What is the most rarest hot wheels car

There are more Hot Wheels cars than there are actual cars and trucks in the world. It makes sense: Hot Wheels have been around for more than 50 years and, in that time, have become a regular part of the American childhood. What kid didn’t have at least one Hot Wheels toy car or truck that they kept in their pocket and spent afternoons racing around a track for imaginary trophies? The number of Hot Wheels collectors and coveted rare Hot Wheels collectibles only add to the brand’s notoriety.

As Hot Wheels are such a major part of culture — and because so many of the models are limited releases — the market for rare Hot Wheels is massive. Some limited edition cars can fetch tens of thousands of dollars on the market. Some coveted rides are one of only a few in the world. So which rare Hot Wheels should you check and see if you have them in the attic?

To gain some intel on the most expensive or rare Hot Wheels collectors should know about, we spoke to Mike Zarnock, author of more than a dozen books on the brand, owner of more than 30,000 die-cast cars (a feat which earned him two Guinness World Records), and one of the foremost Hot Wheels collectors and experts in the country. Zarnock’s been plugged into the Hot Wheels scene for decades, knows all the players, all the prices and, most importantly, all the cars. Here, with Zarnock’s help, are the rare Hot Wheels to keep an eye out for.

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10. 1968 Volkswagen Custom (no sunroof)

Value: $1,500+

Why? “The first Custom Volkswagens that were made in Hong Kong did not have a sunroof and were only available in Europe, with most of them sold in Germany and the UK,” says Zarnock. Other features of this rare Hot Wheels include no plastic side windows and a modified interior. (White is common, dark is rare.) According to Zarnock, most of these cars exist in blue, with rare variations being orange, red, green, copper, and green enamel. You can also check the car’s undercarriage to look for the number of rivets — legit Hong Kong models only have one.

As your wait for your san-sunroof option, this hot pink option commands a hefty fee.

9. 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit

Value: around $3000

Why? As one of the original “Sweet Sixteen” Hot Wheels released in 1968, this rare collector’s model was designed by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, and originally available in 18 colors. The rarest of these colors was an ultra-bright, hot metallic pink, which can be easily confused for the similar magenta and rose colors. While the hot pink version commands almost three grand, the next-rarest hue (yellow) is only worth about $200.

This unrestored “Lustrous Red” model has some wear, but it will act as a fine placeholder until you find that unicorn.

8. 1971 Purple Olds 442

Value: $5,000

Why? “Most of the 442s are magenta, and often get confused for the purple ones in photos,” says Zarnock. “There’s really no special reason for the value of this car other than purple being a very rare variation. There are also versions in salmon and hot pink, which can be valued from $1,400 to $2,000.” This now rare Hot Wheels also came packaged with a sticker sheet which, if still in mint condition, can add to the value of the car. In fact, the sticker sheet alone — which features several bluish stars — can fetch respectable dough. Just beware of reproductions.

Nicks and scratches are nothing to a genuine collector, so this green version‘s patina is all the more desirable.

7. 1970 Red Baron (white interior)

Value: $3,000

Why? Inspired by the World War I fighter pilot of the same name (real name: Manfred von Richtofen), this rare Hot Wheels rarity was initially offered in 1970. “There are less than 10 of these known to exist; it’s a truly rare piece,” says Zarnock. “The prototype has a white, plastic interior, a blank metal base, no iron cross decals, and shorter rear fenders than the publicly-released version.” The public version – which goes for about $20 – features a black interior, decal enhancements, and a plastic helmet cowl instead of a metal one.

This original of the more common variety still comes in its blister pack. Cop quick.

6. 1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car

http://hwcollectorsnews.com

Value: $3,500 (MOC)

Why? Funny? Funny how? Funny, like, worth more than your actual car? According to Zarnock, it’s reported that only 144 (or 288, depending on who you ask) of these cars were packaged and released on the rare blue card with white collector number 271. Of those about 80 were opened and stripped for prototypes of the popular Pro-Circuit line. “Another 24,” says Zarnock, “were sent to Mattel Toy Club members, and the rest were put into random Hot Wheels shipments that went to Wal-Mart and KB Toys.” (Rest In Peace.) Thanks, possibly, to intrepid Kondoers, there are only about 20-25 carded Number 271 cars that have survived today.

There are no shortage of funny cars (although this one is rare). This one, however, is in great condition and only climbing in value.

5. 1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX

Value: $4,000+

Why? Packaged on the “Exclusive Racing Car Series” card, this UK exclusive is a model of the drag racer driven by U.S. serviceman Ed Shaver. “The blue version of this car isn’t hard to come by,” says Zarnock. “But the Ed Shaver decals and the blister pack add to the value. This one is probably the most sought-after diecast AMX replica ever produced.” Some were given away at the tracks where Shaver raced, and some were also available through a promotion, through which UK consumers could send in proof-of-purchase points to redeem for the profitable prize.

