Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page, and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases: Cars you should be seeing in stores now; they are case code ‘L & M’.

New Models: L – ’11 Challenger Drift Car in green; ’11 Corvette Grand Sport in yellow (pic’d); Super Blitzen in orange (pic’d); ’65 Ford Rancharo in red (pic’d); ’63 Studebaker Champ in blue; Hyundai Genesis Coupe in blue (pic’d); M- Fast Cash in red; ‘70 GTO Judge in blue; ’68 COPO Camaro in orange (pic’d); Mini Challenge in red (pic’d); Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-X in white (pic’d); and Diesel Duty in silver (pic’d).

Vars. HW Collectors Series: L- ’71 Maverick in red; ustom ’56 F-100 in maroon; ’49 Drag Merc. in blue; Ferrari 458 Italia in blue; ’68 El Camino in white/blue; ’71 Dodge Demon in white; ’65 Mustang in burnt red w/flames; ’68 Merc. Cougar in red; ’67 Chevelle SS in black w/HW; Ice Cream Truck in red; ’69 Camaro in maroon; Custom ’53 Chevy in purple; Shelby Cobra 427 S/C in silver; Javelin AMX in burnt orange; ’66 Nova in black w/HW. M- ’63 Corvette in B.red; Passin’ Gasser in lime green; Toyota Land Cruizer FJ40 in white; Bye Focal ll in yellow; ’68 Nova in blue; ’69 Coronet Super Bee in 2tone blue; ’07 Shelby GT500 in black; Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 in red; Nitro Doorslammer in blue; ’69 Firebird T/A in blue w/HW; Charger Drift in red; and Sky Knife in green.

2011 Thrill Racers: L- Toyota RSA in lgt.blue; Nissan Silvia S15 in yellow; M- Off Track in multi-color white; Roll Cage in lgt. green; Ducati 1098R in red; Fire Eater in white.

2011 Track Stars: L- Ultra Rage in black; M- Triumph TRG in yellow. Video Game Heroes: L- Yur So Fast in yellow; M- Surfin’ School Bus in yellow; Night Burner in green.

T-Hunts: L- Custom ’62 Chevy; M- Datsun 240Z; (both supers pic’d).

Other series:

Hot Wheels Garage/Hot Wheels Vintage (Code “G”): ’70 Monte Carlo; ’71 Challenger; ’65 Merc. Comet Cyclone; ’66 Dodge A-100 Van; ’67 Olds. 442; ’70 Ply. Barracuda Conv.; ’68 Hemi Barracuda; ’70 Road Runner; ’71 Dodge Demon; custom ’67 Mustang Coupe. (all pic’d).

2011 Monster Jam: No longer reporting on this series.

Hot Ones – (Code “B”): do out now: – Ferrari F40; ’65 Mustang; Ferrari 308 GTS; Baja Breaker; Twin Mill; ’71 Mustang; ’77 Dodge Van; Zombot; Pontiac Banshee; Ferrari 512.

Coming soon: Nostalgia case “A” Masters of the Universe.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors fromonline research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

-Pictures courtesy of HotWheelsCollectors.com, 1stopdiecast.com and others.

As I mentioned back in April, Mattel has been promoting their Fearless at the 500 World Record jump attempt, and the main event which happened last weekend just before the start of the Indianapolis 500 went off without a hitch. Not only did they break the record by jumping an off-road truck more than 302 feet, but the true identity of the Team Hot Wheels Yellow Driver was finally revealed as professional race and stunt driver Tanner Foust.

Foust is an accomplished rally and drift car champion and has worked as a stunt driver/double for movies such as Iron Man 2, The Fast and the Furious and The Dukes of Hazzard. More recently he starred as one of the hosts of the American version of Top Gear on the History Channel.

Here’s the video footage of the record breaking jump as well as some behind the scenes footage with Tanner if you haven’t seen the great footage yet.

Last week the latest installment of Mattel’s “Ask a Designer” video series was released on the Official Hot Wheels YouTube channel, and this time around collectors got to have their questions answered by the legendary Larry Wood.

Larry provided some great answers to many of the common questions I’ve heard collectors ask over the years about the Hot Wheels design process and how cars get selected to be made. We also get an update on the 1:1 scale COE that Larry’s been building over the years. I can’t wait until he’s able to bring it around to the conventions!

Collectors who would like the opportunity to meet Larry in person should check out on of the conventions he’ll be attending this summer. He’s currently scheduled to be the guest of honor at the 2011 Collector Experience in Nashville, TN on June 16-19 and at the 4th Annual Hot Wheels Summer Smash in Warwick, Rhode Island on August 25-28.

This year marks the 100th-anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 and Mattel will be making its mark on the day with a spectacular stunt being coined as “Fearless at the 500". Approximately 1 hour before the start of the race, a custom built 1:1 scale vehicle will be released from a nine story, live size Hot Wheels track.

The track itself is being placed in the infield area of the speedway’s fourth turn and will take approximately 3 weeks to construct. An artist’s rendering of the track and tower can been seen to the right. The identity of the truck’s driver will remain unknown until the completion of the stunt at which point it will be revealed. The stunt itself has been designed to be a record breaking jump of 302 feet with a landing area somewhere near the speedway’s short chute near turns three and four.

Promotional tickets with prime seating for the stunt in the grandstand facing the landing are being offered up for $80 and $90. The ticket package includes a Hot Wheel replica, discounts and a $5 coupon for IMS merchandise.

Check out the teaser video below.

Those who have to deal with a daily commute to and from work probably notice new billboards every now and then, but tend to ignore them as time goes on. However, citizens of Bogata, Columbia certainly won’t be able to ignore this amazing new life-sized loop-de-loop that was constructed on an overpass.

The idea was for the billboard was conceived by ad giant Ogilvy and Mather’s Columbia branch. Its curious that South America was chosen for the debut location, but certainly doesn’t make it any less cool!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page, and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases: Cars you should be seeing in stores now; they are case code ‘F’; being stocked now.

New Models: Back To The Future Time Machine (pic’d); Danica Patrick 2010 Chevy Impala (pic’d); Porsche 911 GT3 RS in met. gray (pic’d).

2011 Thrill Racers: Olds 442 W-30 in red; Tread-Air in black; Jet Threat 3.0 in black.

2011 Track Stars: Formula Street in chrome/green.

Video Game Heroes: Fast Fish in blue; Circle Tracker in lgt. blue.

Vars. HW Collectors Series: Ford Mustang GT Concept in maroon Fire Dept. (pic’d); ’69 Ford Mustang in HW’s trim; Dixie Challenger in red fire dept.; Tri & Stop Me in white beach patrol; ’67 Pontiac Firebird in met. gray; ’97 Corvette in blue w/flames; Acura NSX in met. gray/red; ’68 Chevy Nova in green; Custom ’53 Chevy in red w/flames; ’71 Dodge Charger in met. pink; Ferrari 458 Italia in met. gray.

T-Hunts: ’64 Pontiac GTO in blue w/flames, (both pic’d).

Exclusives: Walmart – Excl. Colors incl. ’41 Willy’s in white w/HW’s trim; ’69 Ford Torino Talladega in orange; ’70 Monte Carlo in yellow. Easter Eggsclusives: ’08 Viper (pic’d); Brutalistic; Rodger Dodger; VW New Beetle Cup; Blast Lane; Ford Thunderbolt; ’68 Nova; ’69 Camaro Z28.

Kroger stores: St. Patrick’s Day cars; and Mardi Gras cars. (one each pic’d). K-Day Excl. Colors: ’71 Maverick in green; Chevy Camaro Concept in yellow; Ply. Duster Thruster in purple; ’10 Ford Mustang GT in black.

