Top 7 Most Expensive Hot Wheels Cars In The World

Hot Wheels, a renowned brand of miniature toy cars, has been a favorite among children since it was first introduced by the American toy manufacturer Mattel in 1968. While initially designed for children, these tiny vehicles have evolved beyond their original purpose and are now coveted collectibles among adults.

The allure of Hot Wheels stems from their detailed designs, the nostalgia they bring, their scarcity, and the tales that accompany them. Some Hot Wheels models are produced in limited quantities, making them rare and difficult to find, which boosts their overall value.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive Hot Wheel cars ever sold.

7. 1969 Mad Maverick ($15,000)

The 1969 Mad Maverick is a fascinating piece in the world of Hot Wheels collectibles. This model was initially called the “Mad Maverick”, but due to a trademark issue with Topper Toys, makers of the competing Johnny Lightning cars, the name was changed to "Mighty Maverick".

The Mad Maverick was based on the popular Ford street model introduced in 1969. An early Hot Wheels version had the word “Mad” stamped on the base until it was discovered that Topper Toys made a Mad Maverick car in its Johnny Lightning series. This led to a quick name change, accidentally creating one of the rarest prototype cars in the process.

Collectors can expect to pay a hefty price of up to $15,000 for this limited edition Hot Wheel car.

6. 1969 Redline Custom Charger - Larry Wood Collection ($15,000)

The 1969 Redline Custom Charger from the Larry Wood Collection is a remarkable piece in the world of Hot Wheels collectibles. This model, based on the hemi-powered 1969 Dodge Charger two-door coupe, is a part of the Redline series.

The Custom Charger was manufactured only at Mattel’s U.S. plant and was issued from 1969 through 1971. It features a white interior, black painted grille, orange and red painted tail lights, an opening hood that reveals a metal engine, and clear window "glass". A relatively rare variation is an unpainted grille.

The car is extremely popular among redline collectors and as such, these cars always command a high price when in gem condition. In fact, it has been sold for as much as $15,000.

5. 1968 Lime-Over-Chrome Chevrolet Camaro ($25,000)

The 1968 Lime-Over-Chrome Camaro is part of the ‘Over Chrome’ series, which features cars that were chromed before being painted. This Hot Wheel car is particularly striking with its vibrant lime green color over a shiny chrome base.

The ‘Over Chrome’ cars were produced towards the tail end of the early runs, making them a rare find for collectors. The lime green coloring gives it a lustrous appearance, reminiscent of a vintage Christmas ornament.

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Only 20 of them were ever produced and one in mint condition will likely be valued upwards of $25,000.

4. 1968 Strawberry-Over-Chrome Ford Mustang ($50,000)

The 1968 Strawberry-Over-Chrome Mustang is a true gem in the world of collectible toy cars. This Hot Wheels car is one of the rarest and most valuable, with an estimated market value of around $50,000.

This Mustang is part of the ‘Over Chrome’ series, a unique collection of Hot Wheels cars that were chromed before being painted. These cars were designed to shine like Christmas ornaments, with a top and bottom plate in jewel-like colors.

The Strawberry-Over-Chrome Mustang, in particular, stands out with its vibrant strawberry-red color over a shiny chrome base. This Hot Wheel is so rare that even Bruce Pascal, the founder of the Hot Wheels Museum and owner of over 4,000 Hot Wheels cars, doesn’t own one.

3. 2008 Commemorative Jewel-Encrusted Model ($60,000)

The 2008 Commemorative Jewel-Encrusted Model was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels and was unveiled at the 2008 New York Toy Fair. This isn’t just any toy car, it’s a dazzling masterpiece cast in 18-carat white gold and adorned with diamonds.

The design was crafted by renowned celebrity jeweler Jason Arasheben of Beverly Hills. This model is not just a collector’s item, but a symbol of the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Hot Wheels.

It’s one of the most expensive Hot Wheels ever sold, valued at around $60,000.

2. 1968 White Enamel Custom Camaro ($100,000)

The 1968 White Enamel Custom Camaro is a remarkable piece in the Hot Wheels collection. This model was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels models produced by Mattel in 1968. The car was coated in white enamel, which was used by designers to check for imperfections. This makes it a prototype, intended for something other than customers.

However, a few of these prototypes accidentally reached retailers, making them extremely rare. It was found by Joel Magee, also known as The Toy Scout, who confirmed its rarity with a Hot Wheels expert.

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Interestingly enough, the car was sold for 59 cents but now is currently valued at over $100,000, making it one of the world's most expensive Hot Wheel cars.

1. 1969 Pink VW "Beach Bomb" Bus ($175,000)

The 1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb is a legendary piece in Hot Wheels. This model was the first Hot Wheels die-cast made of the Volkswagen Microbus. It was designed by Mattel, the company that founded Hot Wheels just a year earlier in 1968.

It featured a VW van with several surfboards peeking out the rear window. However, this design posed a problem for Mattel. The placement of the surfboards through the rear window disrupted the weight balance of the toy. As a result, Mattel had to redesign the VW van with thicker, heavier sides and relocated the surfboards to the side.

By 2020, its value had increased to approximately $175,000. The Pink Beach Bomb is owned by Bruce Pascal, a collector who owns a 7000-piece Hot Wheels collection. His collection, which includes the Pink Beach Bomb and other Hot Wheels memorabilia, was worth around $1.8 million in 2018.

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