5 Best Hot Wheels Chase Cars of 2023

I've examined multiple series recently. Buying all the Super Treasure Hunt iterations since 2007 can cost more than a 2024 Ford Mustang. Isn't that wild? So, I thought I'd dive into something slightly more accessible this time. I looked at the 2022 Car Culture Chase models a few months ago. There were eight of them, and you'd have to pay between $943 and $2,310 for all of them, give or take.

As you would expect, the LB-ER34 Super Silhouette Nissan Skyline is the most coveted model (I couldn't find one for less than $200). The Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 won't come cheap either, with prices going as high as $200. Mattel used the Car Culture Chase items to launch new castings: seven of eight were First Edition vehicles! The diecast manufacturer has slowed things down for 2023, with only six Car Culture mixes. It started with Speed Machines and ended with HW Off-Road.

The first one was a throwback to a successful series of the past. But Mattel might have neglected an important fact. Collectors have become used to Real Riders wheels to the extent that co-molded rims won't cut them anymore. I've gathered that Speed Machines 2023 was a flop. But that's beside the point for now. Most people would still choose the Chase car from this set over the 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in HW Off-Road. That's why the latter won't make it on our list today, even though it was a First Edition model.

Porsche 911 GT3

The Porsche 911 GT3 is the first of two cars here that Lindsey Lee designed. It debuted in the 2022 Factory Fresh series, and we saw two iterations before it moved up to Car Culture. The regular Shark Blue version is much more visually appealing, but it's more common.

Some of you might prefer the black-on-black look of the Chase GT3. But if it wasn't for the scarcity factor, would you pay as much as $164 for it? Finding a Factory-sealed case of ten cars is less feasible today. But it would be your best chance of getting this vehicle for less than $55.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 is one of only three castings that debuted through the 2023 Car Culture Chase line-up. And it's also one of two with no further iteration after that point. That's right, at this point, you can only opt between the white Bianco Siderale LPI 800-4 and the black Nero Maia version.

While you can get the first one reasonably cheap, the latter will cost between $44 and $100. Some online shops are still selling the Spettacolare Sealed case of 10 cars for about $70. But you'll likely have to buy three or four to find the Chase model.

Mercedes-Benz 500 E

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E has been making waves in the Hot Wheels community since its 2021 debut. I've seen people arguing over the first two iterations, although things slowed down slightly for the third and fourth ones.

I would have enjoyed a different approach for the paint job on the Car Culture model, but we had to accept the two-tone silver and gray combo. Even so, the Chase model is one of the most expensive ones in the 2023 line-up. It can cost as much as $208; the cheapest is around $60.

Porsche 935

The Porsche 935 is the only 2023 Chase item I was inches away from buying. The store I found it in had two, but the owner wanted one. And he was asking less than $50 for it, which is a bargain.

The cheapest one on eBay has an asking price of $55, but some people are asking as much as $207. And it's also notable that Mattel released a Super Treasure Hunt version of it last year. All three variations used Real Riders Aero wheels, removing some of the overall appeal.

'98 Toyota Altezza

The '98 Toyota Altezza is one of the more affordable options on the 2023 Hot Wheels Chase list. Even though the most ambitious sellers listed theirs for $144, you can still buy this item for $45. What boggles me is that Mattel has yet to release a new iteration since the Modern Classics set: what's up with that? The Altezza is still an excellent option for people who want an entry-level, reliable RWD car, so that should be a good enough incentive for more variations soon.

Looking at the first two years of Hot Wheels Car Culture, Chase cars, Toyota, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz are tied with two representatives each. Lamborghini was in the lead with three vehicles, but we've already seen the new set for 2024, which changes things up a bit. I'm anxious to see what else Mattel has in plan for the line-up this year.