Start with a blank car and add your own custom sticker pack. It may be the only option immediately available.

4. 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger

Youtube / Guitarded And Broke

Value: $6,000 (MOC)

Why? “The last fully carded blue Rodger Dodger I saw sell went for $6,000 in 2012,” says Zarnock. The rarity of this car goes back to 1985, when a collector named Bob Parker stumbled upon the unique, blue variation, and plotted to sell them to turn a profit. “[Parker] was actually trading Matchbox cars for Hot Wheels with a collector in England,” Zarnock explains. “In one of the boxes he got, there were two of these cars. [Parker] knew the color was different, and asked the other guy to see if he could get more. The next box had five, which made a total of seven blue Rodger Dodgers…all of which he sold. He didn’t keep one for himself, because he assumed he could get more.” Of the seven, Zarnock says that only three were in complete packages, while the other four were perfectly cut “half packs.”

While the originals are as rare as hens’ teeth, a 30-year reissue from the ’90s is much more affordable.

3. 1968 “Cheetah” base Python

Value: $10,000+

Why? If you’ve got a car that looks like this, flip it over and check the metal base. If you see the word “Cheetah”, you’ve got one of only nine known to exist that feature the exclusive Hong Kong mold. “There are six red, one orange, one yellow and one unpainted, unassembled original ‘Cheetah’ cars that we know of,” says Zarnock. The name later changed to “Python” when it was discovered that “Cheetah” was already the registered name of a Corvette race car belonging to a General Motors executive.

Good luck finding one, but international versions in a rainbow of colors sure are tempting.

2. 1970 “Mad Maverick”

Value: $15,000

Why? “Very few of these are known to exist,” says Zarnock, of this car based off the 1969 Ford Maverick. “There are two blue ones, one purple one, and one unassembled, unpainted piece.” Originally released under the name “Mad Maverick,” due to the similarity with a competing brand’s car, which was also named “Mad Maverick,” the popular model was later re-released as the more common “Mighty Maverick.” The new release included a difference in base plate adjectives—and a loss of tens of thousands of dollars in the collector market.

While you wait (and likely save), a still-sealed Mighty Maverick is a beautiful consolation.

1. Pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb

Value: $150,000

Why? Owned by Zarnock’s good friend, commercial real estate agent Bruce Pascal, this scaled-down, metallic pink prototype is perhaps the rarest and most sacred Hot Wheels car. “In this version, the surf boards were loaded into the vehicle through the rear window,” Zarnock explains. “Because of this, the car was too narrow to fit and function properly with the popular Hot Wheels Super Charger playset, and so this version was never released to the public.” Instead, the few that were produced were given to Mattel employees’ children for “play testing” which is why, according to his Hot Wheels Field Guide, the collections of past employees are the only place they could possibly exist.

Is this a replica? Certainly. But consider it an affordable stand-in.

This article was originally published on 6.18.2019

Hot Wheels are one of the coolest toys in existence. They are a fun and low-cost way to enjoy our dream cars (even fantasy cars) without taking up space in our homes or bank accounts – at least most of them. Some Hot Wheels cars have become so insanely rare and sought after that you would be better off buying many actual dream sports cars over trying to buy some of these most expensive Hot Wheels cars. 

What is the most expensive Hot Wheels car?

Like all collectibles, if you want to, you can probably spend any amount of money you’d like. The overwhelming majority of vintage Hot Wheels cars are worth anywhere from a few dollars to some of the cooler ones reaching into the $20-range. 

But the 15 most expensive Hot Wheels cars of all time are on a whole other level. While some are Ferraris and vintage muscle cars, some are completely made up fantasy cars. Without further adieu, these are the Hot Wheels to keep your eyes peeled for at the next garage sale.

15) 1972 Green Open Fire 

Estimated value: $4,000

The Green Open Fire dropped in 1972 and was designed by Paul Tam. According to WealthyGorilla, this marked the first Hot Wheels car to feature a cartoonishly huge engine and a double set of wheels. The car most closely resembles an AMC Gremlin, making its massive value hilarious. You could have this toy or a Gremlin. Choose wisely. 

14) 1970 Red Ferrari 312P with white interior

Estimated value: $5,000

This rare little number came to the American market as well as the Hong Kong market. While this insane price tag might feel like a bit much, it is said that only 20 of the Ferrari 312Ps were ever made with the white interior. 

Even without the white interior, these mini Ferraris can still fetch a pretty penny. 

13) 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye-Focal

Estimated value: $6,000

In the early ’70s, Hot Wheels was all about the Barris-esque fantasy cars. The Spectraflame is based on a ’70 Dodge Challenger, but instead of one V8, this one has two under a “glass” hood. 

