I have been thinking about adding something to my bucket list. I have never attended a major Hot Wheels convention. Smaller meets are still cool, but aren't quite as epic as the real thing. I'll try to visit one this year and report on my findings.
I remember seeing an entire hall of diecast cars at the Essen Motor Show years ago. People were exhibiting mostly bigger cars, and I would spend hours gawking at their huge collections. I bought a Minichamps Racing Porsche at one point but foolishly sold it years later. Luckily, a friend of mine got it, and he's willing to give it back soon. Anyway, visiting a Hot Wheels collection needs a budget of at least $500. That's only going to buy some of the cars you like, but at least you won't return home empty-handed.
Meanwhile, we can feast our eyes on Mattel's most recent update. If you haven't seen any sneak peeks so far, three unexpected surprises are inside. And that makes up for the repeat models. This set is another stroll down memory lane, paying tribute to the Fast and Furious series. These are always incredibly popular collectibles; you're better off buying them at launch than spending double the amount several months later.
Custom Acura Integra Sedan GSR
Photo: Lamley Group
Mark Jones designed this tiny replica of Mia's Custom Acura Integra Sedan GSR. It debuted in Mix 3 of the Premium Fast & Furious series last year. It was one of the set's highlights, alongside Vince's 1999 Nissan Maxima. Sadly, as expected, the latest release is identical to the First Edition.
There's not much room to play when replicating a hero car, but changing wheels could have made this collectible more appealing to the audience. If you're a fan of the casting, you'll be happy to know that it will show up in the Japanese Car Culture Themed Multipack this year.
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL
Photo: Lamley Group
Mattel has been betting big on European brands lately, and we're seeing more Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and BMW castings come out each year. In 2023, the company unveiled the magnificent '89 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG.
Before that, we had three new castings in 2022. And I know we'll see at least one more Mercedes-Benz coming out in 2024, but it's an RLC model. The new 500 SEL was part of the franchise's third installment: Tokyo Drift. I wouldn't call it a hero car, though, as it's more of an anti-hero machine.
It is a replica of the car they used to ram into Han's RX-7, a painful moment to remember. It's a very clean and simple design, as expected from a car like this. I would have opted for something other than the Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels, but we'll likely see a new variation by the end of the year.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
Photo: Lamley Group
I sometimes surprise myself thinking about how I've changed over the years. Ferraris used to be my favorites growing up. Now, all I want besides my RX-7 is a 911. It just feels like the natural evolution to go this way. That's why whenever Mattel comes out with a new casting, I'm ready to pre-order it almost regardless of its specification.
Seeing the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 took me by surprise. Even though it doesn't feature the most exciting paint job, I won't hesitate to add it to my collection. It, too, was part of Tokyo Drift, even though it was on screen for a few seconds. It was at the car park where Twinkie and Sean were waiting to get the Volkswagen.
The Real Riders Larry Wood 5-Spoke rims aren't my favorites, but I'd first complain about the rear wheel gap, which is slightly obnoxious. I'm almost ready to bet that the next iteration will be a replica of the vehicle from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. But we just want a simple blue, black, yellow, or red finish, which should be part of the Car Culture or Boulevard series.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43
Photo: Lamley Group
Dmitriy Shakhmatov worked with Ronald Wong on designing the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43. Right away, I'd call it the best Land Cruiser casting in Mattel's portfolio. Some of you may feel differently about that, but just look at it!
It replicates a vehicle in The Fate of the Furious, which I didn't even care to watch. I'm sure most people won't care about that anyway, as this casting is exciting enough without any fictional backstory.
The red paint job works well with the white roof and the beefy Real Riders 8-Dot rims. Looking at it, I thought it reminded me of something, but I'll get to that idea in a moment.
Land Rover Defender 90
Photo: Lamley Group
In only a few years, the Land Rover Defender 90 has already had 10 iterations, three of which were Premium collectibles. The 35th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention is likely the rarest one out there, as only 4,000 units ever left the factory in Thailand.
Finding one for less than $100 is still feasible, though. Earlier on, I mentioned that the new FJ43 reminded me of something. It features the same color combo as the 2022 Hot Wheels Boulevard Land Rover Defender 90: Metalflake Cherry Red finish, white roof, and 8-Dot Wheels. I think I'd go for the Defender 90 in the real world, but I'd love to have them both on display when it comes to diecast cars.
As for the latest release, there's nothing new about it. We saw it in 2021, and it never really took off. It's a cool-looking vehicle, but I'm not sure I'd label it a must-have.
