Photo: Mattel
Do you remember being at school and realizing you hadn't done your homework? Then, you ask one of your classmates if you can copy it from him, and he says: "Ok, but change things up a bit so that nobody can tell."
It's incredible to think how times have changed the face of the automotive industry. And I'm not talking about real cars, but the world of 1/64th-scale vehicles. Elliot Handler came up with the Hot Wheels concept because he didn't like how slow Matchbox cars were. The British company had been around for 15 years when the first HW Sweet Sixteen collection arrived.
I wonder if its founders realized where the rivalry between the two brands would lead at that point. Mattel bought its long-time rival in 1997, which was upsetting for some hardcore Matchbox collectors. But this helped keep the brand alive, and look where it's at today. We've got Matchbox Chase cars similar to the HW Super Treasure Hunt models. A "Moving Parts" series gives people a taste of what you'll mostly see in the Red Line Club line-up.
And more and more new castings are coming out each year. I am still waiting to see the sales figures, but I'm willing to bet that Matchbox is thriving under Mattel's supervision. For several years, fans of the formerly British brand have had the chance to purchase exclusive "Collectors" items. In 2021, Mattel Creations developed castings like the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupe and the 1964 Chevy C10 Pickup.
Neither one has seen a massive increase in value since, but some are trying to sell their possessions for a decent profit. The Matchbox Collectors series offered four castings in 2021 and four more in 2022. But you can tell that Mattel is stepping on the gas as we've already seen nine models in 2023. These products will not become as highly desirable as RLC cars anytime soon, but it's worth paying attention to them.
Eight sold out, but the 1962 Plymouth Savoy has been around since November 16. That usually happens with items that are available on pre-order and don't have a limited run. And I'm here to tell you that Mattel Creations is about to introduce the tenth Matchbox Collectors vehicle for 2023: the Jeep Gladiator. You might remember this casting from the Moving Parts series, but there are some differences.
Right off the bat, the upcoming version features an orange, detachable rear rack, almost like having two different items included in one. The opening hood is still there, but I'd be more interested in the True Grip tires instead. If Hot Wheels has rubber tires, it would have been wild for Matchbox not to exhibit the same option.
If you don't already have a tiny replica of the Mojave desert at home, this vehicle comes with an entry-level diorama to suit your needs. It launches on December 14, 2023, at 9 AM PT and will cost $25. And it's safe to say that you don't have to worry about scalpers or bots on this one.
It's incredible to think how times have changed the face of the automotive industry. And I'm not talking about real cars, but the world of 1/64th-scale vehicles. Elliot Handler came up with the Hot Wheels concept because he didn't like how slow Matchbox cars were. The British company had been around for 15 years when the first HW Sweet Sixteen collection arrived.
I wonder if its founders realized where the rivalry between the two brands would lead at that point. Mattel bought its long-time rival in 1997, which was upsetting for some hardcore Matchbox collectors. But this helped keep the brand alive, and look where it's at today. We've got Matchbox Chase cars similar to the HW Super Treasure Hunt models. A "Moving Parts" series gives people a taste of what you'll mostly see in the Red Line Club line-up.
And more and more new castings are coming out each year. I am still waiting to see the sales figures, but I'm willing to bet that Matchbox is thriving under Mattel's supervision. For several years, fans of the formerly British brand have had the chance to purchase exclusive "Collectors" items. In 2021, Mattel Creations developed castings like the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupe and the 1964 Chevy C10 Pickup.
Neither one has seen a massive increase in value since, but some are trying to sell their possessions for a decent profit. The Matchbox Collectors series offered four castings in 2021 and four more in 2022. But you can tell that Mattel is stepping on the gas as we've already seen nine models in 2023. These products will not become as highly desirable as RLC cars anytime soon, but it's worth paying attention to them.
Eight sold out, but the 1962 Plymouth Savoy has been around since November 16. That usually happens with items that are available on pre-order and don't have a limited run. And I'm here to tell you that Mattel Creations is about to introduce the tenth Matchbox Collectors vehicle for 2023: the Jeep Gladiator. You might remember this casting from the Moving Parts series, but there are some differences.
Right off the bat, the upcoming version features an orange, detachable rear rack, almost like having two different items included in one. The opening hood is still there, but I'd be more interested in the True Grip tires instead. If Hot Wheels has rubber tires, it would have been wild for Matchbox not to exhibit the same option.
If you don't already have a tiny replica of the Mojave desert at home, this vehicle comes with an entry-level diorama to suit your needs. It launches on December 14, 2023, at 9 AM PT and will cost $25. And it's safe to say that you don't have to worry about scalpers or bots on this one.
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