Top Hot Wheels Collecting Tips
- Hot Wheels cars bear imprinted poduction numbers on every car, so there is no mistaking what year they were made.
- Look for unusual, bright colors such as pink or purple. Considered too "girly" at the time, few were made or sold, making them highly sought after today.
- A Hot Wheels model in its packaging is worth much more, but is extremely rare since packaging had to be effectively destroyed to get to the Hot Wheels car. Most Hot Wheels collectors are happy with unpackaged cars, unlike those collectors of Dinky, Corgi, or Matchbox cars.
- Rare or unusual models are the most likely to hold their value or even increase in value. Consider the type of vehicle, the paint, and any accessories it may come with to ensure that you buy or sell wisely.
- Rare or unusual models are the most likely to hold their value or even increase in value. Consider the type of vehicle, the paint, and any accessories it may come with to ensure that you buy or sell wisely.
- Hot Wheels packaging with early collectors' buttons is worth holding on to.
Some Hot Wheels models were made only for shot periods, meaning that there are fewer examples on the market. Keep these models because, as demand grows, they are the most likely to increase in value.
Sell
Colors such as pink and purple Hot Wheels were considered too feminine by boys at the time and as such weren't very popular. This makes them rare and highly desirable today, and prices can be surprisingly high. Sell these rarer colored Hot Wheels cars to a collector and invest the money elsewhere.
As with many collecting fields, early examples are prized. Many Hot Wheels enthusiasts nostalgically hark back to the Sixties and want the Volkswagen buses and bugs, as well as the Camaros that Mattel made in a number of spectraflame colors (discontinued in 1973 in favor of enamel paint). The Classic 1932 Ford Vicky, No. 6250 produced in 1969, came in four colors, while the Custom Volkswagen, No. 6220, produced in 1968, was made in seven color variations, although there were 21 vivid colors in all; later models were available in fewer colors. Early models can be identified by a red stripe on the tires that is known as redline. Redline tires were phased out in 1977, and vehicles with this feature are eagerly sought after by Hot Wheels collectors. Pre-1972 models also came with a now-desirable collector's button in eah blisterpack.
Special features can drive up the price of Hot Wheels, whether it be detachable or moveable parts or a limited production run. The Sky Show Fleetside, No. 6436, produced in 1970, not only had relines on its truck, but also planes and launch ramp at the rear, and can be worth $600-1,000 if complete. The Army Staff Car, No. 9521, produced in 1977, sporting an American flag, can sell for $1,000. Extremely hard to find, it was only sold as part of a set, as was The Road King Truck, No. 7615, produced in 1974, which can be over $300-400. Cars made in 1973 are valuable, since few models were sold that year: a Show-Off, No. 6982, or Alive 1955, No. 6968, worth $150 plus are good finds. Look too for models from the Real Riders series (1983-1986), which can fetch $30-130. With real rubber tires, gray or white hubcaps, and Goodyear markings, they were expensive to produce and are popular.
Rare is the company that has not tied in with Hot Wheels for a promotion - Kellogg's, McDonalds, and Shell included - and collectors like these models, since these Hot Wheels cars have extra features. Some collectors prefer early US-made models )production ceased in 1971), although cars made in Hong Kong, Malaysia, France, Italy, Mexico, and Canada also have their enthusiats. Even today, with Mattel long ago producing its one billionth car, the company continues to make limited editions, commemoratives, and replicas or older models, often with packaging reminiscent of early blister packs. To celebrate the US mission to Mars, and Action Pack with a Mars Rover, marked July 4th, 1997, was produced. Limited editions could well become tomorrow's hot buy.