The Lamley Awards continue with a look at the models that debuted in the Hot Wheels Basic Range in 2024.
As always we are focusing on the licensed new models. Variety has widened in recent years, not only from different regions and elements of car culture, but now some new originality has crept in.
I talk about them all in this video, so give it a watch, check out the photos below, and then cast your vote in the poll. It’s not easy, but should be enjoyable.
Even though I feel this year overall was a bit mediocre, in that the number of truly interesting, desirable and well done castings was lower than olden times, the ones that do make the list are brilliant and easily stand above the rest. And hence it’s difficult to choose a winner out of these. But, if I had to choose a top 5 (and I do) in no particular order, it’d be –
1) Jaguar Mk1
2) Lotus Type 49
3) Porsche 911 Dakar
4) Pagani Utopia
5) Toyota GR86 Cup.
Ultimately I think I’ll say the winner for me is the Jag. The casting looks perfect (minus the lack of side mirrors) and I’m always a sucker for Jags, especially the older ones. I love that HW is doing more of these classic European cars that you’d normally not expect them to do (at least 5 years ago you wouldn’t). Some of the other casting were great too, like the Mercury, Quattro, Sterrato, etc. but for me the 5 I listed take it.
I’ll also give special mention to the Proton Saga; totally unexpected model. Even though it’s not my favourite nor the best imo, the fact HW even thought of doing it, and did it well, is worth applauding. Proton is not very well known, even among car circles, and it was amusing to see all kinds of reactions online when it was announced, although mostly consisting of those who know about it (mainly Malaysians) going nuts, while everyone else confused as to what it is. I hope to see the Saga in premium soon, cause it’d looks amazing with the premium treatment in a “factory fresh” style deco, and I also hope they do the Satria GTi next, also in premium – that would make one hell of an inclusion to Modern Classics.
Another shoutout would be to the Tesla Model S. I think the casting by itself is near perfect, and I love that the raised rear spoiler is a nice throwback to the first Model S casting from 10 years ago. I’d like to see this one in premium too.