5-Pack: HW Hot Rods, (pic’d).

Other series:

2011 Garage series: code “C” is in: Ferrari Dino 246 GTS; Ferrari 365 GTB 4 Daytona; ’69 Dodge Coronet Super Bee; ’62 Ford Mustang Concept; ’70 Dodge Hemi Challenger; Corvette Stigray Concept; ’56 Ford Panel; ’57 Chevy Bel-Air. (all pic’d).

Color Shifters: Code ‘D’ is out.

Speed Packs: Code “B” is expected.

HW “Vintage” series: code “D”, is due?

Rapid Transit: Release 2 out now.

IRL – Modern Racing. – Still coming.

2011 Monster Jam: 80 truck series. Case code ‘H’ is out: Thrasher #7; Barbarian #15; Wrecking Crew #26; Pillage Idiot #32; Spike #51; Storm Damage #53; Ironman #54; Spiderman #55; Time Flys #56. (2 pic’d).

2011 Speed Machines – “A” includes: Panoz GTR-1; ’09 Nissan Skyline GT-R; Lotus Sport Elise; Ferrari 599 XX; ’01 Acura NSX; Ford GT; ’96 McLaren F1 GTR; Porsche Cayman S; Saleen S7; ’09 VW Scirocco GT24; Lamborghini LP 670 SV.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors fromonline research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

-Pictures courtesy of HotWheelsCollectors.com, 1stopdiecast.com and others.

In 1970, Mattel introduced the Hot Wheels Club in advertisements on the back of blisterpacks and catalogs, (shown below on the back of a 1970 Canadian blister pack). Hot Wheels fans were enticed to join the club with a picture of a chrome-plated "Mustang Boss Hoss" that was exclusively provided to club members only.

Collectors could join the club for the insanely low price of $1.00, and if you did, you not only got the car, but also got the 1970 Hot Wheels "Annual" magazine, a sheet of Hot Wheels stickers, an iron-on patch, a membership card, a membership certificate and a metal badge showing the "Silver Special" car. Who wouldn’t join for a dollar? When Mattel could not supply enough Club Kits, they mailed new members an envelope with a letter indicating that their car would be sent separately.

While never shown in ads for the club, two other chrome club cars were also produced – the Heavy Chevy and King Kuda. Most members got a Boss Hoss judging by the number of these cars that are around today compared to the number of chrome Kuda’s and Chevys that are seen. All three club cars were made with white and black plastic interiors. A spectraflame colored Heavy Chevy and King Kuda were already part of the 1970 main line, and the Boss Hoss was later released to the main line in 1971.

Complete Hot Wheels Club Kits are now valued between $125-200.

Click any image to see the larger version.

The King Kuda #7 with excessive playwear is from RK Stickels childhood collection.

Note: Most kits included the Chrome Boss Hoss

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. I would like to thank the following collectors for there support as well: Michael Zarnock for help in gathering club kit images and supporting literature, www.redlinespoilers.com: for help in gathering text, rare 2-Pak, BP Canadian art, club kit images, BP King Kuda, Tomarts guide #6, Spectraflame-the essential guide.

On Thursday March 10, Hot Wheels lit up Circular Quay, showcasing groundbreaking 3D projection technology at Customs House in Sydney, Australia. In a spine tingling show, the notorious Hot Wheels™ Skull Racers shattered the facade of Customs House as they competed in the ultimate speed racing battle.

Brought to life by international digital advertising agency Muse Amsterdam, in collaboration with PostPanic and BeamSystems, the projection featured footage of the world’s fastest vehicles in a stunt ridden challenge, travelling through the Customs House facade and into a fantasy world. Hot Wheels fans, young and old, were kept on the edge of their seats as the racers smashed their way through one of Sydney’s most historic buildings.

As cool as this looks on YouTube, I can only image how amazing it must have been in person!

Hot Wheels Redlines collector Scott Jones recently put together this great photo montage to share with the collecting community. If you’re into Redlines then you’ll surely enjoy feasting your eyes on these great shots.

Some of Scott’s photos can also be seen in the occasional Stick’s Redline Garage post here on DiecastAudio.

Earlier this week Mattel debuted their upcoming “Wall Tracks” product line at the 2011 New York Toy Fair. This unique twist on traditional Hot Wheels track sets takes familiar looking stunt track segments and moves them off the floor and onto the walls with the help of 3M adhesive Command strips. Known for being able to hold tremendous amounts of weight, the use of 3M strips ensures that removing or reconfiguring the track will keep your walls in perfect condition.

Kids and collectors alike can expect to see Hot Wheels Wall Tracks sets to hit retailers this coming fall in plenty of time for the 2011 holiday season. The starter set should retail for around $30 (USD) and are compatible with existing Hot Wheels track sets which will allow the action to continue on from the wall to the floor for even more fun!

Check out this video from Mattel’s booth at the Toy Fair for a demonstration of a Wall Tracks setup in action.

Hot off the heels of the recently sold-out DragBus.com membership package comes the announcement of an all new DiecastSpace.com site geared specifically for fans of the Hot Wheels Dairy Delivery casting. The website itself will have its debut and official launch on February 26th at the Super Convention in Las Vegas Nevada. At that time you’ll be able to join the site for free and start interacting with fellow Dairy-D collectors.

DiecastSpace has also announced the availability of a limited edition premium membership package that includes the following items:

• (6) Dairy Deliveries (1 every other month starting in May)
• (1) 1/24 DivCruizer (Ships June 1)
• (1) 25% Off coupon to use for one year
• (1) DairyCollector.Com Sweatshirt
• (1) 2011 Dallas KustomKon Dairy Alternate Color Chase Piece Member Only
• (1) Christmas Chase Dairy with Real Rubber Tires Exclusive to Members Only

There are only 50 premium membership packages available and are currently on sale now for $250 (USD) each in the DiecastSpace Store. The DragBus.com premium membership package sold out in less than 12 hours, so be sure to act fast if you’d like to take advantage of this great offer.

Click here to jump over to the DCS Store to check availability and purchase.

Actor Jeremy Piven has teamed up with Mattel to star in this hilarious video entitled “The Fifth Racer” that launched on FunnyOrDie.com today. Piven plays the role of a coffee guy who desperately wants to be the fifth member of Team Hot Wheels and shows off his best stunts to see if he’s got what it takes to make the team.

The video seems to be produced in support of promoting Mattel’s Hot Wheels fan page on Facebook. Hopefully this will be the first of many viral video efforts coming from the Hot Wheels brand!

What do you think of the video? Leave your thoughts via the comments section below.

Welcome to Part 2 of the Heavyweights post. Be sure to check out the first part of this series for even more information and great pictures!

In the previous post, my heavyweight collection consisted mainly of original wreckers, a snorkel, a racer rig, a fuel tanker, a moving van and many restored scoopers and ambulances. Most redline purists prefer original redlines, and I appreciate that view. On the other hand, restoring one is the next best approach if the casting is trashed. Part 1 also only covered a portion of the various Heavyweight models. In this post I’ll review the remainder of the lineup as I was able to complete my redline collection in the past few years with some cool finds. I’ll also feature some blisters as an added bonus.

Introduced in 1970, the Heavyweights series has to be one of the most unique looking concepts in the redline era. The futuristic truck designs by Ira Gilford typically featured wrap around windshields and unique functioning body parts. Some were even issued in a two-part cab and trailer combination which was a first for Hot Wheels.

