Hot Wheels 1978 DODGE LIL express pick up

This one reminded me of the Chevy C-10 pick up used in the film Driver starring Ryan O'Neal.



HW also do some old skool Trans Am's so I am sure that this would complement the model nicely and one could even re-create the scene.

OK, it's a Dodge, but I think that it is a smart model. And also showcases the need for Hot Wheels to stick with the Americana rather than let Matchbox have a go. This is what they do best, and one of the reasons why I grab these models when I can.

It also gives me the opportunity to learn about models from outside of Europe/APAC, so although they will never make it to the Garage, they are part of the Hot Wheels collection.

Hot Wheels BMW M3 GT2

Another interesting model from the 2012 HW range. There is not a of detail to it, but with a little imagination and a steady hand, I am very sure that extended detail can be added such as rear lights and such.

It does STILL amaze me how HW can produced licensed models like these and Matchbox cannot - I sound like a cracked record, but it annoys me - in saying that we do get a BMW motorcycle for the 1-120 range....

HW Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

I still do not get - despite Mattel owning both brands - why HW tends to release lambo's and Ferrari's, and the MB range has not seen any for quite a few years now - indeed I think that the last modern Lambo in the 1-75 range was MB49 Lamborghini Diablo. The current Muira in the 2011 1-75 range does not count.

A very tidy model is this - very Top Gear and does the job. A nice addition to the 1/64 garage, but again, why can't Matchbox have this within their range?? Just smells of Mattel trying to smother the brand through deprivation?

Hot Wheels Germany Promotion

Got this on the weekend via Marktkauf, Weil am Rhein:

Simple:

Buy 6 HW, get the below free:





OK, it's a baseball with the HW logo printed on it, but as blogged in a previous post it a nice freebie.

Incidentally the peg space allocated for Matchbox is non-existent.....2 pegs with old 2011 stock. Was in Zurich yesterday at Letzipark - Manor had 1 peg of old 2011 stock as well.....and this is a major department store.

More evidence that Mattel are pushing Hot Wheels as the brand of choice?

Hot Wheels Shelby GT-500

OK, the HW line is completely saturated with Mustangs both of yesteryear and today. I mean how many SuperSnake variations can you milk out of a casting? And thus I have got one new Mustang casting and that is your lot.

But this is a casting that I really like. More for the fact that it is a ragtop rather than a hard top and for a European, this car is not normally seen. So hence the appeal.

The GTs lost their Cobra tag for 1969 and once again were marketed simply as Shelby GT 350 and Shelby GT 500. The GT 350 and GT 500 for the 1969 model year received an extensive face lift, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches (100 mm). Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. The GT 350 was now equipped with a 351 cubic-inch V8. Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969.

What is pleasing is the good standard of detailing including the tampo’s for the model. Nicely done.

Hot Wheels 'Scorcher'

Not all the HW in-house designs are great, but The Scorcher caught my eye - I have quite a few of these mattel designed cars and it s a good showcase for any budding designer to show off their flair and skill.

Why are Mattel not giving Matchbox a fighting chance (Pt 2)

Following on from my recent blog about the appalling way MB is marketed, here is yet more evidence that Mattel indeed couldn't give a monkey's toss about the Matchbox brand.

Can someone - preferably from Mattel - please explain as to why HW get's so much promo material and prominence and MB is reduced to some joke of an effort. You only have to look at matchbox.com and note that the 1-75 range is stuck in 2010! FFS !

Below are some snaps I got using my ipod phone thing in Weil am Rhien, DE on Saturday......

Here is the HW effort:



And here is the awesome MB effort !



Yes, exactly.