Flashback Friday: 1968's Sweet Sixteen
In 1968, Mattel revolutionized the toy car industry with the introduction of sixteen 1/64 scale die-cast models known as HOT WHEELS. These models, licensed under the HOT WHEELS brand, featured striking chrome-style wheels with a red strip encircling the tires, fondly referred to as "REDLINES" by collectors. Setting them apart from existing brands, all 16 models boasted vibrant, shiny spectraflame colors that caught the eye.
These miniature cars primarily targeted real American cars commonly seen cruising the streets. Beyond their attention-grabbing painted bodies, the designers went above and beyond, incorporating numerous attractive features into these die-cast wonders. From opening hoods and detailed engines to simulated vinyl roofs, painted grilles, headlights, taillights, and even sliding sunroofs, no detail was spared. To add to the excitement, each specially designed blister pack also included a matching metal collector button.
Mattel didn't stop there—they also released a black-plastic carrying case shaped like a wheel, complete with the iconic red stripe.
Every Hot Wheels car came with a base displaying the country of origin and the manufacturing date. Although these groundbreaking Hot Wheels, often referred to as the "original sixteen," took the world by storm in 1968, some bases were stamped with *1967, the year they were initially designed and copyrighted, though not issued.
These cars brought years of joy to millions of kids, who cherished the fond memories of endless days spent racing their favorite Hot Wheels down the orange track.
If you or anyone you know have any of these Hot wheels from the 1960’s-1970’s, please shoot me a message!
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