New Matchbox Case of Tiny Cars Reveals Feature Everyone Loves

The whole thing made me happy, showing that the little kid inside us never fades away even though we grow up. I've applied the brakes on my monthly diecast expenses, but I'm always looking for new cars on the market. And the Matchbox alternative is becoming more and more tempting with each new release. The basic items are decent enough, but the ones in the Moving Parts series are much better.

The first mix for 2024 is already making its way into stores across the globe, and it features Mattel's newly redesigned packaging. There are eight items inside, but only seven different vehicles. Let's look at them one by one. The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is up first, and you can instantly see that half the car is exposed with the new box. The card art reveals that this machine features an opening hood to give you a glimpse of the massive V8 engine inside.

Matchbox introduced this casting in 2022, and this is the third variation we've seen so far. The first two Hellcats were orange and blue, but I'm more attracted to the new yellow variant. It's a good start for 2024, but the best items are just coming up. In the Hot Wheels camp, you'll only find five variations of the Lancer Evo: generations VI through X. But that's not the only thing that makes the Matchbox 1996 Lancer Evolution so good.

It features detailed headlights and taillights, which look great against the black paint job. The hood and rear spoiler are on point, and the five-spoke wheels are just what you'd expect from a car like this. The engine bay could have been nicer, but that would have affected the price. You're looking at the third variation of this casting, after the grey and the blue one.

And it easily tops the list, especially if you're a big Initial D fan (remember Team Emperor?). After two sports cars, it's time to balance the scales with the 2021 Ford Bronco. This time, you can open the doors and get a peek inside. Mattel has previously revealed three variations of this casting, one of which was part of the collectors Series.

I'd say the Bronco is the most exciting off-road-ready machine in the upcoming Moving Parts mix, but older collectors might say it's the 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser we should be looking for. Ryu Asada was in charge of designing this casting, and it made its official debut in 2009. Mattel developed 12 variations until 2014, and we haven't heard about it since. But the new Moving Parts model is probably a retool, given that neither of the previous iteration featured opening doors.

You will find two GMC Hummer EVs in the new set, and this is less exciting if you're already following Hot Wheels releases, too. There have been five variations of this truck in that collection since 2022, but of course, there are some differences to consider. Still, it's not like popping the hood on this EV will reveal anything interesting inside. Despite being the third iteration in the past two years, I'm more thrilled about the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

Surprisingly, you don't need a GT3 RS or a Turbo S to have an exciting miniature car. I would instantly buy the Matchbox Carrera 4S if I saw it in a store nearby. But for some reason, that doesn't happen often in my area. The new iteration uses the same wheel design as the second model, whereas the first one rolled around on 5-spoke rims.

Seeing this collectible reminds me of how badly I want a 911, and prices for the 996 generation are appealing. But let's move on to the final item in the 2024 Moving Parts Mix 1, which is the only convertible car here: the 2019 Ford Mustang. It's a relatively new casting, having debuted in 2022 when it featured a red finish and a dark grey interior.

Earlier this year, it reached Super Chase status. It's funny how Hot Wheels has the Super Treasure Hunt series, and Matchbox has a similar concept. Naturally, the rare Mustang will cost more than other collectibles, and I've seen some listed for over $50 on eBay. The previous iteration was slightly dull, but I am sure there are many ZAMAC fans out there who feel otherwise.

The 2024 convertible iteration features a dark green shade, making it one of the most desirable vehicles in the mix. If you're keen to know how much Mix 1 costs, it's not that much: just under $30 for eight cars! That's more affordable than a set of Hot Wheels Premium models, but those have Rubber Tires to show off.