The Heavyweights line was available in 11 spectraflame colors and white enamel. The cabs were traditionally finished in white enamel or red or blue spectraflame. The series was issued on three different blister cards: one pictured a Fire Truck, another a Cement Mixer, and the third showcased a Tow Truck. Heavyweights are very collectable, and you can expect to pay between $25-$90 depending on the casting and condition.

Heavyweights were very popular in my neighborhood when I was growing up. My friends and I had crazy imaginations and these castings fueled our obsessions with race cars, orange track and of course, Hot Wheels!  The Scooper, Mixer, Dump truck, and Waste Wagon easily transformed the average sandbox into a major construction site just waiting to begin excavated. The gang was also pretty excited when it came to building that replica F-1 or LeMans track with a double supercharger setup and “miles” of orange track! My brother Rich and I had plenty of Grand Prix cars, along with a Wrecker and a Fire Engine. My buddy Peter had a Race Rig, Andy had a few Fuel Tankers, and John supplied the Ambulances. We certainly had no shortage of vehicles to fuel our play time!

Click any image to see the larger versions

Note: As a child I had a lot of redlines that I was able to salvage and feature in past posts. Unfortunately, I lost or traded most of my heavyweights, and the fire truck is my only surviving casting.

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. I would like to thank the following collectors for there support as well: Adams Toys & Collectables: BP of the Fuel Tanker and Snorkel. RedlineJohnny: BP Race Team, and German issue Scooper. Ultrahots for the BP: Crumbler Snorkel. Dan Spaulding: BP Fire Engine and trio of Wreckers. Tomarts guide #6, Spectraflame-the essential guide.

Sure, I’m I diecast collector – but I also have an extreme love for all things related to tech and gadgets. I still have yet to make it out to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (someday, someday!!), but if I had this year I would have witnessed what could quite possibly be a nice combination of both my interests. That combination comes in the form of what will be called the “Hot Wheels Video Racer.”

Each 1:64 scale car features a built in miniature POV (point-of-view) camera in the front AND a tiny LCD screen on the bottom that can be used to instantly view your recorded footage without needing to connect the car to another display device. A simple button push on top of the car starts and stops the record at will. Mattel has also created an easy to use software editing program geared towards kids that will allow you to transfer the video footage off the car onto a computer where it can be edited and customized with music. An additional feature that makes this product even cooler is the included protective case for the car. The case allows the car to be used outside (attached to a bike or skateboard, etc) for an even better video capture experience.

Each Hot Wheel’s Video Racer will retail for $59.99 USD and will be hitting store shelves this fall. Check out the video below from the Mattel booth at CES 2011.

Artist Chris Burden has created what could quite possibly be the coolest Hot Wheels track I have ever seen. Dubbed Metropolis II, this art sculpture represents the insanely huge volume of traffic in Los Angeles by featuring 1,200 custom-designed cars and 18 lanes. The piece is accented with other items to make it a true “Metropolis” – which include 13 toy trains and tracks as well as buildings made of wood block, tiles, Legos and Lincoln Logs that dot the landscape.

Burden estimates that 100,000 cars circulate through the city every hour – wow!! Check out the video below for a look at this amazing creation.

When you think back on your childhood and playing with Hot Wheels there are a few models that could possibly define that era. We all had the Splittin’ Image, Turbo Fire and the Twin Mill in our black wheel carry case. The Twin Mill really stands out as a true fantasy car, and its always at the center of any redline bench racing session.

The Twin Mill was designed by Ira Gilford and was released in 1969 as a USA only casting. It had a metal base & body, a plastic interior that came in assorted colors, redline tires, twin plastic exposed chrome engines and a clear windshield. Some castings can be found with gold-tinted motors. The silver interior version is very hard to find.

A few examples exist with the angle of the rear fender cut more inward. These are known as “Cut Fender” variations, and they tend to fetch premium pricing the ranges between $400-$700 loose. Some castings carried chrome rear wheels (similar to the HK wheels on other castings) that were found on very late runs. Note: These are correct U.S. Wheels. Magenta, Hot Pink, Light Green, Yellow are among the most common colors with these wheels.

Finishes were available in eighteen spectraflame colors with the hardest to find being metallic magenta. This casting is very desirable among collectors and affordable to buy. C8 examples sell in the range of $40-$90 loose.

What’s cool about the Twin Mill casting is that it was the first life-size car created based on a Hot Wheels design. The full-sized Twin Mill was commissioned for the Hot Wheels 30th anniversary in 1998 and unveiled in 2001 at SEMA. The twin Chevrolet motors, supplied by General Motors Performance Products are not just for show – this car is fully operational! The current version of the Twin Mill® is painted in PPG’s Hot Wheels Spectra- flame® Anti-freeze. Note the original 1998 model was painted dark red, antifreeze is a repaint.

Click any image to see the larger version.

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. Full size Twin Mill courtesy of SEMA and Mattel. Tomarts guide #6, Spectraflame-the essential guide.

There are plenty of surprises in store for the 2011 DiecastSpace Super Convention coming to Las Vegas this coming February. The latest fun tidbit to be released is that “Woodie” will be the very first diecast car to be inducted into the Diecast Hall of Fame!

Owned by John Rhodes (aka Oggie Doggie), Woodie has been on the move since 2002 and has traveled from British Columbia to Newfoundland in Canada, visited ALL 50 United States including Puerto Rico and has been to 6 of the 7 Continents (missing only Antarctica).

Find out more about Woodie and his adventures at www.woodiesadventure.com. Information on tickets and accommodations for the 2011 Super Convention can be found on ToyCarConventions.com.

The Mod Quad has to be one of the most unusual designed concept cars of the Hot Wheels Redline era. The casting was designed by Howard Rees was issued in 1970 and 1971.

At first glance one wonders what this casting resembles. It’s look certainly takes cues from the Rod & Custom dream car show circuit and seemingly pays homage to some of the custom car greats. Its got the Tommy Ivo 4 motor configuration in the front and rear, the bubble top of a Roth, Cushenberry or Starbird custom and the lengthened body of a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado on steroids!

This casting was issued in both USA and Hong Kong versions. It has a hinged canopy that opens to reveal a detailed plastic interior that came in assorted colors. One unique clue as to what version you have is the color of the canopy glass. The Hong Kong version has blue canopy glass. The USA version has clear canopy glass with a molded circle.

The finish was available in 13 spectraflame colors with the most desirable being metallic light blue (see image below). This casting is very hard to find in a C7 or better condition and can be very pricey. A blister fresh metallic light blue can bring $175 or better. As always, it pays to be patient and keep hunting. I once found the metallic rose version with a few flee bites for $12.00!

Click any image to view the larger version

Credits: Big thanks to my left coast buddy Scott Jones and his endless help with rare pieces and added insight. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame-the essential guide. Blue, Aqua, and blister mods courtesy Scott Jones collection, balance RK Stickels collection.

Special thanks to Mark Kasimoff (aka RaceGrooves) for shooting this great video highlighting the Hot Wheels/Kmart Collector Day experience and for taking viewers through a nice up-close look at the cars that he purchased. Collectors need to start making more videos like this!

One of the first castings to debut in the Grand Prix series of Redlines was the Brabham Repco F1. It was based on the 1966 World Championship winning racer designed by John Cooper, built by Geoff Brabham and driven by Jack Brabham. The original car used an all aluminum Oldsmobile V8 powerplant and was tuned by Australian engine tuner Repco. See pictures of the original 1:1 scale Repco below.

Mattel’s Hong Kong casting was released on 1969 and featured a metal base, a plastic interior in assorted colors redline tires, a plastic exposed engine, and a blue windshield. The white interior version is very hard to find as are the castings with metal chrome engines. Finishes were available in nine spectraflame colors. The hardest color to find is light metallic brown. The dark green (racing green) enamel version (the true team Brabham racing color) is also very hard to find.