Although the Spectraflame is pretty rare on its own, the purple is the rarest of the model. Notice the red lines on the tires. This era of Hot Wheels cars is known uncreatively as “Redline” Hot Wheels cars. The purple Spectraflame is considered one of the rarest of the Redline Hot Wheels. 

12) 1970 Red Baron with white interior 

Actually sold: $7,500

Despite the poor taste of the WWI German soldier helmet, the Red Baron car is one of the most famous production Hot Wheels ever made. However, the ones with the white interior are among the most expensive Hot Wheels cars of all time. 

There are only a few known Red Barons with white interiors in existence. According to WealthyGorilla, a collector paid $7,500 on eBay for one in 2018. 

11) 1969 Brown ‘31 Woody 

Estimated value: $8,000

The original Brown Woody is one of the rarest toy cars in the world. Only 40 are known to exist today, although Hot Wheels likely made more than that. 

This model was released in 1969 in three different colors: white, champagne, and dark brown. They also were offered in either a smooth or wrinkled top. 

10) 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger

Estimated Value: $8,000

Larry Wood, the same designer for the Spectraflame, also designed this little hot rod. The Roger Dodger came out as a part of the “Flying Colors” series. It was based on the ’73 Dodge Charger and most commonly came in the “plum enamel” color. 

It is this much rarer blue color that commands the serious money. 

9) 1968 Python with “Cheetah” base

Estimated Value: $10,000

Alright, now we are starting to get into the big leagues. You could either buy one of these toys or a real used car from here on out. 

The Cheetah is based on a 1963 car designed by Bill Cushenbery. The inspiration comes from a ​​’60 Pontiac and a ’61 Corvair, with a small block Ford engine. 

Soon after the “Cheetah” launch, it got restyled and called the Tiger Shark. Very few Cheetahs are thought to exist today. Most were made in the red color, but the orange ones are worth some serious dough. 

8) 1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX

Estimated Value: $10,000

I am a sucker for anything AMC. The Ed Shaver AMX was designed to celebrate the partnership between Mattel and Shaver. The only difference between this one and the regular AMX Hot Wheels is the racing livery. 

The differences between one of the most expensive Hot Wheels and a $5 toy are slim and easily faked, so proceed with caution on these.

7) 1971 Purple Oldsmobile 442

Estimated Value: $12,000 

Another Larry Wood joint, this model was a part of the Mainline series. Collectors believe that this is the rarest overall casting of any Redline Hot Wheels cars. 

Of this rarest casting, the purple colorway put this one well into the most expensive Hot Wheels cars.

6) 1969 Brown Custom Charger

Estimated Value: $13,000

Obviously, this one is based on a 1969 Dodge Charger, one of the coolest cars ever. The Custom Charger was produced for two years, but only a very small number of the brown ones were ever made. 

5) 1970 Mad Maverick Base 

Estimated Value: $15,000

This is the fifth most expensive Hot Wheels car on the market. It is based on the 1969 Ford Maverick. It debuted in 1970 and stayed in production until 1977. However, only a very small number of these had the name “Mad Maverick” pressed into the base underneath the car. 

The name was a Copywrite infringement, and as a result, Mattel took the name off the car soon after production. 

Estimated Value: $25,000

The 1968 Over Chrome Camaro steps into a different realm of collectibles. For one, the value is getting into serious sums of money. 

The Antifreeze 1968 Over Chrome Camaro was thought to be used primarily for commercials and advertising campaigns, meaning the cars weren’t production toys. This is inherently different than toys that were made to sell in stores. 

Collectors estimate somewhere around 20 were made, hence the crazy high price. 

3) 1968 Over Chrome Mustang

Sold For: $40,000

The Over Chrome Mustang is crazy rare. If only 20 of the other Chrome Over models is rare, then what does that make the Mustang which only had two. This one was also only ever meant for promotional use. 

WealthyGorllia reports that this one was purchased for $40,000 at an estate sale from a private collection at a trailer park. We aren’t sure how it got there, but it did. 

2) 2008 Diamond-Encrusted Custom Otto

Sold For: $60,000

This one barely counts as a true collectible car due to the fact it is literally covered in diamonds. Mattel wanted to commemorate its 40th anniversary with something special, and so it busted out the gold and diamonds. Although it only sold for $60,000, the 18k white gold and diamond-covered Hot Wheels car is estimated to be worth $140,000. 

This one-of-one Hot Wheels car features 2,700 diamond chips, white gold, and red rubies as taillights. 

1) 1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb

Estimated Value: $175,000

Finally, we come to the most expensive Hot Wheels car of all time. The Pink Beach Bomb is not only said to be worth a staggering $175,000, but it is also cool as hell. This van is thought to be only one of two ever made, making it quite the rare Hot Wheels car.

Mattel made more pink vans later, but the surfboards were side-mounted to make the toy work better. The rear-mounted surfboard, as you see here, was only made as the prototype for the actual production toy.

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