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Hot Wheels has been favored by avid collectors because it turns tiny diecast cars into valuable treasures. While some models are mass-produced and easy to find, others are rare factory errors and special edition models that have reached apex status among Hot Wheels fanatics the world over. So, let's take a look at some of the rarest Hot Wheels cars out there. Any collector worth his or her salt should have these—do you?
1. 1977 White Z-Whiz
The Z-Whiz was one of Hot Wheels' first models based on the Datsun 240Z, a legendary Japanese sports car. While most Z-Whiz models were produced in yellow, a white version is extremely rare and could be worth a few thousand dollars, depending on its condition.
Hot Wheels Restoration Z Whiz by HOT WHEELS SQUIRREL
2. The Original 16
Also known as the "Sweet 16," these were the first Hot Wheels cars ever released in 1968. They came with Spectraflame paint, redline wheels, and unique designs that set them apart from other diecast cars of the time, which makes them a collectors' favorite.
Lamley Unboxing: Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Original 16 Display Set by Lamley Group
3. 1972 Pink Superfine Turbine
Hot Wheels cars in pink are almost always rarer than their other color variants because the shade was primarily marketed toward girls, and fewer were produced. The Superfine Turbine was a futuristic-looking car with a turbine engine design.
ULTRA RARE SUPERFINE TURBINE IN HOT PINK SPOTTED AT THE HOT WHEELS CONVENTION by ToyCarCollector.com
4. White 1995 Honda Integra Type R
Although Mattel might still continue making Honda Integra Type R models, the white color is hard to find because this model was the first of its kind. It's particularly popular among fans of Japanese Domestic Market cars as it features an accurate and detailed design.
Hot Wheels RLC Honda Integra Type R Unboxing and Review! by Furiously Collecting
5. Miami Vice Ferrari
Based on the Ferrari Daytona Spyder featured in the 1980s TV series "Miami Vice," the Miami Vice Ferrari is an iconic Hot Wheels car. It's rare because it was only released during the height of the show's craze, and Ferrari ended its collaboration with Mattel in 2014.
6. 2013 Hot Wheels Collectors Gulf Racing Set
Hot Wheels has produced many Gulf Racing-themed cars, but in 2013, they released an ultra-limited collectors' set in Gulf's iconic blue and orange livery, and two more cars were added the following year. With only 4,000 sets produced, getting your hands on one will be challenging.
Hot Wheels GULF CARS! Past, Present & Future - All of them! by mattchw1
7. 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger
Although Dodgers were mass-produced, a blue Roger Dodger is one of the most sought-after pieces as this particular color was never released in large numbers. Many believe that the Spectraflame Blue version was likely a test run or a regional release.
All 7 Blue Rodger Dodgers by Guitarded And Broke
8. 1968 Custom Volkswagen Without Sunroof
The Custom Volkswagen Beetle was one of the Original 16 Hot Wheels from 1968, but some early prototypes were produced without a sunroof. The sunroof was added to the final production model, making the sunroof-less version an extremely rare prototype.
The 1968 original sweet 16 hot wheels custom VW bug redlines collection by Kurbz Garage
9. 1969 Brown '31 Woody
Very few brown versions of the classic '31 Woody were produced. Most versions came in Spectraflame colors; this particular brown variant is believed to be an extremely limited factory test version. It was probably a test color that was never released for full production.
10. Mario Kart Princess Peach In Pink Gold
Unlike the other Hot Wheels on this list, this one is a modern rarity. Released as part of the Mario Kart Hot Wheels series, this Pink Gold Princess Peach car became an instant collector's item. This was a chase variant and was randomly inserted into shipments in very small numbers.
Hot Wheels Mario Cart Pink Gold Peach SDCC 2022 Exclusive Unboxing by GroceryGetterCrew
11. 1968 Over Chrome Camaro
This car wasn't meant to be released to the public, as the 1968 Over Chrome Camaro was a prototype. Hot Wheels released it for promotional purposes, and the over-chrome finish was designed to be an eye-catching test piece. Only a handful exist, and it's a holy grail for collectors.
Hot Wheels Redline Restoration Redo : 1968 Custom Camaro by WheelsNThangs
12. 2000 Formula 1 Edition
In 2000, Hot Wheels released a Formula 1 series featuring highly detailed models of real F1 cars. Unlike standard Hot Wheels, these had realistic liveries, rubber tires, and precision details. This edition had a limited production run and was only available in select markets, so it's difficult to find.
Ferrari F1 2000 BY Hotwheels 1/18 by Mr MJ
13. 1971 Red Olds 442 With Black Interior
The Olds 442 was a muscle car legend, and Hot Wheels released it in multiple colors. However, the Red version with a Black Interior is one of the hardest to find. Most Red Olds 442 models had white or tan interiors, which makes the black interior version extremely scarce.
Hot Wheels Olds 442 Redline Restoration by Diecast Graveyard
14. 1955 Chevy Bel Air Gasser Candy Striper
One of the most famous Hot Wheels drag racing castings, the Candy Striper, is a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Gasser featuring pink Spectraflame paint, white racing stripes, and authentic sponsor decals. It was released through the Red Line Club (RLC) in a very limited run.
15. 1995 Treasure Hunt '67 Camaro
The Treasure Hunt series was launched in 1995 as a special, harder-to-find collection with limited production. The '67 Camaro was part of the very first Treasure Hunt lineup, making it historically significant. It features a dark green Spectraflame paint job with white stripes and "TH" branding.
hot wheels 1995 treasure hunt collection episode 1 by Mtl diecast cafe
16. Hot Wheels X Optimus Prime
The Hot Wheels X Optimus Prime car is a collaboration between Hot Wheels and Transformers, featuring the iconic Optimus Prime character. This special edition car quickly became a fan favorite, and its limited availability has made it a rarity in the Hot Wheels world.
Mattel Creations Hot Wheels Optimus Prime Review - Is it Worth $80? by Ashley Wilbanks
17. Chameleon 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34
Collectors love the Chameleon 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 thanks to its unique paint, which changes color with the angle and light. It's different from the Spectraflame and regular paint, which makes it a visually stunning piece. This model was produced as part of a limited edition.
Hot Wheels RLC Nissan Skyline GTR R34 | Unboxing and Review by Prelude Boy 99
18. 1969 Volkswagen Pink Beach Bomb
Arguably the Holy Grail of Hot Wheels, the Pink Rear-Loading Beach Bomb was a prototype version of the Volkswagen Bus designed to carry surfboards in the rear. However, since it was unstable on Hot Wheels tracks, it was never mass-produced.
19. RLC Shelby Cobra 427 S/C Commemorative Edition
Muscle car lovers were in for a treat when Hot Wheels honored one of the most popular ones with a limited-edition release. Shelby Cobra 427 S/C was released as part of the exclusive Red Line Club Commemorative Edition with Spectraflame blue paint, chrome detailing, and a serialized collector's number.
20. 1969 Cheetah Base with Python Body
Some accidental factory errors can turn into collectors' treasures. The Cheetah was an early Hot Wheels casting, later renamed the Python due to licensing issues. A rare hybrid version was mistakenly produced with a Cheetah base and a Python body.
Hot Wheels Cheetah (2018 HWC Original 16 Replica! | Python) by Julian's HW
