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I Recently Attended My Little Nephew’s Party and Took Two Hot Wheels Cars
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending my little nephew’s birthday party. As a gift, I decided to give him two Hot Wheels cars. However, his reaction was not what I had expected. He took one look at the car I gave him and exclaimed, “This is kind of small!” Disappointed, he promptly discarded it. I was taken aback by his response, but little did I know that my niece had a completely different reaction to the Hot Wheels cars.
Unbeknownst to me, my niece had been collecting these diecast vehicles for two years already. It was intriguing to discover that not all kids share the same enthusiasm for these miniature cars. Since their introduction in 1968, Mattel, the company behind Hot Wheels, has tried various packaging solutions for these cars. They are available for purchase either individually or in packs of various sizes – 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, or even whole cases containing 72 items. For the hardcore enthusiasts, there is even a massive, RLC-exclusive, Mainline Factory-sealed set containing a staggering 454 Hot Wheels cars. This is definitely the ultimate way to take your collection to the next level!
Introducing the Latest Car Culture 2-Pack Mix
Now, let’s dive into the most recent release from Hot Wheels – the Car Culture 2-Pack mix of six vehicles. This format was introduced in 2021 and has since become immensely popular. The recently launched 2-Pack mix marks the eighth release in this series. Each 2-pack features a specific theme, and this year, we have already seen two packs dedicated to Silhouettes, Race Cars, and American Muscle.
One of the highlights of this 2-pack mix is the ’21 Toyota GR Supra. Designed by Mark Jones, this premium-exclusive casting is part of the Fast & Furious theme. It’s important to note that this is not to be confused with the ’20 GR Supra, which represents a modified version of the Japanese sports car. Mattel has released three variations of the ’21 GR Supra so far, two of which were Fast & Furious models, and the third was a Gazoo Racing-themed variation introduced in the Team Transport series. It’s interesting to see how these different variations elicit mixed reactions from the Hot Wheels community.
Another standout car in this 2-pack mix is the ’69 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Designed by Jun Imai, this casting has been a favorite among collectors since its release in 2012. The Gulf-themed livery adds to its appeal, as Gulf liveries are always highly sought-after in the Hot Wheels world.
Next up is the 2014 Custom Mustang, which didn’t capture my attention initially. However, the new Gulf livery and Real Riders 5-spoke rims give this casting a touch of excitement. While it may not be the most popular car in this 2-pack set, it’s still a nice addition to any collection.
The fourth car in this mix is the MBK Van. While the HKS livery is a popular choice for Hot Wheels collectors, I personally found the previous Marvel and Batman releases of this casting less appealing. Nevertheless, the white Real Riders 10-spoke Modern wheels add a sleek touch to the van’s design.
Lastly, we have the Nissan Skyline GT-R (BCNR33), which some people considered the “Ugly Ducking” of the Skyline GT-R family. However, opinions have since evolved, and the R33 is now recognized for its unique charm. This casting, designed by Ryu Asada, has been incredibly popular, and the new HKS-themed livery and Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels take it to the next level of desirability.
What’s Next for Hot Wheels
As a Hot Wheels enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder when we’ll see a Premium release of an HKS-themed R34. Although we had one before, it was part of the now-defunct iD series, so it doesn’t quite count. Surely, it’s only a matter of time before Mattel fulfills this collectors’ wish.
Before I conclude, I feel it’s important to offer a word of advice for fellow collectors: exercise patience when it comes to purchasing these 2-pack sets. While it may be tempting to order them now, the cost could be as high as $200. However, upon their official release, these sets can be purchased at a regular retail price of less than $60 for all six vehicles. Remember, patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to expanding your Hot Wheels collection.
With two more 2-pack sets planned for release this year, collectors can look forward to an additional 12 vehicles before we enter 2024. So buckle up, Hot Wheels enthusiasts, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey of collecting these iconic diecast cars.
