Hey there, fellow Hot Wheels enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself marveling at the incredible variety of these iconic toy cars, you might have wondered, just like me, how many Hot Wheels are out there in the world.
The sheer number of Hot Wheels models is mind-boggling, with an extensive range that spans across nearly six decades and encompasses an astonishing array of designs, colors, and themes.
If you’re like me, Hot Wheels have been a big part of your life from childhood right through into adulthood.
I remember spending hours and hours playing with these awesome toy cars, pretending I was behind the driving seat and completing the most insane stunts imaginable.
It’s no wonder I was nicknamed “Wheelie Wizard” by my friends!
Today, I am just as much a fan of Hot Wheels, maybe even more. For many, the joy of playing with these cars changes, and they become more like collector items.
When still in their original packaging, some Hot Wheels cars fetch a very attractive price too (probably more than my actual car!)
Today, Hot Wheels continue to be mass-produced by the toy company Mattel. Incredibly, since the very first ones were made by Elliot Handler, Jack Ryan, and Harry Bentley Bradley in 1968, over four billion have been produced.
But, how many Hot Wheels are there? Join me, the Wheelie Wizard, as I delve into the history of these miniature vehicles and find out some fun facts about Hot Wheels.
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Hot Wheels Models – How Many Are There?
Each year, it is estimated that 130 new varieties of Hot Wheels are produced by Mattel. With ever-changing unique and colorful designs, these cars are sold worldwide in over 150 countries, proving their mass popularity.
Overall, there are over 800 unique models of Hot Wheels in existence. On top of this, there are estimated to be in excess of 11,000 distinct model variations.
So, if you’re reading this and planning to add to your collection of 40 and acquire the entire collection, you may have your work cut out.
I would love to list all the Hot Wheels models here, but my keyboard may collapse out of exhaustion. Nevertheless, some of my favorites include the Hot Line, Hot Birds, Revvers, and Hot Shots from the Early Special Series.
There are also Early Collections, such as Grand Prix, Flying Colors, Drag Strippers, and Speed Demons, to name just a few.
To find a list of all Hot Wheels models, check out this page here. Do what I do and see how many you have. You may find you have a slight Hot Wheels car “problem” too!
How Many Hot Wheels Are There In The World?
Hot Wheels are mass-produced, there is no doubt about that. But, let’s put their numbers into perspective. It is estimated that 16.5 Hot Wheels toys are manufactured every second of every day!
Since 1968, it is believed that over four Hot Cars have been sold (though some argue it is closer to six billion!)
That number is so big, Hot Wheels have actually sold more cars than the three giant automakers – Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler Stellantis.
For a further mind-boggling perspective; if you were to line up all Hot Wheels cars ever made, end-to-end, they would circle the Earth over four times.
As well as the cars being made, two billion toy wheels are reportedly made for Hot Wheels every year. How many doors are made? I’ll leave you to do the math on that one.
With such an extensive line of Hot Wheels cars, you may not be surprised to learn that the manufacturer has also tapped into luxurious markets. Mattel has collaborated with Gucci to make the Cadillac Seville, which currently has a resale price of hundreds of dollars.
Discovering the Oldest Hot Wheels Car Model
Among the original Sweet Sixteen set, the Custom Chevrolet Camaro took the spotlight as the pioneering vehicle, boasting a stylish dark blue design.
Within the renowned “Original 16” or “Sweet Sixteen” collection, you’ll find a marvelous array of classic cars. These include the:
- Deora
- Beatnik Bandit
- Custom Barracuda
- Custom Eldorado
- Custom Corvette
- Custom Firebird
- Custom Cougar
- Custom Mustang
- Custom Fleetside
- Custom Volkswagen
- Custom T-Bird
- Ford 3-Car The Hot Heap
- Silhouette
- Python
Over time, this timeless set has become highly sought-after and a top seller among collectors. The early models enchanted enthusiasts, such as myself, with their vibrant colors, shiny chrome finishes, and eye-catching engine details popping from beneath the hood.
Fun Facts About Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels are all about having fun, so I want to celebrate some fun facts about these extraordinary toy cars. Let’s go!
- In 2000, a remarkable pink 1969 1:64-scale Volkswagen Beach Bomb Hot Wheels car fetched an astonishing price of around $72,000. This is still the highest amount ever paid for a single Hot Wheels car.
- With a history dating back to 1968, Hot Wheels has created over 800 distinct models, resulting in a staggering collection of more than 11,000 unique variations.
- Year after year, Hot Wheels maintains its position as the leading vehicle property in the United States.
- Some Hot Wheels collections have reached extraordinary values, surpassing a mind-blowing $1,000,000.
- There are Hot Wheels festivals! The ultimate Hot Wheels festival took place on August 6, 2006, when over 10,000 die-hard fans gathered in the small town of Speed, KS, which spans only 0.2 square miles and has a population of just 37.
In Summary
With over 11,000 unique variations of over 800 models, Hot Wheels can be considered one of the most successful automobile manufacturers in the world ever. And, more continue to be made!
For now, that’s all. I’m off to see if I have a pink 1969 1:64-scale Volkswagen Beach Bomb Hot Wheels car in my collection!
