a bit different, or some colors may be lost. There are also forms of the same model.
Some toys can be colored differently during the same month or year. In short, these features are highly praised by enthusiasts and collectors. Some people love to collect Zinc, Aluminum, Metal Alloy Casting, some look for errors, and some want variations of the same style in their collections.
First editions
Tooling or casting is the structural design for every Hot Wheels model. The year that people see below, the model is the year when the cast was produced. Every year, new designs are made, and it is an excellent feeling to have the first edition of the cast, especially years after its debut.
Casting names usually do not change, but sometimes it may change, and new names would go forward. There are times that casting or tooling stops being used for a couple of years and returns with updated casting sooner or later. That is why collectors need to use a protector for hot wheels for their collection to preserve their pristine condition, especially first-edition models.
Case lettering
Mattel introduces new cars every year, and boxes or models would get new codes on them. One case has 72 cars in them, and these cases have around sixteen variations that are lettered in ascending order from A to Z. For instance, people can find an Acura NSX as a Super Treasure Hunt car in Case J, or a Datsun 240Z in Case A.
Cases are currently on sale in local toy shops. Enthusiasts know for which cars they need to keep an eye on. That is if they follow Hot Wheels case reports. This technique does not work on international models since case lettering is not provided.
What should enthusiasts collect?
The community respect enthusiasts or collectors with themes. For instance, collecting only models of the 60s or 70s, only muscle cars, or collecting new casts exclusively. The lesson is very simple – people should collect what they like or are interested in. The demand, condition, and age will add value to the collection over time.
Experts suggest that people should keep their collections unopened in their protective casing or box since the card in the box can add additional value and guarantee that it is in mint and pristine condition. Always remember that the brand got started in 1968, 4 years ago, they celebrated their 50th anniversary, and they got some collector’s pieces released for a limited time.
