Anyone here NOT know that Hot Wheels was celebrating its 50th birthday in 2018? Mattel surely made the most of it, and we collectors benefited. From an Ultimate Chase to several special releases and events, the HW 50th logo was all over the place.
And although we collectors want to think that the Hot Wheels world revolves around us, it doesn’t. And the majority of the releases and events were geared to everyone. But those that were meant for collectors were truly memorable. At the top of my list are the two Convention ’55 Gassers, one in gold and one in black, that were given out the Finales of both 2018 Conventions.
They are gorgeous, and speak to the golden anniversary that Hot Wheels has been celebrating. But they don’t necessarily commemorate Hot Wheels’ rich heritage.
That is ALL that the Original 16 Display Set does. Made to truly celebrate Hot Wheels’ legacy, and made specifically for collectors. In fact, it is only available to collectors. It goes on sale this Tuesday on hotwheelscollectors.com, and for 24 hours only available to RLC Members. If any are left after that window, any HWC member can have a crack at one.
Mattel has been working the HWC-only Original 16 set for years now, releases a couple each year. Each is a true replica of the 16 original castings produced by Hot Wheels in 1968, painted in an upgraded spectraflame paint and packaged in 1968 blister cards.
Those are great, but the Display Set goes well beyond that. The set is a replica of the original store displays from 1968, and included are all of the Original 16 in exclusive colors. You will appreciate the set when you first see it, you will LOVE it when you open the drawer and find the gorgeous models all nestled together in their jewelry-like box.
Mattel sent me a set to preview, and I have to say when I opened it I was truly blown away. In all honesty, I didn’t know what to think when they sent it. I don’t collect Red Lines, in fact I have very little interest in them. I thought the set would be cool to show to my readers and viewers, but I didn’t think I would react the way I did.
It is gorgeous. It is impossible not to examine each model, appreciating the originals more and more as you do. I mentioned on IG how the set captivated some very non-collector guests we had for dinner the other night. Our art-loving friends were captivated.
And it is that drawer. Trust me, it’ll suck you in.
Why do I say this? Because while there might be the “of course you will like it when you get a $500 set for free” complaints, instead focus on how it sucked in a collector with no interest in Red Lines. Had I not seen it before, I would have let the sale come and go without a thought. But now I consider it the signature 50th Anniversary piece, something that would be treasured by any collector. Something that justifies the hefty price, and will not create a single second of regret for the person that bought it. I have actually considered buying another, but with only 1500 made, I think it is best to give another collector a shot. It is worth every penny.
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