Ever since the demise of the Boulevard line, we have been waiting for the next great Hot Wheels premium series. It may have finally arrived.
We have talked extensively about the Boulevard series from 2012 and 2013. It seemed that by the time Mattel had figured out how to make it successful, it was already considered a failure by the big box stores. The 2012 lineup was way too large, way too varied, and not collector-oriented enough.
Then came the 2013 lineup, with was much smaller and full of fantastic new castings or real cars. Models like the Jeep Wagoneer, Datsun Wagon, and Porsche 993 were huge hits. But by the time that line had arrived, most stores had cancelled their orders, and these fantastic models were relegated to stores like Tuesday Morning and TJ Maxx.
Soon after Mattel cancelled the Boulevard line, and turned their attention to Retro Entertainment and Cool Classics, to mixed results. Retro Entertainment continues, Cool Classics is done, and now we have the Heritage line.
It looks like Mattel has learned some lessons. The Heritage line will come in 6 batches of 6 models, alternating between Real Riders and Redlines. And they will be released every two months starting in May. This appears to be the right move. Not too many models to clog the pegs, and released far enough apart for each batch to sell.
And most importantly, the models included are collector faves. Whether they be muscle, classic, Euro, or JDM, there will be a lot of collectors that will want them. We at Lamley included.
The lineups:
Mix 1 (Real Riders – released May 2015):
Mix 4 (Redlines – released November 2015):
Mix 5 (Real Riders – released January 2016):
Mix 6 (Redlines – released March 2016):
Not a bad lineup eh? JDM nuts like us have two redline Skylines, a 240Z, and the Datsun 510. Euro geeks (also like us) have the BMW 2002, the Hare Splitter, and the Porsche 917. Wagon nerds (like us) have the Plymouth Satellite, Nova, Chevelle, and GTO Wagons. Truck heads (like us too) have the Macho Power Wagon, Texas Drive ‘Em, and Silverado 4×4, and it goes on and on. It seems to us Mattel has planned this line to succeed. We really hope we don’t have to look at those last two batches and wonder if they will see the light of day. Fingers crossed that this series does well. We know we will be buying a few… |
And the Ford GT LM already shown, the most expected to me, definetly dropped off together with Cool Classics line?
Umm, HELLOoooo Ford transite MK I Supervan, AWESOME choice, not that we will get ANY of them in the UK, but the Supervan with the MK I Escort, its lookj glike a classic year for HW…. and about time too
No, the final 2 mixes of Cool Classics are coming. The next mix, with the GTLM, will be out this month, and the final mix is coming in March.
To add some notes.
Altered Ego: New metal base
'56 Flashsider: unknown which of the 3 castings it will be; standard, opening hood, or 4×4 (which would be a new metal base if this)
'70 Camaro Z28: unknown if it is the RS casting with poor proportions but an opening hood, or if the Road Race casting with a new metal base
'07 Silverado Off Road: New metal lifted 4×4 base
'64 Nova Wagon: New metal base, not sure if will be shared with the delivery casting in an upcoming Pop Culture mix
It is also nice to see a delivery-type vehicle, the Ford Transit, debuting in a series other tha Pop Culture.
This is sure to be one hit series with collectors. Lots of popular castings.
Good news, thanks!
Sounds pretty cool! I wish the Corvette C6R would be upgraded to a C7R though.
The mk1 transit Supervan! Fantastic. I'll probably have to wait until it's ac airline model or Poundland get hold of unsold stocks. A mad beast!
I like to think it will come with bouncy suspension and a stand so that it can be sown cornering on 3 wheels as the original.
Someone at HW likes old Fords – what next? Mk1 Lotus Cortina, Capri 3100 RS?
Chris
2015 is gonna be EPIC
Mk 1 Transit. since writing my first posting i remembered that I made one – aged about 9 out of the corgi juniors Transit caravan. A little crude but I had few tools – and was only 9 or 10.
Here it is for real…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6WdboK1nY
search on You tube for 'Transit Jaguar XK220' for another!
How can Mattel be convinced, to make this series available in oversea markets.
I am no marketing expert, but i am pretty sure, those models would be very welcome by many world wide collectors, i mean BMW 2002 or Ford Transit are popular classics, at least here in the EU. Why not give it a shot, collectors would be thrilled.
You know, here in my corner of the world they sell Hot Wheels color changers for € 5,99 per piece and strange looking models that you can bend (forgot the name) for € 6,99 per piece.
At that price, why not offer something nice and far superior looking, something that attracts collectors for example?
AWESOME!!
It's time to save up some money to get them all before they'll quickly disappear from the market 🙂
I'm guessing the Datsun 510 has a sort of retro design going for it there – I believe it might look better in person. But because it is premium, better grab ASAP and will most likely fetch some extra bills from sellers.
New tool for Custom Chevy Greenbrier Sports Wagon.. it's essentially a Corvair van.. looks cool for a new casting:
http://www.autorestorationice.com/2014/03/1963-chevrolet-greenbrier-sportswagon.html
This overall should be a really interesting line!
I love when they bring back castings and it was great when they brought back the Backwoods Bomb. I don't think it was ever done with RRs shoud be pretty special.
Here in the UK, a popular discount shop sold US overstock of 2013/14 mainlines, high speed wheels, Decades, Jukebox, flying customs and Hot ones and some even got garage series and the ones that sold out the quickest? the last three. Plus most of these would have been bought by kids or parents.