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1968 -
The first sixteen Hot Wheels cars were
introduced into the market. They featured
redline tires, spectraflame paint, a metal
collector button, and some had roofs painted
black to look like vinyl. The public saw the
Hot Wheels Custom Corvette first before the
actual car was introduced by GM.
1969 -
Twenty four new cars were released, one of
which was the Volkswagen Beach Bomb with rear
mounted surf boards. Today this car is worth
over $3,500 MINT.
1970 -
This was the first year the Snake and
Mongoose cars were produced. Mattel's first
promotional cars were made for Jack in the
Box. HW Saturday morning television show
aired. The first collector's club w/ club kit
(book, patch, membership certificate and
either a Boss Hoss, Heavy Chevy or King 'Kuda
in chrome). 2 more series were introduced -
Spoilers & Heavyweights.
1971 -
Mattel buys Monogram, the model-kit company,
and employs one of their designers for new
concept HW cars.
1972 -
Mattel dropped the metal buttons from the
blisters.
1973 -
Inflation caused Mattel to cut costs. This
year's cars would only be issued for one year
due to poor quality. Spectraflame paint was
discontinued and they began to use enamel
paint. The first Oil company promos were
issued for Shell.
1974 -
The "Flying Colors" series was introduced.
This was Mattel's first issue of
tampos.
1975 -
The first Motorcycles were produced then
dropped until the '97 FE Scorchin'
Scooter.
1977 -
This was the last year Mattel would use the
redline tire.
1979 -
The Heroes and Scene Machines were
introduced.
1980 -
The Hi-Rakers (rear axles could be raised or
lowered to increase the rake of the car) &
Workhorses series were introduced.
1981 -
The Hot Ones - "fastest non-powered metal
cars" were introduced. The first collector's
handbook was issued.
1982 -
This was the first time Hot Wheels were
issued at Mc Donald's. Mattel moved the
production plant to Malaysia.
1983 -
The 15th Anniversary of Hot Wheels. Real
Riders were introduced and became a very
popular series. Cars were now being made in
Mexico, sold to it's domestic market, and
France, sold to the European market
ONLY!
1984 -
Ultra Hot wheels were introduced as the
fastest Hot Wheels ever made.
1985 -
The first cereal cars were offered by
Kellogg's.
1986 -
Two more series were introduced - Speed
Demons and Flip-Outs This was also the end of
the Real Riders series until 1995.
1987 -
The first price guide was issued. Also, the
first collector's convention was held in
Toledo, OH.
1988 -
The 20th anniversary of Hot Wheels. Special
gold and silver chrome cars were produced for
the occasion.
1989 -
Park-n-Plates were introduced - special cars
in plastic "garages".
1990 -
California Customs were produced this year,
along with a line of cars based on "The
Simpsons" television show. The first Aircraft
(Helicopter) was issued.
1991 -
The first "Gold Medal Speed" cars were
produced w/ gold Ultra Hot wheels. Mattel
produced their one billionth car and released
special gold plated Corvettes on display
stands. The first McDonald's Happy Meal
offered either Hot Wheels or Barbie.
1992 -
The Pro Circuit and Tattoo Machines were
introduced.
1993 -
The 25th anniversary of Hot Wheels. A line of
exclusive Toys R Us cars were produced with
redline tires - The 25th Anniversary Series.
The Revealers were released.
1994 -
The Vintage Collection (continuation of the
25th Anniversary cars) were released. The HW
logo was introduced as a tampo on ALL
cars.
1995 -
The introduction of the Treasure Hunt Series,
limited to 10,000 of each car. The most
desirable of the 12 cars produced is the
white '67 Camaro bring a premium price of
over $300. Mattel also began to issue 1 car
(Model Series) and a 4 car series per month.
Real Riders were also re-introduced as a 4
car series (the most expensive series with a
value of over $100. Six new wheel variations
were issued - Sp3 (3 spoke), Sp5 (5 spoke),
Sp6 (6 spoke), Sp7 (7 spoke), HH (hot hubs),
& POW (progressive oval wheels).
1996-
Mattel changed the Model Series to 1st
Editions, which are the first run casting of
each of the 12 cars. The VW Bus was issued
this year and continues to be a favorite
among collectors. The Corgi casting
(European) started to appear. Three more
wheel variations - Dw3 or sb (directional or
saw blade), Lw or wsp (lace or wire spoke
wheels), Ho5 or 5dot (5 hole) & Ho5w or 5hw
(white 5 hole).
1997 -
Pro Racing cars were introduced and made a
favorable splash with collectors.
1998 -
The 30th anniversary of Hot Wheels, a line of
commemorative cars (1 from each year) were
issued. 40 First Editions were also produced,
with many error cards printed as 45 or 48.
1999 -
The first Pro Racing Treasure Hunts (LE to
15,000) were introduced. A new 12 car series
for retiring models, "FINAL RUN" are
released. 26 First Editions were also
produced.
2000 -
A New Wave of Store Brand Exclusive Releases
hit the shelves. KB Toys Cop Rods, Target
Editors Choice, plus a Large Selection of
Exclusive 2-Packs from other chain stores.
A new wheel style is added to the line called
pr5. A special series called the "Virtual
Collection" is added into the main line
releases. Real Rider Tires are brought back
for most of the Treasure Hunt Line. A New Style
Card is Released with many Models on both style
cards. 36 First Editions were also produced.
2001 -
TRU has the Exclusive on a Second "Final Run"
Series. In-Store Exclusives still going full
blast with the Series 2 Cop Rods, Fire Rods,
Editors Choice & even Wal-Mart joins in with
the Auto Milestone Series. The 2-Packs are
also still being released in large droves.
The first Hauler & Pavement Pounder Treasure
Hunts were introduced. The Black Box Cool
Collectibles gets a new Box packaging and is
now being called 100% Hot Wheels. 36 First
Editions were also produced again.
2002 -
Big changes with 42 First Editions and 15
4-Car Series in the line-up. 2 more New Style
Wheels are released.
2003 -
35th Anniversary!!! Info Coming Soon....
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Most of the above mentioned information is available on various web sites throughout the net. Nobody has copyrighted nor been accredited for the information.