Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Club Mix 2 Feels Incomplete

This year, the company introduced the semi-premium Silver Label series, which may or may not be exciting depending on how you look at it. For me, the best part about it is the card art. Other than that, I'd still rather stick to Premium collectibles. However, I occasionally pick up a Silver Label vehicle if I like that specific make and model.

That's how I got the 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo a few weeks ago. Several months have passed since I first got a peak at the Vintage Racing Club, and I'm surprised I missed out on sharing the news with you, too. The first mix was a rather controversial blend of European and American vehicles. Given my love for Porsche, the 1971 911 was my favorite item in the set.

But you'll see most collectors raving about the 1967 Camaro. It was number 6/6 and the Chase item for the set. That led some people to believe that it's worth $80, according to their eBay listings. Let me tell you, it isn't, so don't fall into their trap. When collecting Hot Wheels cars, my philosophy goes like this: if it's not a Premium item or at least has Real Riders wheels, there's no way it's worth more than $10. But to each their own, I guess.

1962 Corvette

Larry Wood's 1962 Corvette is the oldest casting in this set since it debuted in the 2009 Classics series. Mattel hasn't abused using it, as there are only 11 iterations on the market. Most Premium ones are quite awesome, and I'd take one any day of the week. Occasionally, I spotted the Super Treasure Hunt model going for less than $50.

The new release looks decent enough in light gray and blue, and thank God for detailed headlights and taillights. The Star 5-Spoke wheels aren't as bad as other Silver Label designs, and you get used to them after a while.

Toyota 2000GT

I'm curious to know whether the Toyota 2000GT has a bigger fanbase than the 1962 Corvette. The choice is obvious for JDM enthusiasts, but the enthusiast group will not likely end there. Since 2013, Mattel developed 11 variations of this casting.

Given the right circumstances, the RLC version can fetch over $500, and the Japan Historics model isn't cheap either. Last year's appearance felt slightly underwhelming compared to the 2021 Car Culture iteration.

The latest 2000GT takes after the First Edition, using a similar shade of red but with added yellow and white graphics. The Fuchs-inspired wheels felt right on the Porsche 911, but I'd rather swap them out for something different. The Manson Cheung 5-Spoke rims from 2013 made so much more sense.

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

At least Mix 2 feels a bit more colorful than the first one for 2024, which was almost a snoozefest. The First Edition '69 Ford Mustang Boss 302 still haunts me today, as it was sublime in red, white, and black, rolling on Firestone tires.

I didn't enjoy the Super Treasure Hunt as much, but it can still fetch over $200. The latest iteration in yellow reminded me of the 2018 Detroit Muscle model, a Walmart-exclusive collectible. The black Deep Dish 8-spoke wheels were perfect for that car, and I don't even mind if it wasn't a Premium.

You can also live with the Modern Muscle 5-Spoke rims, but they're still one level below the DD8s. Despite that, the Boss 302 is likely the only model I intend to purchase in this set if I can find it while browsing my nearest toy store.

Custom Ford Maverick

The Custom Ford Maverick is one of two cars in the Vintage Racing Club that will be equipped with Plus 4-Spoke Wheels. If you ask me, they're as bad as the TRAP5 design, but it's not as obvious when featuring a black finish.

The Maverick is the only item in the entire set to have never been part of a Premium series, which is kind of sad. Its Kroger Exclusive variation is likely the highlight of its shelf life, and you don't have to worry about spending a fortune for the line-up.

I'm not saying it isn't good with the black-on-black look here, but there's a good chance that the Custom Ford Maverick will be the main peg warmer of this set.

Custom Datsun 240Z

And that brings us to the last car in Mix 2: the Custom Datsun 240Z. Its premium counterpart earlier this month will be tough for Mattel to beat. But I don't think that was the plan with this Silver series 240Z.

The color combo is just what this casting needs and you could almost forgive it for the P4 wheels. "Almost" is the key word here, though. Something as little as that won't stop 240Z enthusiasts from buying it. And while I understand that something like the "Vintage Racing Club" needs some motorsports-inspired liveries, sometimes all Hot Wheels collectors want is simple castings with no overcomplicated designs.

Oh, and one more thing! Have some patience, and don't buy the first set you see on eBay, as most of them are severely overpriced! If someone's asking for more than $15, just walk away!