2024 Hot Wheels Team Transport Mix A Is Coming Right Up

I looked into the topic a few months ago, trying to see which manufacturer has the most significant presence in the Team Transport series. Sixty-six packages added up to 135 vehicles. If you had started buying them since day one, it would have all cost less than $1,500. I haven't done the math on how much you would need to pay for them now, but I think it would be at least twice as much.

Regardless, Nissan ruled the charts with 11 appearances in six years, on par with Ford. Porsche and Chevrolet tied for P2, while Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Plymouth followed. By the end of 2024, those rankings will look different, but I'll get to that by December at the latest. And I'll likely calculate the minimum budget required for a complete collection. Until then, let's dive into Mix A for 2024 and see what it's all about.

Fiat 131 Abarth

Only a few days have passed since we last saw the Hot Wheels Fiat 131 Abarth. Mattel used it in the Car Culture Italian Rally 2-Pack alongside the epic Lancia Rally 037. I know people who love Gulf liveries won't agree with me, but I thought that variation lacked any real excitement.

Things are partially better with the Team Transport reveal for several reasons. On the one hand, I'm always a big fan of any car that is at least partially yellow. And the Classic 4-spoke Real Riders look much better than their Mini C4SPRR counterparts, especially without that black look.

I also like the Abarth decals on the side, although I don't remember seeing one on Markku Alen's car back in the '70s. With three iterations out in two years, I expect to see at least one more by the end of 2024.

Second Story Lorry

Mark Jones designed both the Fiat and the Second Story Lorry. The latter is even rarer as there's only one other variation to look for. The First Edition release showed up in 2023, carrying the De Tomaso Pantera Gruppo 4.

This replica of a vintage hauler would have had an even bigger impact on the community if it didn't come out simultaneously as the Flipside Hauler. The best part is that it could probably take three cars from point A to point B. There are quite a few interesting tutorials on YouTube on how to shoot cinematic videos of diecast vehicles, and I can already imagine a scene at a 1/64th-scale racetrack.

Interestingly enough, the first iteration of the Second Story Lorry matches the 2-pack release of the Fiat, as they're both Gulf-powered machines. And I'm sure that will stir up several collectors' interest.

'70 Plymouth AAR Cuda

The '70 Plymouth AAR Cuda is the oldest casting in the new Team Transport mix for 2024. Phil Riehlman designed this one for its 2009 Mainline release, and it only took a few years before its first Premium variation.

At first, it was part of the Vintage Racing series, but then it became part of Boulevard: Legends. Mattel hasn't used the Cuda for three years in a row between 2021 and 2023, but it's now back at it with two variations going on for 2024. The Team Transport version sports a Navy Blue finish, mimicking Dan Gurney's now classic livery.

The white Real Riders 8-spoke rims are a fantastic touch, too. My only question is: will any of the three vehicles in this new set appeal to the younger crowd? Or is Mattel relying on older collectors who grew up dreaming about these cars to turn a profit?

Sakura Sprinter

You'd normally expect a hauler that goes by the name of "Sakura Sprinter" to carry JDM vehicles exclusively, right? That's not always the case, as Mattel has previously paired with cars like the Lancia Stratos Group 5 and the Porsche 962.

But this is the first time it has to carry an American icon. You're looking at the casting's tenth iteration since its 2018 debut, and I'm glad to see it on Real Riders Steelies again.

As expected, it follows the same theme as its smaller counterpart, sporting a Dan Gurney's All American Racers design. Although you can't see the race cars when stored inside, that does come as a benefit if you want to avoid any damage when moving house.

'66 Chevelle

The last car in the new Team Transport mix is the '66 Chevelle, designed by Jun Imai. This casting isn't as old as the AAR Cuda, but it has been around for over a decade. The best part is that it's a Premium-exclusive model, with just six variations in all these years.

It was part of the Vintage Racing, Boulevard, and Car Culture series before. However, some collectors are lucky enough to own one of the 1,400 units in the special 2017 31st Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention release.

I spotted one of those going for around $100 a while back, but let's look at the new iteration for now. The red, white, and blue color combo looks pretty good on it, but it's still not as exciting as the yellow/blue Stockcar version from 2012.

'72 Chevy Ramp Truck

The last item on the list is the '72 Chevy Ramp Truck, a fitting choice for carrying another Chevrolet vehicle. You're looking at the second iteration of the casting, as it only debuted last year.

The First Edition had a '61 Impala as a companion, but both trucks are rolling on Mag-style Real Riders. Still, I'd rather have the newer version in blue and white.

If there's one thing I'd like to do to it, it is to see if I could remove the ramp and just use the chassis without it. With any luck, Mix A should arrive in stores rather soon, and I can't wait to tell you more about the upcoming models, too.