This casting is very desirable among racing collectors. C7 examples sell in the range of $40-$90.

Click on any image to see the larger versions.

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. Tomarts guide #6, Spectraflame – The Essential Guide and Scott Jones.

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases:

Here are the next case code cars you should be seeing in stores now. They are case code ‘M’; being stocked now.

New Models: Scorcher in purple (pic’d); Yur So Fast in white (pic’d); ’10 Ford Shelby GT500 in yellow (pic’d); the Brave and the Bold ‘Batmobile’ (pic’d); Sand Blaster in tan camo. (pic’d); Ducati 1098R in red (pic’d); ’67 chevelle SS 396 in blue (pic’d); ’10 Aston Martin DBS in silver (pic’d); Howlin’ Heat in gold (pic’d); Back Slider in silver and blue (pic’d).

HW Racing: Canyon Carver in copper red. HW Hot Rods: ¼ mile coupe in green; ’37 Ford Woodie in white.

Night Burnerz: ’70 Ply. Road Runner in gold. Mystery cars: Purple Passion in pink; Aston Martin V8 Vantage in orange.

All Stars: Mazda Furai in red; ’10 Lamborghini Gallardo in white; Ferrari 308 GTS in blue.

HW Performance: Pro Stock Firebird in orange. Faster Than Ever: ’65 Mustang Fastback in red.

HW City Works: Four-1 in black; ’07 Caddy Escalade in yellow Taxi trim.

Track Stars: Phototype H-24 in drk. red.

HW City: Scorchin’ Scooter in silver.

Muscle Mania: AMC Javelin AMX in red/wht./blue; ’70 Ply. Superbird in yellow; AAR Cuda in blue.

HW Garage: Ferrari P4 in blue; H2GO in blk./wht. (pic’d).

Race World: City- 5 Alarm in green. Desert- Sand Stinger in red.

Treasure Hunts: Ford GTX1 in blue (pic’d).

Exclusives:

Walmart – Special selection of cars packed with key chains and tagged as ‘Key to Speed’ cars.

10 packs: ’70 Ford Torino in yellow.

Other series:

2010 Delivery series: Code “M” expected this month; releases to include: Hooker Headers Power Panel 2nd color; Centerline ’56 Flashsider (pic’d); Bell GMC Motorhome 2nd color; Ed. Pink ’50’s Chevy 2nd color (pic’d); Holley ’62 Chevy pickup 1st. & 2nd. colors (pic’d); Mr.Gasket ’72 Ford Ranchero; Good Year ’55 Chevy Panel; Crower ’59 Caddy Funny Car 2nd. color (pic’d).

HW Garage series: Code “L”, are expected soon

Larrys Garage; Phil’s Garage; and Waynes Garage will return soon.

Speed Machines: Case code ‘H’ expected soon.

Monster Jam 2010: No new releases this month.

2010 Dragstrip Demons: Case code ‘E’ expected soon.

IZOD Indycar series: No new releases.

A Sneak Peek: Here’s a look at the RLC rewards cars for this year.

Special release: A 12 car packed case of 2 different cars from the Danica Patrick NASCAR release.

Attendees of the first-ever Canadian Diecast Convention will now have one more exciting event to attend as the 1:1 scale Hot Wheels Ford Mustang Color Shifter will be making at stop in Niagara Ontario on Saturday, September 11th.

The Mustang is covered in the very same thermochromatic paint that is used on 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Color Shifters and will change from blue to white when exposed to hot or cold water. The Mustang’s appearance is part of a cross-country tour that stops at more than 50 festivals and events across Canada to promote the Hot Wheels Color Shifter products.

This event will give convention goers and children a chance to water down the full-size car and see its color change before their very eyes. Perhaps even Hot Wheels Designer Larry Wood will get a chance at shooting the water canon at it!

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this fantastic new event at the first-ever Canadian Diecast Convention coming to the Sheraton at the Falls on September 9-12, 2010! Information on tickets and accommodations for the convention can be found on ToyCarConventions.com.

Fresh off the debut of Danica Patrick’s "Designed by Hot Wheels" #7 Chevrolet race car last week comes the release of this great Hot Wheels commercial created in support of the upcoming "Keys to Speed" national retail promotion. Hopefully this will be the first of several new commercials coming our way into the fall! Check out the commercial below as well as photos of Danica with her 1:1 scale race car and the die-cast version.

In 2009, Larry Wood officially announced his retirement after 40 years with Mattel and what better way to pay tribute to a designer that has brought us so many cool casting then to  feature the Tri Baby. The Tri Baby was the first “concept car” Larry produced for Mattel.

This casting was released in 1970 in both a USA and Hong Kong version. It has a swing-up hinged rear opening engine cover that reveals 3 detailed turbine engines. It also features a wrap-around windshield in clear and blue glass, a plastic interior in assorted colors and redline tires. As with all early redlines, the base and body are cast in metal.  The finish was available in 10 spectra-flame colors with the hardest to find being metallic hot pink.

This casting is very desirable among collectors. C9 sell in the range of $40-$90.

Casting Comparison

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame – The Essential Guide.

This year’s 2010 Summer Smash invades Warwick, Rhode Island in just a few weeks, and shots of the many cars that will be available at the event have started to surface. Liberty Promotions returns to the Smash as the primary convention car manufacturer, and after a look at the pictures below, I’m sure you’ll agree that the attending collectors are certainly in for a treat!

Pictured here are the standard version of the Summer Smash Drag Bus and the 2010 Rhode Island Hot Wheels Club car. Click any image to see the larger version.

Tickets for the 2010 Summer Smash are still available at the official Hot Wheels Summer Smash website. Accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel are almost sold out for this year. Collectors buying tickets after the rooms sell out will be booked into an overflow hotel down the street.

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases:

Here are the next case code cars you should be seeing in stores now. They are case code ‘L’; being stocked now through end of July.

New Models: Nissan GT-R R34 in silver (pic’d); ’62 Ford Mustang Concept recolor in yel; Custom ’10 Camaro SS in orange (pic’d); ’08 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR in black; ’67 Pontiac Firebird 400 in blue; Scoopa di Fuego in silver (pic’d); International release – Volkswagen SP2 in orange (pic’d).

HW Racing: Datsun 510 Bluebird in white; Ford GT-LM in green.

Hot Action: ’56 Merc. in 2-tone purple.

HW Hot Rods: Willy’s coupe in red; ’40 Ford Pickup in silver.

Night Burnerz: Super Gnat in black.

Mystery cars: . ’70 Pontiac GTO in olive (pic’d); Honda Civic Si in blue. All Stars: Scirocco GT24 in Dark red (pic’d); ’73 Ford Falcon XB in yellow (pic’d).

HW Performance: Camaro Convertible concept in dark green; ’08 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in K&N black.

Faster Than Ever: Corvette Grand Sport in red.

HW City Works: ’09 Ford F-150 in red.

Race World: Battle- XS-IVE in blue. Underground- Enforcer in green. Jungle- Custom ’41 Jeep CJ-2A in safari tan. Movie Stunts- Tri & Stop Me in dark red; Flame Stopper in orange with a stunt camera crane, in off road or spoked wheels (both pic’d).

Treasure Hunts: Ford GTX-1 in blue; Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe in orange (pic’d).

Exclusives: TRU – Special colors – Hummer H2 SUT in silver; Ferrari F430 Challenge in blue; ’55 Chevy Bel Air in blue; in conjuction with the 20 car Mail In offer for a ’70 Monte Carlo in spectra blue with Real Rubber tires. (pic’d).

