Well, Hot Wheels doesn’t want the buzz to die down, so they have announced even more new items to come in 2016.
We have learned of Honda vans and Mazda roadsters in the mainline, and Nissan concepts and Alfa classics in the Entertainment line. And now we have the list of Series 14 models in the RLC line.
The Red Line Club is Hot Wheels’ special collector club, and you have to be a member to enjoy all the benefits. There are special RLC events at the conventions, access to more sneaks and other info on the HWC website, among many other benefits, but the reason most collectors join is for the exclusive models.
It starts each year with the Series models – half of which sit on Neo wheels, and half on Real Riders – as well as special non-series models, like the Candy Striper Gasser was last year. I have no idea if that makes sense, but trust that there will be quite a few cool models available.
Mattel hasn’t announced all the models for 2016, but we know a few, and all we really need to know is that 2016 will a great year for RLC members. The 2016 Series 14 list:
- Neo-Classics ’72 Ford Gran Torino Sport
- Neo-Classics Convoy Custom
- Neo-Classics Custom Camaro
- Neo-Classics Volkswagen Drag Bus
- Real Riders Custom Barracuda
- Real Riders Datsun Bluebird 510
- Real Riders Drag Dairy
- Real Riders Long Gone
Cool list eh?
My guess is most of the attention will go to the Datsun 510, and it should. Many of you didn’t like the Neo wheels on the RLC BRE 510, so this is your chance to get a dressed-to-the-nines RLC 510 on Real Riders. We don’t know what livery or deco it will sport, but it is most certainly going to look awesome. After that, the Gran Torino catches my eye, as do some of the collector faves like the Convoy Custom and Long Gone. There is a lot to like.
On top of that, we know of another non-Series model that will be an instant hit. Hot Wheels has teased the RLC Porsche 993 in Gulf livery, which will sit on Real Riders, and be encased in plastic. I don’t know when it is going on sale, but it should be during the first half of the year, and you will have to be an RLC member to get one. It is bound to be a quick sellout.
So how do you become a member? It is all
laid out on the HWC website, so check it out. Current members can start renewing this Tuesday if they want the Chrome level. After that memberships become available in the weeks after.
Oh and there is a membership model for all those that join.
All members will get at least one of three ’55 Chevy Bel Air Gassers. The casting has been modified to push the realism, and it looks fantastic. Chrome members will get all three, and for non-Chrome members, when you sign up will dictate what color model you get. I have heard that the Chrome model, in dark chrome, will be a stunner, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
So, who is in?
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I'm in. If I survive their website. Closest thing one could experience to repeated torture. I wish I was kidding.
I'm in for sure. I think I'm one of the few that hasn't had much trouble ordering in the last year.
I have been an RLC Member for over 11 years. This year will be another great year. I will try for the ” CHROME MEMBERSHIP ” this Tuesday 01/26/2016. 3 Togo please !
I am hoping the 911 won't be spectraflame but I think it will based on all the previous gulf models.
Jeff it isn't spectraflame. Standard gulf colors.
I will not join unless I can join for free.
Hmm… maybe when my generation grows up to about the same age as your lot, we can push for a modern exotic or race car for top-shelf specials like those. Long shot, but still.
Not that I really have the money to spend double digits a piece on 1/64 scale cars anyway but, with the Canadian to American dollar exchange rate so low, I especially don't have the money right now.
Any word if there will be more of the Original 16 models? Last year we got the Deora. I'm hoping this RLC series continues.
Personally I think it is BS that it will be enamel. It is an HWC/RLC car, it SHOULD be done in spectraflame, that's what makes these cars unique to HW. Otherwise, they could be done by any other brand.
On top of that, it will likely be a $20 car in the acrylic case. $20 for a car of 2012 Racing series quality (i.e., a $5 car).
As much as I love the casting, I can't justify to myself to spend that much on an enamel finished car.
The J Car was also done. It was green.
As for ones to be done this year, no solid word yet.
Another vehicle not mentioned in the article is a '63 Studebaker Champ, will be released just as a special edition. It will be red and black, and offered in an acrylic case. Unknown if the finish is spectraflame at all or not.
Yup, the J-car and the Deora were both done for 2015. They have the Barracuda casting – I hope they do this one properly for 2016.
You and I disagree here. If HW wants to do spectra flame, fine. Just not on a licensed design like the Gulf. What makes the Gulf special is the unique colors. Also, anyone can do the spectraflame finish. It has been done/copied by many over the years. It ain't that special to me. My 2 SF Gulf models still sit in their original mailing box somewhere in the basement. Primarily because of the finish.
I don't disagree with the price for the models. even in the spectrapaint finish. But I guess we will pay for “limited” editions models.
Not a problem on the disagreement!
It is sort of like the NEO argument on the BRE 510 and 240Z and the Shelby 2000GT from HWC. While I understand the want for RRs on those, the NEOs made them distinctly HWs. We will likely disagree on that as well, but the hobby would be boring if everyone felt the same way about everything, here.
At the same time, I didn't bother with the 2000GT for myself because it was all enamel, no spectraflame.
Though, while the spectraflame finish has been copied by others, how many of the others polish the bodies of the cars before applying the paint? That is actually a serious question, lol. As far as i know, HW is the only one who does (well, did and now going back to it).
I was hoping I would be all in this year, but I'm all out. From looking at the list I just don't see anything I like. The Gulf Porsche looks promising, but it's gonna have that inkjet deco and it's gonna sell out before I even get a crack at it anyway.
On the bright side, that's another 25 bucks (w/tax) that I saved.
If you are an RLC Member and on the fence I recommend you get off the fence. Chrome Membership (all 3 ) cars is sold out. So l suggest you hurry on over their.
I was not happy with the Spectraflame on Gulf cars at first. They kinda grew on me, but I still would have preferred the stock paint job. If you like the Spectraflame though, I can totally respect that. To each his own.
I was in line this morning, by mistake. I thought it was just regular membership, but they raised their price. lol
It didn't matter, after trying to get through numerous waiting rooms, glitches & loops, around noon, it came up sold out. Three hours of torture with no luck this time. If I had half a brain, I'd wash my hands of hot wheels & move onto something else. 😀
I'm curious, I had the Chrome membership this year, this sale was for renewing your plans. How could it sell out if not everyone re-ups? It was sold out before I could get thru.
I was under the impression that it's first come, first serve basis? And as we know, some people manage to get through numerous times while many(myself included) can't get through just one time.