When the first miniature cars rolled off the assembly line in 1968, Mattel® co-founder Elliot Handler was thrilled. He called them "some hot wheels!" Since then, toy company Mattel has continued to jumpstart play with its innovative Hot Wheels® cars and signature orange tracks. But why stop there? Since its debut, the Hot Wheels brand has steadily rolled beyond toy stores—and into a prime spot in popular culture.
Wheeling through History
In 1967, Handler challenged car designers to create a die-cast metal car that would rival Mattel's competitors, such as Matchbox®, in both speed and design. Hot Wheels cars were meant to be cooler, souped-up versions of modern sports cars. The first Hot Wheels car series was marketed as "The Sweet Sixteen." This set was made up of 16 colorful, sleek, custom adaptations of what were then called "muscle cars"—two-door cars with powerful engines, such as the Chevrolet Corvette® and the Ford Mustang®. Since Hot Wheels were first set into motion, countless models of the cars have navigated twists and turns, racing into living rooms across the globe.
While the makes, models, and designs of Hot Wheels cars have evolved over the years, one thing has remained consistent: their cost. In their simplest form, Hot Wheels cars are still affordable, at an average price of just over one U.S. dollar. However, some rare, vintage versions of these miniature speedsters are now worth big bucks. And some Hot Wheels collectors are making tracks to find them.
Racing for Rare Finds
While some collectors hunt for Hot Wheels finds based on their own interests, others clamor for rare, high-priced originals. One of the most sought-after Hot Wheels models is the 1969 pink, rear-loading Volkswagen Beach Bomb®. This microbus, painted an eye-popping pink, came loaded with a couple of surfboards, but their weight made the vehicle unstable. Because of this, only two of this exact model were made. Today, the Bomb may be worth as much as 175,000 dollars!
Hot Wheels collectors form an international community that's likely big enough to fill a real racetrack. The most driven of these collectors gather at the numerous Hot Wheels conventions that take place annually. One of the largest, held in Mexico City, hosts more than 30,000 people. Hot Wheels fans can also connect online to talk about the cars or collect new ones. The Red Line Club®, for example, is Hot Wheels' official site for purchasing exclusive roadsters.
Steering toward the Future
The Hot Wheels brand goes way beyond collectible cars, though. Today, Hot Wheels come alive in everything from video games to animated shows. But that's not all—fans can take a lap through live exhibitions and attractions, too.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour® began revving its engines in 2018. This traveling showcase features life-size, custom cars inspired by Hot Wheels. Carefully crafted for competition, one winning car is selected each year to be replicated as a die-cast Hot Wheels toy. Another thrilling production, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live® lets fans watch real-life versions of Hot Wheels monster truck toys battle it out. And the Mattel Adventure Park® in Glendale, Arizona, is on track to open in 2024. Its visitors will get to experience full-throttle thrills on Hot Wheels–themed roller coasters. They'll also take a spin through playful spaces featuring other iconic Mattel creations, such as Barbie®.
Are you a Hot Wheels hobbyist? If so, you're not alone. From collectible treasures to life-size attractions, Hot Wheels are everywhere! For more than five decades, these die-cast cars have wheeled their way into homes, museums, and people's hearts. With more adventure down the road, there's no sign that Hot Wheels will ever slow down.
QUESTION 1
1 / 4
Which is most important to include in a summary of this article?
One of the largest Hot Wheels conventions is held in Mexico City each year.
Elliot Handler wanted Hot Wheels cars to rival the cars of other toy companies.
Fans can see custom cars inspired by Hot Wheels in a traveling showcase.
Hot Wheels cars have remained popular toys and collectibles for decades.
Hot Wheels cars have remained popular toys and collectibles for decades.
Think about the article. Why were only two Volkswagen Beach Bomb buses made?
The surfboards made the weight of the buses unstable.
The buses were bright pink and not expected to sell well.
The surfboards made the buses too costly for most people.
The buses were not as popular as the toy sports cars.
The surfboards made the weight of the buses unstable.
Which is the closest synonym for the word innovative, as it is used in the article?
ordinary
original
affordable
adorable
original
Based on the article, which of these is true?
The number of Hot Wheels collectors around the world is very small.
Hot Wheels collectors are only able to connect with one another online.
The number of Hot Wheels collectors has decreased in recent years.
Some Hot Wheels collectors are willing to pay high prices for rare cars.