10 packs: ’68 Chevy Nova in orange (pic’d).

Other series:

2010 Delivery series: code “L” expected in July; car releases to include: Hooker Headers Power Panel 2nd color; Centerline ’56 Flashsider; Bell GMC Motorhome 2nd color; Wynn’s Supervan 2nd color; ’29 Ford Pickup; Penzoil Convoy Custom (pic’d); Doug’s Headers Deco Del. (pic’d); Mr.Gasket ’72 Ford Ranchero(pic’d); B&M ’32 Ford Sedan Delivery; Conoco ’77 Dodge Van (pic’d).

HW Garage series: code “K”, are expected in July: Larrys Garage: Passin’ Gasser in red. Phil’s Garage: Willy’s in purple/white (pic’d); ’68 Ply. Barracuda in blue; ’70 Chevelle in black; Ferrari 288 GTO in yellow. Waynes Garage: ’57 Chevy Bel Air in slate blue; ’70 Chevelle SS Wagon in yellow (pic’d); Neet Streeter in pink; Fish’d & Chip’d in green; Rolling Thunder in blue (pic’d); Vairy 8 in orange/white (pic’d).

Speed Machines: Case code ‘G’ expected in June: 8 pictured.

Monster Jam 2010: Case code ‘M’ expected; Grave Digger; Airborne Ranger; Iron Warrior (pic’d); Shark Wreak; El Toro Loco; Monster Mutt; Backwards Bob (pic’d); Shocker; Cuttin’ Coroners (pic’d); Obsession; Eradicator; Prowler (pic’d).

2010 Dragstrip Demons: Case code ‘D’ expected in June; but delayed shipments are just now coming in.

IZOD Indycar series: Case codes A-B-C are all out now.

A Sneak Peek: Now you can really see the brand-new design from legend Tom Daniel — the Mob Rod™ — taking shape! Here is the first shot of the metal casting. Note the big blown engine. So what color will the first edition be when it debuts in the HWC™ Series Nine Real Riders® segment? We could tell you, but then we’d have to… well, you know…!

Also, look for the Garage series sets to be showing up soon at your select local Walmart stores.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

The Classic 57 T-Bird had a body built for speed, and it’s factory styling was ahead of its time. It’s 2-seat roadster style made it an instant Hot Rod sensation as well as a customizer’s dream. The racers loved the “little birds” as well. They could pull out the factory small block V-8 and install 428 drag motors with dual quad carbs that would break speed records all day long.

The Mattel version of the Classic 57 T-Bird was released in 1969-1971, and was truly racing inspired with the aero cowl behind the drivers seat and drag pipes poking from behind the front wheel openings. Without a doubt, Mattel’s T-Bird was ready to race the orange track drag strip from the get-go.

The T-Bird was only released as a USA casting and featured a metal base, a lift up hood which reveals a metal engine, a plastic interior (in assorted colors), clear glass and redline tires. The finish was available in 18 spectraflame colors. Metallic Pink has traditionally been the most desirable color. This casting is very hard to find in a C7 or better condition and can be very pricey.

Click on any image to see the larger version

Credits: Images from the RK Stickel’s collection, Blister T-Bird, and T-Bird with red headlights from the Scott Jones collection. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame – The Essential Guide.

Mattel recently shared this cool Hot Wheels Crazy Tracks video with their rapidly growing community on Facebook. Its pretty cool that collectors and kids alike are capturing their wickedly awesomel track creations on video. But, its even cooler that Mattel is paying attention and creating compilation videos like this.

Its been a long time since I’ve featured a picture of someone “out in the wild” showing their love of Hot Wheels, so I was stoked (yeah, I said stoked!) to come across this picture of this awesome 1:1 scale Hot Wheels pickup! Special thanks to Loretta Parker for snapping the picture and sharing it on Facebook!

Have you seen someone proudly displaying their love of Hot Wheels? Reach out to me via the contact form and we can share your picture with the rest of the collecting community!

The ‘36 Ford coupe is one of the most desired 1 to 1 scale cars of its time. The Hot Wheels designers must have known a thing or two about the future of street rodding back in 1969. This little coupe has the classic “California rake” with a “big-n-little” tire combo giving it that killer street stance. It sports a chopped roof and no chrome trim which is period perfect for the late sixties.

This USA-only casting was available in 17 spectraflame colors. It featured an all metal chassis and body, as well as an opening rumble seat and a dark color plastic interior. Early run examples have been found with three to nine buttons on the inside of the rumble seat.

Some castings have been located with chrome rear wheels indicating a late run as all USA castings featured silver painted wheels. The ‘36 Ford casting is very collectable, and a fair market price to pay for a good casting is $25-$50. All models featured below cost less then $30.

Click any image to see the larger version

Credits: Images from the RK Stickels collection, Note: Pink is a restoration. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame – The Essential Guide.

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic releases:

Here are the next case code cars you should be seeing in stores. They are case code ‘H’; being stocked through end of April into May.

New Models: ’81 DeLorean DMC-12 recolor in gold; Formula Street recolor in blue; ’09 Cadillac CTS-V in moroon w/2 tone interior (pic’d); Torque Twister in orange (pic’d); ’71 Dodge Charger in orange (pic’d); ’08 Dodge charger Drift in Mopar silver/blue tampo’s.

HW Performance: Pro Stock Firebird in blue; Camaro Convertible Concept-green; ‘92 Ford Mustang-red.

HW Racing: Custom Ford Bronco in white; Circle Tracker-blue; Madfast-blue.

HW Garage: Dune it Up in green (pic’d); ’10 Camaro SS in silver (pic’d); ’10 Ford Mustang GT in blue (pic’d).

HW City Works: Rescue Ranger in green.

HW Hot Rods: ’32 Ford in blue (pic’d). Night Burnerz: Asphalt Assault-orange and blue; ‘09 Nissan GTR-black; ‘67 Custom Mustang-red; 24-Seven-red; Datsun Bluebird 510-white.

Mystery cars: ’70 Dodge Hemi Challenger in yellow.; Nissan Skyline in silver.

Global All Stars: Citroën C4 Rally-red; ‘73 Ford Falcon XB-yellow; VW SP2-orange; Ferrari 308 GTS QV-blue. Muscle Mania: ’69 Merc. Cougar Eliminator in green; ‘66 Ford Fairlane-yellow; ‘69 Pontiac GTO Judge-orange; ‘67 Camaro-black.

Faster Than Ever: Custom V-8 Vega in white; ’67 Pontiac GTO in white/teal

Race World: Beach- Sharkuiser; Rockster. Highway- Pit Cruiser; Airy 8.

Treasure Hunts: Rat Bomb (pic’d).

Walmart Specials; New Birthday cars coming this month include: ’65 Pontiac GTO (pic’d); ’68 Chevy Nova (pic’d); ’40 Ford Pick up (pic’d); Nissan Titan (pic’d); ’69 Camaro convertible.

Other series:

2010 Delivery series: code “J” expected in Apr.; cars will consist of: Kendall – Double Demon (pic’d); TRW – 8 Crate (pic’d); Hurst – Custom ’59 Chevy (pic’d); Milodon – ’56 Chevy Nomad (pic’d); Ed Pink – 50’s Chevy Truck; Edelbrock – ’83 Chevy Silverado; Crower – ’59 Caddy Funny Car; Bell – GMC Motor Home.

HW Garage series: code “G”, are expected in Apr.: Larrys Garage: ‘51 Buick LeSabre-gold (pic’d); ‘57 Chrysler 300-redorange (pic’d); Bone Shaker-purple (pic’d).

