For more than fifty years, Hot Wheels has been the leading toy car company in the world. They became popular due to their funky colors, beautiful shapes, and attention to detail. Their policy was generally to sell most of their models for $1, but today, rare ones can fetch a considerable sum as they are highly sought-after by toy car collectors.
Many of these are highly valuable because they were produced in the very early days of the company, but others are simply rare due to mistakes in production. Did you ever imagine that a toy car could be sold for $72,000? Yes, neither could we! Anyway, today, we have compiled a list of 15 toy cars real car collectors covet, along with their value.
So, if you ever find one of these in the attic, you know exactly what to do! Anyway, without further ado, let’s get right to it!
15. 1968 Custom Camaro In White (Up To $2,500)
pinterest.com
Hot Wheels was born in 1968, and this custom white Camaro is one of the legendary company’s very first models. It was white due to a mistake in production, and some were still sold to the public. These are very rare, and they can fetch up to $2,500 as they are a real collector’s item.
14. 1970 Red Baron (Up To $3,000)
via info-hot-whells.blogspot.com
The 1970s Red Baron was a pretty popular toy, and today, you will often see it re-sold at thrift stores or garage sales. However, very few were made with a white interior, which makes them very rare. Nobody knows how many were made, and today, it can sell for up to $3,000.
13. Number 271 Funny Car (Up To $3,500)
autowise.com
Many of the most coveted Hot Wheels are from the early days of the company, but not all of them. This one was actually produced in 1995, and it is rare due to an error in printing. The company claims that the mistake was made 12 times, but until today, only 6 have been found. These are highly valuable and call sell for up to $3,500.
12. Ed Shaver Custom AMX ($4,000)
worthpoint.com
The Ed Shaver Custom AMX was released in limited quantity, and it was only sold in the United Kingdom in 1970. Americans had no idea about it, and today, it can fetch up to $4,000. However, if you buy one, make sure it’s original as there are many fake copies out there.
11. Blue Rodger Dodger ($8,000)
hwcollectorsnew.com
The Rodger Dodger is a popular car in the Hot Wheels lineup; in fact, it is still being produced today. However, the Blue Rodger Dodger from 1974 is extremely valuable as very few were made. So, today, a brand new one in its original packaging can fetch up to $8,000. That seems pretty steep for a toy car!
10. 1969 Python with Cheetah base ($10,000)
antiquetrader.com
The 1968/1969 Python was a very popular toy car produced by Hot Wheels. Initially, it was meant to be called Cheetah, but as the name was already in use, the company had to change it to Python. However, several had already been produced with the initial name, and today, they sell for around $10,000.
9. Beatnik Bandit in Pink ($15,000)
worthpoint.com
The Beatnik Bandit is one of 16 original Hot Wheels that was produced in the very early days of the company. However, the Beatnik Bandit in hot pink was only produced in limited quantities, and today, you can sell it for around $15,000. Yes, collectors are really paying that much for toy cars!
8. Mighty “Mad” Maverick ($20,000)
antiquetrader.com
Again, the Mad Maverick is another example of Hot Wheels having to change their toy’s name because it was already in use. Another toy company already had the rights to that name, so Hot Wheels had to change its name to Mighty Maverick. We haven’t seen one going for sale, but experts estimate that it can sell for up to $20,000.
7. Rear Loading Beach Bomb In Pink ($72,000)
via Redline Collector
Hot Wheels has always done a great job at representing the car culture, and since the early days, they’ve had many Volkswagens in their lineups. This one is very special, though, as it was only produced 6 to 8 times for employees of the company. A couple of years ago, one sold for $72,000, and it is the only one known to still exist today.
6. Diamond Encrusted 40th Anniversary Otto ($140,000)
thegamer.com
Yes, those are real diamonds! This special edition bling-bling toy car is filled with diamonds, with nearly 1,000 black diamonds, blue diamonds, eight rubies, and gold. Of course, this is a one-of-one, and it is worth around $140,000 today. This one is definitely the most valuable car the company has ever made.
5. Mac Mutt Daddy (up to $1,000)
thegamer.com
The Mac Mutt Daddy was first released in 1971, and it was quite a popular model at the time. In the back, there were two small dogs in a compartment. However, those made in Mexico were not exactly the same, with special paint and different wheels. They weren’t produced for long, and today, they can fetch up to $1,000.
4. Scooby Doo Mystery Machine ($80)
via Walmart
The Scooby Doo Mystery Machine! This brings back great memories to any '90s baby. This one was released in 2012, and although it's valued at $80, it is not exactly highly valuable. Still, it's a great return on investment if you bought one for a couple of dollars eight years ago. We sure wish we had.
3. Heroes Spiderman ($100-$150)
pinterest.com
Hot Wheels produced many models that featured cartoons or superheroes, such as the Heroes Spiderman. Because it was only produced for two years, it has become quite rare and is coveted by toy car collectors. Today, one in brand new condition and packaging can fetch up to $150.
2. Batmobile ($200)
hwcollectorsnews.com
Hot Wheels has produced so many Batmobiles throughout the years that it’s difficult to count them. However, this one holds a special place in car collector’s hearts as it was produced specially for the San Diego Comic-Con convention in 2004. Today, it can sell for up to $200.
1. Hot Wheel Ecto 1A (up to $1,000)
galleon.ph
We’re sure you’re familiar with Ghostbusters, as well as their famous vehicle: the Ecto 1A. In 2010, Hot Wheels produced three different versions of it, with one being the premium one, with more details and a better paint job. Today, it can sell for up to $1,000 to the right collector.
