Photo: Mattel
I've got a long list of wishes for Santa, but I know it will take more than writing a letter to fulfill them. Instead, I've opted to order my Christmas present in advance. It's not much, but I'm happy with it. After seeing the latest Team Transport set, I knew the Hot Wheels Mercedes CLK-GTR would have to make it into my collection!
Other collectors might go about this some different route, and that's completely natural. If buying Premium products from Mattel is a daily occurrence, you will want something slightly more special for Christmas. And the marketing department in El Segundo knows that very well. For years and years, we've seen dozens, if not hundreds, of Holiday releases all across the spectrum from Hot Wheels.
Some of you may be too young even to remember collectibles like the Spectraflame Red Camaro Convertible that arrived in 1995. It carried a Christmas tree and some presents and had a glittery vibe. Between 2004 and 2009, you could buy items from the Holiday Rods series, all featuring Real Riders wheels. But those didn't always feel very Christmasy, except for the blisters they were attached to.
In recent years, Mattel has developed even more attractive solutions for collectors seeking an extra dose of "jolly" during winter. Members of the exclusive Red Line Club already know about the Holiday specials, and it's all reasonably exciting when we're talking limited numbers. For instance, in 2017, there were only 6,000 units of the 1966 TV Series Batmobile, which is a strange choice for a Holiday car if you ask me.
Still, the average price for one of these is about $150. Last year, the diecast manufacturer chose the '41 Willys Gasser Holiday Car for its special release; there should be about 30,000 of those around. I've seen some sellers asking as much as $1,000 for one, but you'd have to be insane to do that when you can get it for less than $50.
Of all the Holiday cars in the past few years, I'd rather have the 2018 Texas Drive'Em with the reindeer in the back. The 2020 Hi-Po Hauler is pretty good, too, and it's even more affordable overall. And now, it's time to prepare for the 2023 Holiday Special: the 1952 Dodge Power-Wagon. If you've been following the Red Line Club collection recently, this debuted in 2022.
Looking past the Spectraflame Oxblood finish and the Off-Road Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels, there's a big surprise at stake. This truck features a swivel frame to allow for a realistic off-road approach. The Spectraflame British Racing Green paint job is supposed to enhance the Holiday experience, and the High Country Tree Service decals on the side will quickly inform you what this vehicle was built for.
There won't be any blister card, but an acrylic case allowing optimal display. Mattel will launch the product on November 21, 2023, at 9 AM PT, for $30. While the 2022 First Edition model was limited to 25,000 units, I don't think that will be the case for this Holiday special.
Still, a limit of two cars per user is in effect, and the whole stock might run out on day one if my calculations are correct. Some scalpers have already listed the Power Wagon twice or three times its value on eBay, and I hope none of you will have to resort to that option.
Some of you may be too young even to remember collectibles like the Spectraflame Red Camaro Convertible that arrived in 1995. It carried a Christmas tree and some presents and had a glittery vibe. Between 2004 and 2009, you could buy items from the Holiday Rods series, all featuring Real Riders wheels. But those didn't always feel very Christmasy, except for the blisters they were attached to.
In recent years, Mattel has developed even more attractive solutions for collectors seeking an extra dose of "jolly" during winter. Members of the exclusive Red Line Club already know about the Holiday specials, and it's all reasonably exciting when we're talking limited numbers. For instance, in 2017, there were only 6,000 units of the 1966 TV Series Batmobile, which is a strange choice for a Holiday car if you ask me.
Still, the average price for one of these is about $150. Last year, the diecast manufacturer chose the '41 Willys Gasser Holiday Car for its special release; there should be about 30,000 of those around. I've seen some sellers asking as much as $1,000 for one, but you'd have to be insane to do that when you can get it for less than $50.
Of all the Holiday cars in the past few years, I'd rather have the 2018 Texas Drive'Em with the reindeer in the back. The 2020 Hi-Po Hauler is pretty good, too, and it's even more affordable overall. And now, it's time to prepare for the 2023 Holiday Special: the 1952 Dodge Power-Wagon. If you've been following the Red Line Club collection recently, this debuted in 2022.
Looking past the Spectraflame Oxblood finish and the Off-Road Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels, there's a big surprise at stake. This truck features a swivel frame to allow for a realistic off-road approach. The Spectraflame British Racing Green paint job is supposed to enhance the Holiday experience, and the High Country Tree Service decals on the side will quickly inform you what this vehicle was built for.
There won't be any blister card, but an acrylic case allowing optimal display. Mattel will launch the product on November 21, 2023, at 9 AM PT, for $30. While the 2022 First Edition model was limited to 25,000 units, I don't think that will be the case for this Holiday special.
Still, a limit of two cars per user is in effect, and the whole stock might run out on day one if my calculations are correct. Some scalpers have already listed the Power Wagon twice or three times its value on eBay, and I hope none of you will have to resort to that option.
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