Phil’s Garage: 8 Crate-red and white(pic’d); ‘68 Plymouth Barracuda-black or yel. (pic’d); ‘66 Nova-black and green(pic’d).

Waynes Garage: Shoebox-black and gold(pic’d); Fish’d and Chip’d-black(pic’d); Rolling Thunder-gold(pic’d); Street Rodder-red and black or white and gold(pic’d).

2010 Dragstrip Demons: Case code ‘C’: ’75 Chevy Monza FC – Army Snake(pic’d): Altered State – Mike Zarnock; ’74 Vega FC – Snake(pic’d); ’68 Barracuda Pro Stock – Bill Stiles; ’70 Camaro FC – USA-1 Bruce Larson; ’77 Corvette FC – Mongoose Corvette.

Speed Machines: No new releases this month.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Every now and then I’m amazed where the hobby of collecting diecast cars has taken me. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some great places and meet some of the coolest people in the hobby. One of the folks I’ve been fortunate enough to be-friend over the course of the last few years is the talented and very down-to-earth Eric Tscherne. If you aren’t familiar with Eric or any of his many accomplishments in the diecast industry, then I suggest you check out the Saturday Nitro interview we did last year. Its a great listen and will definitely get you up to speed.

Diecast designers come up with a tremendous number of designs that unfortunately are never selected to become real castings. Its been many years since Eric moved on from his design position with Mattel and the Hot Wheels brand, yet one of his original designs has seemingly come back to life as part of the 2010 Hot Wheels line-up. Eric recently sent me his account of how this design has come full circle and is now becoming a reality. I’m sure you’ll agree, its a really interesting read. Enjoy!

The new Dodge Charger Drift Car that Hot Wheels is producing as a 2010 New Model is actually one of my designs! I originally designed the car at Mopar’s request. BJ Birtwell, then with Chrysler as a youth marketing person, called me up on behalf of Shaun Carlson and NewFormz to design their new drift car. This was in 2005. The guys, including driver Samuel Hubinette, wanted to do something with the Charger to make it more aggressive and unique. Originally they had asked for a wide body design which you can see in my drawings. Through that process however I kept coming back to the SRT-8 body and especially the hood. The 2005 show car was before the release of the SRT-8 so things like the hood were unavailable for the 2005 build.

The NuFormz team eventually migrated over to an SRT-8 body but the paint scheme remained. Shaun Carlson had raced for Mopar for years dating back to his Dodge Neon front wheel drive dragster (a Hot Wheels car I worked on while at Mattel). He had recently been running Pro-Stock for Mopar for Don Schumacher’s team with legends like Allen Johnson. Shaun had expressed bringing over the cool Colored camo designs of the Pro-Stock cars asking for something a bit different and in Mopar Blue. I designed a camo that had Mopar script and "M" icons interlaces with a traditional camo print.

At the time when I was designing the show car, I was also working on the Foose diecast line. At toy fair I was with Chip and we were talking about various projects and I found out that Chip was going to do the wheels on the Charger show car. It was mind blowing to me that we had both been working on the car but unaware of the other’s involvement even though we had been working on the diecast line for months! Some of the build of the show car was captured in a documentary, Drift The Sideways Craze that aired on Discovery’s HD Theater and TLC.

At the Super Convention Phil Riehlman and I got to talking and he told me Jun Imai had handled the Charger project for Hot Wheels. Jun is super talented and it shows in his work. The Charger came out beautiful. It is really cool to see my design end up in the Hot Wheels line some 5 to 6 years after I left. I now know how it must feel for other artists, designers, customizers and race car drivers to see their design turn up on a toy store shelf when it wasn’t the original intent. It’s a honor and a privilege.

- Eric Tscherne

What is the Whip Creamer? Its a pure concept car designed by Paul Tam and looks like nothing we have ever seen. This 1970-1971 era release has to be one of the oddest looking designs to come out of the Mattel design center.

Its just an off the wall concept, that some say is a cross between a Peepin’ Bomb & Bug Eye. It has a long, flat dual cowl nose and “arrow pod” side panels with six vents to cool the rear mounted turbine engine. It’s high-side profile gives it great suspension travel for racing. A sliding clear canopy top reveals the cockpit and serves as a cover for the orange turbine that spins in the wind.

The Whip Creamer features a metal base and came with either a clear plastic (USA) or blue (HK) canopy. Most interiors can be found in black, but tan and brown were also made and are very hard to find. Finishes were available in eleven spectraflame colors. The hard of those to fin is generally metallic blue with a tan interior and a USA base. Overall, this casting is a very affordable among collectors with C8 examples selling in the range of $20-$50.

Click any image to see the larger version

Credits: Big thanks to my left coast buddy Scott Jones and his endless help with rare pieces and added insight. Scotts collection includes the following: 1. packaged Yellow with rare brown interior, 2. Rainbow selection, 3. Dark blue with tan interior, 4. Purple, 5. Aqua. Balance of images from the RK Stickels collection, note: Bright Green is a restoration. Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame-the essential guide.

Back in January I shared the new cover design for the all new 4th edition of Mike Zarnock’s Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide. While there’s still a short while longer until collectors can have the book in-hand, collectors can ensure they have their copy as soon as its release by pre-ordering a copy directly from Mike!

This new volume contains 5,500 listings, 3,100 color images, secondary market pricing, and weighs in at whopping 504 pages! It truly is the biggest and most complete identification and price guide on Hot Wheels cars variations found in blister packs from 1989-2008.

Pre-order now directly from Mike’s website (via PayPal) for just $25.00 (in the USA). Shipping outside to Canada, Mexico and elsewhere is available. Please note that PayPal purchase will come up as “The Krellman Group.”

The Hairy Hauler! This has to be one of the craziest looking castings from the 70’s. I like to think that this might what have resulted if a Heavyweight casting was given to Jesse James at Monster Garage (if Jesse worked for Mattel in the 70’s!!).

Obviously, Jesse James was not the designer of the Hairy Hauler. In fact, he was probably playing with one back then just like the rest of us Redline Collectors! In reality, the man responsible for the Hairy Hauler was Hot Wheels Designer Paul Tam. Paul designed some unique cars while at Mattel, but this one takes the cake.

This USA only casting was available in 12 spectra-flame colors and featured an all-metal chassis and body. The hinged nose canopy opened to reveal a white plastic interior. What I like the best about the Hairy Hauler is that its heavy, fast, and sleek which makes it great for orange track racing!

Click on any image to see the larger version

Here are the next case code cars you should be seeing now in stores. They are case code ‘D’ out now and ‘E’ being stocked by end of January into February.

Basic releases:

’09 New Models: Fast Gassin’ in red/chrome.

’10 New Models:

’67 Chevelle SS 396 in red (pic’d) – ’67 Pontiac Firebird 400 in green (pic’d) – ’08 Dodge Charger Drift in blue (pic’d) – Tooligan in gold; Sting Rod II in yellow (pic’d) – ’09 Caddy CTS-V in black (pic’d) – VW Beetle in DK.red; Scorcher in red – Snow Ride in orange (pic’d) – ’08 Viper SRT-!) ACR in white – Fangula in purple (pic’d) – ’09 Corvette Stingray Concept in yellow – Backslider in green – Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (pic’d)

’10 HW Performance: Pass’n Gasser in red – ’41 Willy’s in yellow

HW Racing: Mustang Funny car in blue/purple – F-1 Racer in blue

Hot Action: Ford Thunderbolt in white – Bugatti Veyron in blue

HW City Works: Hummer H2 SUT in yellow

Heat Fleet: Custom VW Beetle in red w/flames – Jeep Scrambler in brown

Mystery cars: Hyundai Spyder in black w/flames – Nissan 350Z in purple – Duel Fueler in silver – Jaded in orange

Track Stars: Drift King in army green – Twin Mill III in green – Dieselboy in blue

Muscle Mania: ’70 Ply. Superbird in greens – ’67 Dodge Charger in blue – ’70 Buick GSX in blue – ’69 Pontiac Firebird T/A in black.

