Man, I love this.
A year-and-a-half ago, Ford debuted three cars in its new performance line at the Detroit Auto Show. Rolled out were the Ford Raptor, Shelby Mustang GT350R, and king itself, the 2017 Ford GT. The cars all debuted in what Ford says its the designated color for its performance lineup, called Liquid Blue. Its a show color, not a production color, which is a bummer, because holy shit that they look good.
Fast forward 18 months, and with the release of the ’17 Ford GT in the N Case, Hot Wheels has completed a Liquid Blue trifecta of its own. The same three cars that debuted in Detroit have debuted in the 2016 Hot Wheels lineup, all in the same color. And they are a whole lot cheaper than the real thing.
And in what has been a stellar year for new Hot Wheels models, this trio stands out. Each model is great on its own, but when you put them together it is even better.
Now of course the question pops up of why the Focus RS didn’t debut in the same color, but it has an official blue of its own, and my guess is Hot Wheels and Ford wanted to duplicate the Detroit Trio. So I am good with that. Maybe soon we see the Focus in the same color. I wouldn’t complain.
So with the trio complete, let’s talk the Ford GT. There is no doubt this is a significant replica of a significant car. The debut of the real thing was such an exciting surprise, especially with its amazing looks. It has had a good run since, highlighted by its win at Le Mans.
The Hot Wheels is significant too. It is the first official New Model to debut as a Super Treasure Hunt. (And yes, I am aware the Toyota 2000GT debuted as a Super as well, but it was not an official New Model. The casting was made for the Racing Premium line which was cancelled, so technically its mainline debut was to be its second version. Technicality yes, but that makes the Ford the first New Model Super.)
I don’t have the Super, but I sure hope to get it. But even then, the mainline to me is the better model, because you know, Liquid Blue.
The casting? Yes, large-rear-wheel-itis, but that is a hard call. The rear wheel on the real thing is slightly larger than the front, and Hot Wheels has the option of making both the same size or doing what they did based on the wheel sizes they have. Matchbox had the same issue with their 2005 Ford GT casting, and went with the large rear. I have never had a problem with theirs, in fact that casting is one of my all-time favorite Matchbox castings, so I sure as shit don’t have a problem with the Hot Wheels. The details on the casting are there as well. And thankfully no up-sloped chin, even with a protruding nose.
So yeah, I am all in the Ford GT. Same with the Raptor and Shelby. Future versions are obviously coming, some I will surely like more than others. In fact we have already seen the Raptor recolor in stores and the Shelby recolor debuts in Batch N as well:
But no matter how good or how bad future versions look, we will always have the Liquid Blue Trio. Happy happy…
Would love to see some top views as well. And also that air tunnel on both sides, thats a signature design of the GT. Its a brilliant casting and all those little details are there. Even the wheel choice is good. But it still makes me wonder: Matchbox would have done it better.
Very informative article regarding Liquid Blue Fords. Some of my favorite Fords will look good in the set as you have displayed.
Very informative article regarding Liquid Blue Fords. Some of my favorite Fords will look good in the set as you have displayed.
Barring that unpainted bit below the buttresses, this casting is MAGNIFICENT!!! 9/10 Voting for Best Licensed Mainline will be a hard job. If only I can vote three times…
Bit of a shame tho that the air tunnel doesn't go all the way through
Great trio! I give Hot Wheels kudos for going all out! Love the GT the best for sure! Greatly executed, greatly detailed, and great looking! The Raptor is okay, just doesn't look right to me. It sits a little too high. Really like the Shelby GT350 though. All Hot Wheels needs to do is release their current Focus RS in the same color like you said. Also, to complete the entire lineup, Hot Wheels should release the Fiesta ST. But I'm perfectly happy with the GT!
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Not wheels – Year of Blue
The GT350R is stunning for a dollar car.
Hi this is Teddie bear were can I gets these liquid Blue car help me plz