2015 Hot Wheels Set of Six Cars Pays Tribute to the Golden Age of Star Wars

I know most OG fans will disapprove, but I loved Pod Racing! Darth Maul's lightsaber was almost as exciting. And I remember the pain and suffering of seeing Anakin Skywalker turn into, well, you know who. Over time, I also understood how much I enjoyed listening to the magical performance of John Williams. But ever since the sequel trilogy debuted, I've started straying further and further away from the franchise.

Don't get me wrong; I've seen the first six movies at least five times in the past ten years. And I've seen all the new ones twice since their theatrical release. But somehow, I couldn't get attached to either Rey or Kylo Ren. I could write an entire essay on Star Wars and still keep going. But that's not the purpose of this exercise.

Instead, I wanted to revisit some of Mattel's best representations of the golden age of Lucas Films. I recently talked about a peculiar Hot Wheels Star Wars collection: the 2016 Carships line. The San Diego Comic-Con: Trench Run 4-Pack was the only set to feature cars with Real Riders wheels. But today, we're moving to Mattel's Pop Culture series: metal bases and RR rims included!

If you read my recent Replica Entertainment story, you'll know that Mattel is merging the two into a single line-up starting in 2024. Pop Culture debuted in 2013, taking over from the former Nostalgic Brands series. In 11 years, the diecast manufacturer released over 60 mixes, with five or six castings inside. Three of those mixes paid tribute to Star Wars in one way or another. Today, we're looking at what was inside the first one, which appeared in 2015.

Spoiler Sport

I usually stay away from fantasy castings. However, the El Segundo designers carefully chose each of the six models in this set. Each had the kind of design that would persuade any Star Wars enthusiast to purchase. Larry Wood designed the Spoiler Sport in the late '70s. It might remind you of the Racer Rig I discussed in the Hot Wheels Six-Wheelers review.

This Custom Van design debuted in the 1977 Flying Colors series, and Mattel developed 13 variations until its Ultra Hots release in 1985. The company called that the "Street Scorcher;" I've noticed one seller listing his for $175. The Retooled variation returned to the market in 2011, entering the Pop Culture series in 2013. It first paid tribute to Marvin the Martian, which reminds me of a particular '75 Kenworth W900 casting. The 2015 Star Wars iteration is the last one we ever saw for this casting.

The central theme here is Darth Vader, so the black and red color combo is the right way to go. I love that they included the Death Star in the design, and the red-tinted windows make it even more menacing. The Red Line Real Riders 10-spoke wheels are infinitely better than the six-spoke design on the Looney Tunes Spoiler Sport. This model alone will cost you between $6 to $25. But you can always get the whole set for less than $60. So remember to buy smart! "Be careful not to choke on your aspirations.”

Dream Van XGW Panel

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope!" Carrie Fisher wasn't even 20 years old when filming for Episode IV began in the '70s. She was an inspiration for a generation: both girls and boys looked up to her. She passed away in 2016, but she lives on in our memory. Princess Leia takes center stage with the second model inside the 2015 Pop Culture Star Wars set.

The team of designers opted for yet another van to accommodate a miniature portrait of Luke's sister. The Dream Van XGW Panel has been around since 1984. And yes, Larry Wood designed this one, too. The original five iterations featured a metal base and Real Riders wheels. Mattel kept the theme going even after retooling the casting for its 2011 release. But this time, collectors had several rim designs to choose from. Leia's van was the seventh iteration after the retool, featuring a Pearl White finish with light blue and gray stripes.

The designer opted for a shot of her holding a blaster, with a ship traveling through the emptiness of space in the background. The van's rolling on White Line Larry Wood 5-Spoke Real Riders wheels: these are almost standard for this casting. I'd say the Hershey's variation looks better with the Turbine wheels, but you can change that if it bothers you that much. One thing's for sure: I would never open these cars up if I had them in my collection. The card art is too lovely to go through that ordeal.

Quick D-Livery

The Quick D-Livery is undoubtedly an exciting choice to depict R2-D2. The little droid has been through a lot during the Star Wars story. But it surpassed every obstacle in its attempt to aid its masters, or perhaps I should say friends.

Abe Lugo designed the casting, and it's less old than the previous two models. It debuted in the 2013 General Mills set and has been a Pop Culture-exclusive vehicle since. You might be disappointed to learn that Mattel unveiled only ten iterations of it until 2022. And there's no telling if the project will ever return soon.

The light blue and white color combo is in sync with R2-D2, and that's a shot of it trekking across Tattooine to deliver an essential message. The Moon Disc wheels are like a canvas extender here, and they play a role in setting the frame for the little droid. If this casting feels appealing to you, look at the "Scooby-Doo!" version, that's always fun!

Volkswagen Drag Truck

Like his father before him, Luke always had a thing for flying. So it's unsurprising that Mattel painted his portrait on the fastest car in this set. The Volkswagen Drag Truck is an exciting vehicle even in stock form, and it's a shame it only ran between 2004 and 2018.

That was enough for 40 variations, some of which were quite special. I noticed one with a $4,000 asking price on eBay! There are several RLC iterations to look for, so the complete collection will be costly. But it's better with the Star Wars model. The Matte Orange paint job is a reminder of Tatooine, and you can see Luke's X-Wing and the Death Star on the blister card.

The 5-Spoke Mag-Style Real Riders are just what you'd expect on a vehicle ready to race down the 1/4-mile (402 meters). And I'm sure any VW enthusiast would love to add this casting to his collection, regardless of the Star Wars theme.

Haulin' Gas

C-3PO was a silly robot. But he still played an essential role in defeating the Empire. "Sometimes, I just don't understand human behavior." One look at the Haulin' Gas, and you'll notice the resemblance between robot and machine.

This casting is Jun Imai's work, debuting in the 2011 Nostalgia: Hershey's mix. Starting in 2013, it has only appeared in the Pop Culture series, and you might remember its Vintage Oil appearance in 2023. Metalflake Gold and Black is just the kind of color combo you'd expect from C-3PO's vehicle, and for once, I'm not mad about the gold wheels.

I love that the card art depicts both robot buddies on their quest to save the Galaxy. It brings back memories of Episode I when young Ani showed his guest an unfinished version of his robot friend.

1985 Chevy Astro Van

The only part of the Star Wars sequels that struck a sensible chord in me was when Kylo Ren killed Han Solo. I intentionally avoided watching Harrison Ford's latest Indiana Jones film. I want to remember the Galaxy's favorite scoundrel by his peak moments when he was "scruffy looking."

What do you think? Did Han shoot first or not? It's good to see the legend with his blaster on the side of the 1985 Chevy Astro Van. Dave Sheltman designed this casting over a decade ago, and its Boulevard debut was memorable. The Han Solo design marked the third iteration of the Astro Van and the first of two Star Wars collectibles.

The simple white, grey, and red livery won't distract you from the main topic. And for once, I like the Red Line wheel design. Seeing these six items makes me want to go on a shopping spree. And I'm also in the mood to re-watch the original trilogy. It has been three years already since I last watched it!