All Stars: Lamborghini Gallardo in black

HW Hot Rods: Bone Shaker in blue

HW Garage: La Fasta in silver

Race World: Cave- Evil Twin; Swoopy Do – Volcano- ’64 Lincoln Continental – Earth- Paradigm Shift (pic’d); Stockcar (pic’d)’ Speedway- Cadillac LMP; Saleen S7

Treasure Hunts: Classic Packard (pic’d) – Old # 5.5 w/wht. tires (pic’d) – 69 Talladega (pic’d)

Walmart special colors: ’40 Woodie in yellow – Ferrari 430 Scuderia in red – Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback – FTE in yellow

Other series:

2010 Delivery series (Code “D, E, F,” all expected in Jan/Feb):

GMC Motor Home – ’55 Chevy Panel – ’56 Flashsider – Custom ’62 Chevy – ’59 Caddy Funnycar – ’83 Silverado – 50’s Chevy Truck (pic’d) – ’34 Ford – Combat Medic – Dairy Delivery – Anglia Panel – Cool One – VW DLX Station Wagon (pic’d) – Super Van – Hiway Hauler – Baja Breaker – ’69 Chevy Pickup – ’32 Sedan Delivery

HW Garage series 2010 (Code “D”):
Larry Wood: Custom ’66 GTO Wagon (pic’d) – Phil Riehlman: ’70 Chevelle SS – Wayne Scott: Chevelle Wagon (pic’d) – Neet Streeter (pic’d) – ’57 Chevy (pic’d) – Other cars: Fish’d & Dipp’d (pic’d) – Buick Le Sabre Concept (pic’d) – Ferrari 288 GTP (pic’d) – ’41 Pro-Mod Willy’s (pic’d)

Store Only Garage series Promo’s:

Walmart: Tail Dragger – VW Drag Truck – ’58 Ford Edsel

Target: Custom ’56 Ford Truck – ’64 Custom Galaxie – ’65 VW Fast Back

TRU: ’69 Pontiac GTO – Rat Bomb – ’70 Roadrunner

Speed Machines (Case ‘B’): Bugatti Veyron – Enzo Ferrari – Ford GTX-1 – Ferrari 575 GTC – Porche Carrera GT – ’07 Shelby GT 500 – Gallardo LP 560-4

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The “In the Stores” column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

One of my favorite casting to come out of the 70’s era release has to be the Peeping Bomb which was designed by Howard Rees. I love it’s off the wall concept.

The features that stand out are its pointed nose and a high side profile which gives it great suspension travel for racing. The next unique characteristics that stand out are it’s open cockpit, the large, exposed quad piped V-8 engine and that snubbed-off rear profile with high humped quarter panels. It also has a lever in the dashboard that raises and lowers the headlight covers. The metal base and exposed metal engine finish off the things that truly make it stand out.

The Peeping Bomb can be found in a variety of variations. Its plastic windshield can be found in clear or blue. Plastic interiors are most frequently found in black. White interiors are rare and very hard to find. The casting was issued in both the US and Hong Kong. Finishes were available in eleven spectraflame colors. The metallic purple with a HK issued base is generally considered the hardest to find. The Peeping Bomb is a very affordable among collectors with C8 examples selling in the range of $20-$50.

Credits: Big thanks to my left coast buddy Scott Jones and his endless help with rare pieces. Scotts collection includes the following: 1. Aqua factory prototype, 2. packaged Aqua with white interior HK casting, 3. the early run orange & purple spectraflame with orange headlights, 4. yellow "reason speculative casting" and added insight. Publications: Tomarts guide #6, and Spectraflame-the essential guide.

Hot Wheels author Mike Zarnock spent the last portion of 2009 working hard on the next version of his “Hot Wheels Variations: The Ultimate Guide” series. While the book won’t be available for purchase until May, Mike was able to share this shot of the cover as a sneak peek.

The fact that Mike’s very own Altered Roadster from the Drag Strip Demons series adorns the cover is pretty cool too, don’t you think?!

Click the image to see a larger version of the cover.

Turbofire! It’s concept speaks speed, style, and imagination. This casting shows the artistic depth and imagination of designer Ira Gilford. If this car was built in 1-to-1 scale it would probably wear a custom badge from the Winfield or Barris shops and would be finished in a 50’s style, custom fade candy paint scheme. It’s sleek sloping lines, small canopy and wild turbo fan engine certainly let ones imagination run wild! If the superhero Flash had a car, the Turbofire would probably be in his garage.

By far, this casting has to be one of the top five most recognized from the Redline era. The Turbofire was a USA-only casting and was available in 18 spectraflame colors. Its plastic interior came in assorted colors and featured a lift up rear hood that revealed its metal engine. The Turbofire is one of my favorites as a collector as they are available in good supply and at affordable prices.

Click any image to see a larger version

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online through-out November into December.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic Releases (Case Code ‘P’)

’09 New Models:

• - Volkswagon Type 181 in Blue; Ford GT in white race trim; Corvette C6 in red.

’10 New Models:

• - ’10 Ford Shelby GT500 in blue; ’67 Pontiac Firebird in green; Corvette Stingray concept in silver; Spider Rider in orange; 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo in black (inter. card).

Muscle Mania:

• - Olds 442 re-color in purple.

HW Designs:

• - Hyper Mite in orange.

Mystery cars:

• - Zotic in yellow.

Other cars:

• - Mad Propz in primary colors.

T-Hunts:

• - Bone Shakers, Mustangs and some Fire Eaters showing up.

Promo’s: K-day cars:

• - ’69 Chevelle SS 396 in blue; ’67 Camaro in matte silver; Dairy Delivery in anodized silver.

Walmart:

• - Halloween and Christmas cars are beginning to show on the shelves.

Autozone:

• - Has a special line called “Mustang Mania”

Collector Lines

2010 Delivery series:

• - Expect to see case code “A” very soon. This will be one of the more popular series for 2010.

Classics series 5:

• - Case code ‘N + P’: Many re-paints but the coolest new casting is the ‘Semi’.
• 

Larry’s Garage:

• - Wraps up it’s run with the Holiday selection for 2009. Case code “Y”. Six cars total include: Dairy Delivery; ’67 Pontiac GTO; ’57 Chevy Bel-air; Bone Shaker; ’69 Camaro; Ford Delivery. (pictured below). The all new “Garage” series begins in December.

2010 Dragstrip Demons:

• - Case code ‘A’; expected in Dec. with all new cars.

Speed Machines:

• - A new 2010 series with all real production cars in it. Cars all have co-molded tires similar to the old Acceloracers rims. Expected in December.

2009 Holiday Rides:

• - “A” series said to be through hobby retailer only; selections include: ’41 Willys coupe; ’50 Caddy w/Go-Kart; Baja Bug; Pontiac GTO Wagon; Letter Getter; and Texas Hold’em. All come in two colors.

Star Trek 1/50th scale:

• - Case code ‘B’ just came out.

