TEXAS TOY MAN

Classic ’31 Ford Woody No.6251 Redline

The Classic ’31 Ford Woody was one of the most popular models issued by Mattel Hot Wheels in 1969-1971. This popularity was primarily due to nothing more than demand.

The customize Woody station wagon came with the following features:

• Black roof-smooth or textured
• Metal base
• Plastic interior (assorted colors)
• Exposed metal engine
• Redlines (rsw)
• Made in USA
• Clear or blue windshield
• 18 different colors

If you are one of those who are collecting Mattel’s Hot Wheels today, it is my opinion that the best way to collect for possible future “value” is to start with those cars issued from 1968 through 1977. These cars are not only of an earlier production but also should have a quicker return on monies invested. And one of my cardinal rules: “always, buy the best you can afford, never buy down only by up”.

One last thought, Hot Wheels are graded on the “1 to 10 scale” with 10 beinging Mint in the package (MIP) – and sometimes referred to C-10. If you buying for future value it is my opinion that you don’t buy anything below C-8.

Hot Wheels – Mustang Boss Hoss ’302′ Redline

The ‘Boss Hoss’ is a customized chrome Ford Mustang produced by Hot Wheels in both 1970 and 1971. 

The ‘Boss Hoss’ was one of the three models given away with the ‘Hot Wheel Club Kit’.  Unlike other Club Kit cars that were issued,  the Boss Hoss was issued a year earlier than the regular line car.    The complete Club Kit is very hard to find and as such is becoming quite pricey.

This customized Mustang 302 came with the following:

• Metal base
• Blue windshield
• Louvered rear window
• Brown plastic interior
• Two black stripes on the back and top
• RSW (Red stripe wheels)
• Made in Hong Kong

For additional information on this and other Hot Wheels – I recommend Tomart’s Price Guide to Hot Wheels (see  left side bar for link to Amazon)

Hot Wheels Mystery Indy Eagle with Antenna

Hot Wheel Nightmares!

	While visiting a few friends in Austin this past weekend, I was asked about the value of old Hot Wheels – like the old Red Lines made back in the 1960′s and 70′s
The conversation started out as a question and answer type session – they asked the questions, I provided the answers – which naturally led to values and how much would those old Hot Wheels be worth today. It quickly became obvious that most of the guys were expressing remorse as to what had happened to their favorite Hot Wheels. One said he had used his cars like a baseball and batted them just to see how far they could ‘fly’. Another said he remembers his brother stomping his Hot Wheels into the ground. Everyone seemed to have a story to tell as to why they didn’t have their cars in a collection today
I asked if any had bought the VW Beach Bomb – you know, the Hot Wheel that had the 2 surf boards that stuck out the rear windows. Two or three said, ‘Yeah, I remember having that car.” I then told them that if they still had that car today (in Mint condition) it could sell for as much as $6,000-8,000, and possibly topping out at as much as $10,000 if it were still carded.
This was the first time I’d ever seen grown men ‘cry’ over childhood toys. As the group broke up I heard all of them saying they were going to check with ‘mom’ to see if she had kept any of their old toys – followed by a small prayer that she had kept at least a few. If there is a moral to this story, guess it would be “to keep your children’s toys because you never know what’s going to become valuable”.
If you have questions or are looking for values on Hot Wheels or other toys, please visit my sites – Texas Antique Mall and David’s Hot Wheels

BIRTH OF HOT WHEELS ‘RED LINES’ !

In 1966 Jack Ryan, Harvey LaBranch and Howard Newman were Mattel’s top designers selected to form the Toy-Car Development Team.  They then recruited Harry Bradley designer of the Deora Show car to join them thus completing the Mattel Toy Design Team.

 

WHAT WERE THE 5 MAIN POINTS OF DESIGN MATTEL REQUIRED FOR THIS NEW TOY?

 

1.  Must have a California look – “rake” big rear tire, smaller front tire

2.  Hood scoops

3.  Exposed and chromed exhaust headers

4.  Mag wheels / red stripes

5.  Exciting ‘candy-colored’ paint jobs

 

Upon completion of several proto-type cars, Mattel staff members were used to test race these new diecast cars to confirm which one would meet the goal of ‘fastest car on the market’.  

 

The team soon found that the key components to having the fastest cars were the plastic wheels and metal axel design.  Not only did this give the cars speed but also gave them durability.  The team had not only met the first 5 requirements but also met their overall goal of designing and producing a new toy that would be the fastest diecast car on the market. 

 

The result was the birth of Hot Wheels – pretty much as we know them today – with the name Hot Wheels being coined by team-member Jack Ryan.  All of this took place in 1967 with actual production and delivery to the retail market taking place in 1968.

 

CAUTION:  KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING!!!

 

The original Hot Wheels ‘Red Lines’ are extremely collectible with some bringing a very high price.  If ‘Red Line’ Hot Wheels are your passion, enjoy but exercise caution when buying cars since the original ‘Red Line’ Hot Wheels of 1968 are now being re-issued with little to tell them apart.