Hot Wheels ’17 Ford GT: Fantastic model, but a lousy $uper?

Okay, where do I start with this one?

Well, let’s start here, with a photo of the brand new Hot Wheels ’17 Ford GT, in both basic and Super Treasure Hunt outfits:

And here is a cool photo from Ford:

Just look at those photos, and I think you will agree with me that the ’17 Ford GT from Hot Wheels is stellar.  One of the best of the year.  Sure, the size difference between the front and rear wheels on the Hot Wheels is more exaggerated than the real thing, but considering what they had to work with, this model is just about perfect for a Hot Wheels basic.

And look at that color!  I already highlighted the Liquid Blue Trifecta that Hot Wheels released this year, but it is still stunning to see how well they did.  Just looking at the Hot Wheels Ford GT, it is an easy choice as one of the best new models of the year, if not the best model of the year.  A significant car done well by Hot Wheels.

And then add to that the fact that it debuts as a Super Treasure Hunt!  This is a first.  No model has officially debuted as a Super, and that takes into account the Toyota 2000GT, which wasn’t an official new model.  (The tool was slated for a previous line, but the line was cancelled after the tool was made.)  If Hot Wheels is going to debut a New Model as a Super, this is a perfect choice.

So add that together, and the Ford GT is up there with a whole slew of fantastic New Models in 2016, from the Ford Focus RS to Porsche 356 to Honda Odyssey to BMW 3.0 CSL.  It has been a stellar year.

But as Supers go, it could be argued that the Ford GT is a bit of a dud.

I should probably explain.

Let’s start with this.  It actually doesn’t really matter what model gets the Super Treasure Hunt treatment.  Supers are so entwined with Hot Wheels collecting now, everyone knows what the current Super is, and everyone wants to find it.  Sure, they might compare Supers, but ultimately Supers are more about the hunt than the actual model.  So really, it doesn’t matter what model is a Super.  We will all hunt them.

That being said, the more premium a Super, the more $uper it really is.  The Super TH these days is an upgraded version of a standard basic model.  It always has real riders, spectraflame paint, and many times additional deco, in addition to the “TH” logo somewhere.  It definitely is an upgraded model.

And if I am honest, the Ford GT just isn’t.  It is hard to say that, because I actually REALLY LIKE the Super.  If it were a Car Culture or Boulevard model, I would probably have two.  It looks beautiful in that dark blue with the grey GT wheels.  But the basic looks better.

First off, the signature Ford Liquid Blue is an exciting color, and Hot Wheels duplicated it perfectly.  Second, the PR5 wheels are the better wheels on the model.  They have lower profile tires, which work better.  The PR5s are not as deep as the GT wheels, which replicates the actual car more accurately.  It is strange to say, but the basic is the more significant model.

Want to compare, look at these three stellar models:

The Datsun Wagon is a great Super not because it is the Datsun Wagon, but look at the wheel upgrade, the splendid spectraflame, and additional deco.  The Honda takes things several steps further.  Chrome base, headlight tampos, hood tampos, and an additional flat black on the hood and roof.  I think the S2K is the most upgraded Super Hot Wheels has done, next to the 2000GT’s metal base.

And then there is the Mooneyes van.  The basic is a very nice model, especially in its signature Mooneyes colors and livery.  The Mooneyes models are always a favorite.  But the Super takes things to a completely different level.  The gold spectraflame is nuts, the additional logo on the rear is crazy cool, and the most appropriate upgrade of all – moon discs!!  Those wheels were made for this model, and sporting one of Mooneyes’ signatures makes this model significant.  It is what makes the Mooneyes Van, to me, the best Super TH Hot Wheels has ever done.

The Ford GT is kind of the opposite.  The basic is the significant model, the Super is a little treat.  So, do I love the Ford GT Super?  Hell yes I do.  But judging solely on its merits as a Super, there have been a lot better.  I could actually see myself calling the Ford GT the best model of the year, and still think it is less than stellar Super.  How about that?

Alright, I will stop yapping.  I need to get my hunt on.  There are Ford GT Supers to find…