1/87th:

• - No new releases.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

The Hot Wheels Demon started life as the “Little Coffin,” a famous 1960’s show rod built by Dave Stuckey of Wichita, Kansas. Dave worked at the famous custom shop Star Kustoms, owned by Darryl Starbird. The Little Coffin went through a few transformations, and in 1962 the Monogram Model Company purchased the car for use as a promotional vehicle where it was scaled for the popular plastic model craze that was sweeping the states.

Mattel later acquired the Monogram scaling prints in 1969 and crafted the Demon. It was finally released in 1970 and came in 12 spectra-flame colors. It also included a black roof, blue tinted front glass, a black interior and a chrome engine with dual carbs sitting atop a supercharger.

This casting was only produced in Hong Kong. There is a single variation of the Demon with a white interior that is very rare. Collectors will find the Demon tough to find in C6 or better condition, making a good set of rainbow Demons a difficult task to accomplish.

This month’s article was the subject of a resent conversation with fellow Redline collector, Mike Reardon. Mike was recently doing some remodeling work on a house when he discovered an old 1960’s publication. Within the pages was an article that featured the Dodge Charger III concept car (see image below). Sure enough Mike thought the car resembled the Hot Wheels release of the 1969-1971 Torero, and he’s correct.

Hot Wheels Designer, Ira Gilford took the Dodge concept car and brought it to life as the 1/64th Torero. This casting was only issued in a USA version. It features a hinged front opening hood that reveals a detailed Hemi engine, a clear wrap-around windshield, a plastic interior in assorted colors, (with brown being hard to find), and redline tires. Finish was available in 19 spectraflame colors, with the most desirable being metallic yellow. Torero’s with chrome like wheels are believed to be from late run castings.

This casting is very easy to find and makes a great choice for entry level collectors. Good C-6 examples can be had for around $20.

Here’s a look at some of the latest Hot Wheels products that will be appearing in stores and online through-out September and October.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic Releases (Case Code ‘P’)

’09 New Models:

• - Barbaric in red/blk; F1 racer in blue; Pedal de Medal.

HW Dream Garage:

• - Ferrari F430 Spider in yellow.

Muscle Mania:

• - (K-mart colors) ’65 Mustang fastback in orange; ’67 Shelby GT-500 in purple; ’69 Charger in white pearl.
• - (Reg. issue) ’71 Plym. GTX in black: ’69 Coronet Super Bee in orange.

HW Designs:

• - Pony Up in purple.

Rebel Rides:

• - Mustang Mach 1 in green; ’64 Continental in purple; Roll Cage in red.

HW Racing:

• - Pass’N Gasser in prim. red.

Collector Lines:

HW Delivery Series:

• - Charms; Blow Pops; Mounds; Almond Joy; Junior Mints.

Classics Series 5 (Case Code ‘L’):

• - ’62 Corvette; Combat Medic; Texas Drive ‘em; Street Rodder in Green (possibly a Wild Weekend var.); ’56 Caddy Funny Car; a gold Avanti; a ’58 Edsel; Hammer Sled; Mini Cooper; ’70 Monte Carlo; and a Tucker.

Larry’s Garage: (Case Code ‘R’):

• - ’69 Camaro; ’33 Ford Roadster; Bone Shaker; ’70 Mercury Cyclone; Purple Passion; Dairy Delivery; 3 Window ’34 Ford; ’57 Chevy Bel-Air.

Dragstrip Demons: (Case Code ‘J’):

• - Army Snake; USA-1 Vega; Go to Blazes Mustang; Mongoose II; HW Snake cuda; ‘Lil’ Nate Cuda; Rough & Tumble Duster; Black Snake Cuda; Mike Zarnock’s Altered; The Zipper Rail Dragster.

Connect Cars: (Case Code ‘K’):

• - MS; OK; WY; and KY.

Fire Rods:

• - Combat Medic; Chevy Silverado; Ford Thunderbolt.

Military Rods:

• - New cars coming.

Cop Rods:

• - New cars coming.

1/87th scale: (Release Code ‘B’):

• - Dairy Delivery; ’56 Panel; Batmobile; VW bus.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

Joe Kelly Jr. from The Car Room Magazine had a great conversation about Hot Wheels Redlines and Redline restorations with Connecticut Valley Diecast Vice President, Bob Stickels. Yes, indeed – the same Bob from “Sticks Redline Garage” here on DiecastAUDIO. Enjoy!

Thanks again to Ralph Riccardi for manning the camera and all the great editing!

Joe Kelly Jr. from The Car Room Magazine talks to Luis Tanahara from The Custom Crew about their Sledster II designs and what collectors can expect to see throughout the rest of the year.

Thanks again to Ralph Riccardi for manning the camera and all the great editing!

When one thinks of the Redline Spoiler series, the TNT Bird has to stand out as one of the most unusual casting ever produced. Based off the 1967-1970 Ford Thunderbird, and working off the 1968 Hot Wheels Custom T-Bird casting, this car was significantly re-styled and re-proportioned by Ira Gilford. It has an exposed metal motor, a rear spoiler, the “California Hot Rod” stance and large wheels in back with mediums up front.

Released in 1970, it was available in 9 spectra-flame colors, with a black roof with white stripe on cowl, roof, and deck lid. Black numbers (ranging from 1 to 9) appear in a round circle on the doors. A water-slide decal sheet with sponsor logos was also included. Other features included blue tinted glass, a plastic interior and a metal base. This casting was only produced in Hong Kong.

The TNT is very collectible as quantities are plentiful. They are most often found in green and blue, and tough to find in C7 or better condition in the remaining 7 colors. The cars featured in this article include originals from my childhood collection. They include my first TNT Bird (in green with water-slides applied in random all over the car), 2 restorations and redo’s of the 2006 RLC release. However, the one that trumps them all is the pink car I acquired a few years back. The seller claimed that the car belonged to an ex-Mattel employee. I’ve had that car reviewed, and it seems to be original. As a collector you gotta love the hunt and the stories that tag along. Enjoy.

Fans of Bryan Pope’s work might be interested in visiting the Pope Designs website this coming Sunday. This curious little image came in an email yesterday and hints of a potential sale involving what looked like another (and potentially final) offering from the popular “Wild Boar” series.

A quick trip over to the site confirmed that a sale for a “Wild Boar” Dairy Delivery will be forth-coming! The detail page was not available at the time I checked, so be sure to check back with there with the link below if you are interested in joining the quest to obtain this piece.

[via popedesigns.com]

Most Hot Wheels convention-goers will agree that no convention experience would be complete without a Hot Wheels Vending Machine pull and a trip through the autograph line to meet your favorite die-cast designers. Joe Kelly Jr. from The Car Room Magazine witnessed it all and captured some of the fun!

Thanks again to Ralph Riccardi for manning the camera and all the great editing!

This blue version of the Rhode Island Hot Wheels Club Camaro from Liberty Promotions has been spotted selling for upwards of $300 on eBay. Limited to just 50, correction – 25 pieces (!!!), this might just be the most sought-after club car in recent years!

If you’re attending this year’s Summer Smash in Warwick, Rhode Island and have always wanted to make the jump into collecting vintage Redlines, then here’s one opportunity that might just help get you over the “sticker shock” of Redline collecting. Stick’s Redline Garage is generously offering up one of their original restored Heavy Chevy Redlines for the Saturday night charity auction. Not only will the winning bidder be walking away with a lovingly restored Redline, but they will also be helping raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

All these cars pictured below will be on display during the show, and one will be selected and auctioned off. The selected car will also come along with custom theme packaging. Stick’s Redlines are high quality restoration and very collectible, so this will certainly make a great addition to anyones collection.

Note: The club car pictured is an original and will not be part of the selection for the auction.