2012 Hot Wheels Boulevard Debut Was Ahead of Its Time

I recently discussed the Hot Wheels Boulevard series that started in 2020. After four years, Chevrolet had the most cars (11) in this series. The fact is that Mattel had used the Boulevard name years before. Collectors could choose from six different series in 2012 and four mixes in 2013. The company's partnership with Walmart produced a 30-car set featuring five exclusive castings and 25 other vehicles.

It all started with a collection of ten items named "Ahead of its Time." For today's story, I've selected the five most exciting ones for an in-depth review. But having a look at the other models is also worthwhile. Mattel used Boulevard to launch the 1934 Chrysler Airflow. Much like the real car, this casting didn't last long. I reluctantly decided against adding the 1955 Corvette to this list. But I've had an entire series exploring all the different Corvette castings and variations ever released by the diecast manufacturer.

Then there's the Buick Grand National, which features an opening hood. The black-on-black look would be fascinating in the real world, but things are different on the 1/64th-scale level. "Ahead of Its Time" included two fantasy castings: the Phantastique and the Golden Submarine. I'd love to see a 1:1 replica of the later concept: it would look great at the SEMA Show! But let's move on and enjoy the best early Boulevard collectibles.

DeLorean DMC-12

DeLorean built less than 10,000 DMC-12 units in the early '80s. And most of us grew up seeing it take center stage in the Back to the Future series of films. I even had my picture taken behind the wheel of the Time Machine at an event many years ago. And you'll always find one or two Hot Wheels replicas in my collection.

Mattel has developed several castings, including a Red Line Club-exclusive DMC-12. Manson Cheung is the designer of the '81 DeLorean DMC-12, which debuted in the 2010 New Models series. It's interesting to note that it first had an opening rear hatch until the company retooled the casting for 2015. That means the 2012 Boulevard iteration still has this excellent option, which we crave nowadays. It was the fifth variation of this casting and the first to have a metal base and Real Riders wheels.

I'm a big fan of the Turbine rim design, and I wish the diecast manufacturer would use it more often. Silver is still the best paint job for this vehicle, no matter how many new variations come out. Prices for this particular release vary between $40 and $100, but we're just starting here! The DMC-12 reached Super Treasure Hunt status in 2015 and returned with another premium release as part of the 2021 Boulevard series. Also, some of you may remember the DeLorean Collector set from 2023, including the less desirable Alpha5.

Ferrari F40

Some of you may rush to think that the second vehicle on this list is the best one of the 2012 Boulevard collection. But I would then be forced to say, "Patience, young Padawan!" As mentioned earlier, Mattel's Hot Wheels archives hide plenty of surprises. I've been thinking about a one-hit wonders review for some time now, but more on that later.

For now, let's focus on the Ferrari F40. In case you have yet to read any of my previous Hot Wheels Ferrari stories, Mattel lost the license to the Chinese May Cheong Grup over a decade ago. That's why the market prices for these items can sometimes reach ridiculous levels. Larry Wood designed the F40 in the late '80s and debuted in the 1989 Mainline series. Most of the 36 variations that appeared until 2015 feature a metal base, but that doesn't mean they're all premium items. We saw five variations with CM6 rims, but only one has ever had what we're all looking for.

The 2012 Boulevard F40 rolled on Real Riders Exotic wheels, and we had a similar combo with the 2002 Auto Milestones release (but that one did not have rubber tires.) The two-tone red and black paint job added excitement to the table, and it's no wonder people are listing these for as much as $275. Even the loose F40 will still cost over $100. If Mattel ever manages to return these collectibles, people will lose their minds over them.

Pontiac Fiero 2M4

What's the first thing that comes to mind when considering the Pontiac Fiero? Is it the fact that it was less successful than GM had hoped it would be? Or do you remember its mild performance figures? I remember it as the wannabe Ferrari. That's because almost 20 years ago, I spotted an F40 right next to my soon-to-be college building.

From afar, it looked spectacular. But once I got closer, I started to understand what was happening. Someone built that car using a Pontiac Fiero, and I was equally mad and shocked at the same time. A replica Ferrari could be better than not affording the real thing if done right. I know purists will disagree with that, but the recipe to being happy works better if you can "improvise, adapt, overcome!" The Fiero 2M4 is the oldest casting on this list, as the Larry Woods-designed model debuted in the 1985 "The Hot Ones" series.

Mattel released 17 more iterations until 1997, and then collectors thought it was gone for good. It returned in 2011 but made a strong impression with the 2012 Boulevard appearance. Real Riders Exotic wheels will make any casting look good, and it's no wonder the diecast manufacturer used the same strategy for the final 2013 Retro Entertainment iteration of the Fiero. Prices for the Boulevard iteration vary between $30 and $40, which is okay for a model that's now part of diecast history.

Tucker Torpedo

Let's try a quick exercise. I'll name an actor, and then you'll think of the best movie he starred in. Are you ready? Jeff Bridges! I am willing to bet that more than half of you thought of "The Big Lebowski" or maybe even TRON. But given my love for automobiles, I'll have to go for Francis Ford Coppola's "Tucker: The Man and His Dream."

If you love cars, this is one of the best movies ever. It will stir up all emotions: inspired, sad, outraged, and happy. It will prompt you to look up Mattel's Tucker Torpedo casting, which was, unfortunately, almost as short-lived as the actual car. Larry Wood designed this one, too, and I wrote about it in my review of the 2011 Super Treasure Hunt series.

It also served as a TH model that year, but the diecast manufacturer had one more trick up its sleeve. The final iteration of the Torpedo arrived in 2012 as part of the Boulevard series. It featured a dazzling Metalflake Copper finish and Moon Disc wheels—time to listen to some 1948 Billboard 100 songs.

Vector W8 Twinturbo

Earlier on, I was talking about one-hit wonders. Here it is, the Vector W8 Twinturbo! I could almost cry thinking about the fate of Vector Motors. But I'm happy the company built 22 W8s between 1989 and 1993. I've never seen one with my own eyes, but I'm officially making it a priority to at least ride in the passenger seat within the next five years.

The manufacturer used a mix of lightweight carbon fiber and kevlar for the body. So it's no wonder this vehicle looked like a fighter jet on wheels. If the Transformers series ever gets a remake in the future, I hope they use the W8 to portray Starscream! Manson Cheung designed the W8 Twinturbo; there's only one iteration to look for. It's epic in red with Real Riders 10-spoke wheels, and I badly want one for my collection. The background explains why some people ask for as much as $300 for one.

But you could get away with a budget of $55 if you find the right seller. If I've opened up your appetite for sci-fi-looking cars, you'll be happy to know that Mattel also made a replica of the WX-3. And there are five iterations to look for. How many more exciting cars will I find digging through the archives? I'll be sure to report back once I find something worth mentioning!