Collecting Hot Wheels Cars

                                                                    

The Mattel company began producing Hot Wheels cars in 1968. Their Barbie dolls had been a huge success in the girls market, and they hoped to attract boys with hot wheels cars. They very definitely got this right. Hot Wheels are collected nearly everywhere around the globe, and have been a total success story from the start.

During their first year of production in 1968 there were 16 different Hot Wheels cars in production. This first produced line is now known as the "Sweet Sixteen" among collectors. These 16 different cars were made in various colors and were manufactured in the United States and also in factories in Hong Kong. By the year 1972 all of Hot Wheels cars were being made in Hong Kong.

From the start in 1968 to the year 1977 all Hot Wheels cars were made with a red line painted around the tires. These early cars are known as Redline Hot wheels which distinguishes these first cars from later production models. Nine of the "Sweet Sixteen" were customised editions of actual real cars of that time and the other seven were show cars and racing cars.

Redline Hot Wheels cars are easily recognised by  

A. Bright shiny metallic "Spectaflame"  paint in bright colors.
B. A red line around the side of the tires on all models.
C. Chrome wheel hubs and rims. 
D. The redline Hot Wheels models were all customised in a  hotrod or custom fashion.

A beginner starting to collect Hot Wheels cars will find it a good idea to start their collection with the current year models. They  are obviously easy to obtain in stores, and cost less than earlier cars which have added collector value. Mattel Hot Wheels check lists are available to keep records of your collection. You can then gradually work back through the earlier years and add cars to your collection when you come across good deals or make trades trading with other Hot wheels collectors.

Where can you buy Hot Wheels vehicles and accessories? Right now you can get a terrific deal at the lowest prices through this link to Amazon:  Hot Wheels

For more information about Hot Wheels cars and many other collectible toys see our website.