#tranquilcollecting
Before we dive in, let me clarify that title. This is obviously a feature on the new Hot Wheels Panamera, and we are lucky to have a few thoughts from the Hot Wheels Designer who spearheaded this one, but why is it surprising? Lots of reasons. First, the actual car is surprisingly cool. I’ll say …
I have to think it gives Hot Wheels Designers a little sense of satisfaction when they see a reaction like the one given to this sneak peek: https://www.instagram.com/p/ByDxLpBjlRf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link I am sure you saw it, but how rad was the reaction to Hot Wheels doing a 90's Volvo Wagon? Man how things have changed, and man …
Check out what Hot Wheels just announced: Are you ready for the evolution of Hot Wheels? Well, then grab the family and come on down to the Westfield Century City Atrium for an epic 3-day event to celebrate a global new product launch. Whether you are a kid, know a kid, or once was a …
The last couple of cases seemed to tell us Hot Wheels was closing up shop for 2019, giving us recolors and a random new model. And then BAM! A Class, Lamborghini, and one hell of a Panamera. So a video of the highlights first, and photos coming (you'll see on the video I've already taken …
Continue reading "Hot Wheels L Case Highlights, including a trio of fantastic new models"
I'm having too much fun just staring at my Tomica Limited Vintage wall display trying to figure out what models to shoot for this blog. The purpose is to jump a little deeper into TLV, flying right past the Ferraris, RX-7s, and 787b's that have demanded so much attention. But I haven't gotten that deep. …
For your enjoyment, the 2019 L Case. Lots of good new models in this one. https://youtu.be/-GnTYLvz5bU
Moving to the next model in my random perusal through my Tomica Limited Vintage collection. Consider this another dart to throw at the dartboard to see what sticks. It all sticks for me. Tomica Limited Vintage can’t do a model I won’t collect, because the fun is in the various directions it goes, from the …
Continue reading "Another Tomica Limited Vintage model not called Ferrari: Toyota Celica 1800GT-T"
So here is my fear with a post title like the one above. Many of you won't read this and throw our your "all these fanboys who only want to scalp the Ferraris and Civics! That is what is wrong with the hobby" comments. That is NOT what this post is about. Remember I try …
Honestly 2019 has been a magical year for Hot Wheels New Models. I can't remember a year where such a wide variety of models has been introduced. And on top of that, the amount of clean, stock looks with only front and rear decos. When the Lamley Award voting starts - sooner than you think …
Continue reading "I sense a pattern. Plain white New Models are taking over Hot Wheels in 2019."
Call it pre-Squarebody. The Auto World Chevy Trucks are coming, and from the vibe I am getting, it will be the Auto World equivalent of TLV's Ferraris. Something completely new, and very exciting. But as I have said with the TLV Ferraris, let the Squarebodies be the entry, and then immerse yourself in the fantastic …
After this, four cases left. Lots of Case Reports (International & US), but only four assortments. This one is really nice. Mid-year it seemed there were lots of New Model recolors, but this one is full of all kinds of new stuff. As always, our friends at Wheel Collectors grabbed a case at random, and …
Man, these Matchbox & Hot Wheels Dream Team accounts are fun to follow. Both formed to A) combat the unauthorized sneaks, B) interact with you and me, they have become exactly that. Matchbox dropped another round of sneaks today: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsQBsip_ZK/?igshid=1tuke16uebikn Two new castings and a RWR. The Dodge will clearly take the most attention, and …
My friend and local Utah collectors Mike shared this on IG today: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxslolSJsZ0/?igshid=19sbz5k66ygtj It is nice to see the Zamacs being released more widely this year. Last year was sparse to say the least. Mike mentioned the next guy. I am kind of that guy, because he picked up a set for me. As soon …
Continue reading "Hot Wheels K Case is hitting Walmarts along with the next group of Zamacs"
Why the hate? The response from collectors when the Hot Wheels x Supreme Team Transport collaboration was a bit surprising. Sure, there were many who asked what Supreme was. That's normal. But I am not talking about that. Most of you know what I am talking about. I am sure after this post has been …
Continue reading "Opening – and thoroughly digging – the Hot Wheels x Supreme Team Transport"
One day I will attend. Those that have attended the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan have all mentioned how bonkers it is. Then again, "bonkers" might describe anything toy or hobby related in Japan. I'd go to take it all in, cars or whatever. But obviously there would be a few booths I would make …
I think everyone is pretty aware that the bulk of my Hot Wheels/Matchbox collection is loose. I've always preferred the models out of package, obviously to photograph, but also to display. As nice as some of the card art is, displaying all the cards together can look like a big jumbled mess. Aesthetically, loose is …
Crazy to think we are in the home stretch for the Hot Wheels 2019 Mainline. 2020 is just around the corner and the Design Team is started to drop the sneaks. Last week it was the Subaru WRX STi 22b, this week it is this: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbvA6-D_BM/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=qsmx44awnqzy Obviously this is an early unpainted prototype, but based …
Continue reading "The ‘89 Porsche 944 Turbo joins the 22b in the 2020 Hot Wheels Mainline"
The new Larry Wood 50 Years set hit Walmarts in a big way last week. A few friends let me know, and the hunt was on. Fearful that a gold Boneshaker would make finding a complete set near impossible, I was shocked to actually find a sealed case at a Walmart as I was heading …
Continue reading "Showcase/Unboxing: Hot Wheels Larry Wood 50 Years 10-car set"
Oh TLV set things off today. We TLV nerds were wondering when the next set of Ferraris would be unveiled. That was today, and the next set, a Testarossa and 512TR, will drop in September. 80's madness, these two. My guess is they will be released later in September, after the standard September Release. And …
Always nice when the Hot Wheels Design Team drops a little surprise: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxJWEj5DfJG/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=bjfc3ehi3t6u When Hot Wheels released the Bugeye Subie in Car Culture, it seemed the most common reaction was "What about the 22b?". The Bugeye definitely needs more love, but that question has now been answered.
 I love guest posts. For starters, it is because I don't have to do one. But even better, I can bring in an expert to share their knowledge with all of us. That is why was thrilled when collector Reece Brennan, a well-known variation collector out of Australia, agreed to do a complete rundown of …
J Cases have just started hitting at Walmart. I only say this because it serves as a nice prep case for K, which just hit hobby dealers. Yes, using the word "loaded" to describe a basic 72-count Hot Wheels case might be stretching a little, but I will at least say there are a lot …
This dropped on Facebook today from the folks at MiJo Exclusives: There is a lot to take in, and the time will come soon to dive in a bit deeper, but you are looking at the first batch of models coming from the new collaboration between Schuco and MiJo Exclusives. If you need a reminder, …
Part 3 of the Preview videos I shot with the Hot Wheels Design Team at Hot Wheels Nationals in Chicago last month. This time all Premium. Jimmy Liu and the Team brought a plethora of premium models in all kinds of states, from totally complete to "first shot" prototypes. And we walked through them all. …