What Hot Wheels Are Worth Money?

For many of us, Hot Wheels were a large part of our childhood. We could spend hours watching them whizz around the track – this was considered fun before the internet!

Have you recently had a clear-out and found your old collection of Hot Wheels or simply curious about their value? Well, you have come to the right place.

When it comes to Hot Wheels, some of the classic cars can sell for big bucks. Plus, the Hot Wheels collection specifically has unique features that make them more valuable than most.

With this in mind, this article will explore what Hot Wheels are worth money so you can check your collection and recognize them straight away – and potentially make some extra cash!

Let’s get started.

Hot Wheels History

In 1968, Hot Wheels sold its first-ever toy car. This was an inaugural set known as the “Sweet 16” by collectors. This consisted of 16 cars – most of which are worth a sweet penny today!

The first 10 years of Hot Wheels production are considered the “Redline” Hot Wheels era since all the cars feature a red line on the tires.

The majority of valuable Hot Wheels cars today can be found in this “Redline” era.

Keep Your Cars In Mint Condition

Before you get too excited and start rummaging through your collection of Hot Wheels cars, you should keep in mind that the condition plays a massive role in their value.

To get the most money, your cars have to be in near-perfect condition. Ideally, these will be in their original packaging, too.

Although, how many kids can resist the urge to rip open their Hot Wheels and start playing with them? Not many, I suppose.

Most Valuable Hot Wheels Cars

Custom Volkswagen (Without Sunroof, 1968)

The first Custom Volkswagen Hot Wheels was made in Hong Kong and didn’t feature a sunroof. These could only be found in Europe, with most of them sold in the UK and Germany.

Besides not containing a sunroof, the cars had a different interior to predecessors and didn’t feature any plastic side windows, either.

Most of these Volkswagen cars have a blue color – with some featuring an aqua exterior. The most rare versions are red, copper, green, and orange.

In 1974, the U.S. Flying Color cars were reworked by Mattel. Despite being manufactured in Hong Kong without featuring a sunroof, the design is closer to the U.S. original Volkswagen.

However, the Flying Colors Volkswagen cars are not interchangeable with their Hong Kong predecessors. The estimated value of one of these cars is over $1.500.

Red Ferrari 312P (White Interior, 1970)

This Red Ferrari 312P was produced in 1970 and is estimated to be worth over $5,000. This is largely due to its white interior design.

While its unique design adds value to this car, its rarity contributes too – in fact, there are only 20 reported models in existence!

Over Chrome Camaro (1968)

Initially, the anti-freeze 1968 Chrome Camaro was thought to be reserved for advertising and commercial campaigns.

Since these cars were designed as production units, there are only around 20 in existence – making the demand incredibly high.

Combined with its rare paint job, it has an estimated value of over $25,000 – it is easy to see why this is one of the most expensive Hot Wheels cars.

“Mad Maverick” Base Mighty Maverick (1970)

This Hot Wheel gets its rarity from a late name change. Designed by Howard Rees, the casting was initially released as Mad Maverick.

However, The Topper Co., which produced the Johnny Lightning Cars and was a major Hot Wheels competitor at the time, had released their own “Mad Maverick” design.

Therefore, Mattel quickly changed the car’s name to “Mighty Maverick”. This crossover was noticed too late and some Mavericks had “Mad Maverist” inscribed into the bare metal case.

There is only one purple car, two blue cars, and one unassembled, unpainted car, making the value immeasurable.

Over Chrome Mustang (1968)

Being one of two Hot Wheels Over Chrome Mustangs, it is easy to see why this car was sold for over a whopping $40,000.

This is another car that was made for advertising purposes and was never intended for retail.

This car was sold for $40,000 at an estate sale from a trailer park. It remains a mystery how the car got there in the first place.

Diamond-Encrusted Custom Otto (2008)

Featuring an estimated value exceeding $100,000, this diamond-encrusted Hot Wheels is certainly something!

To commemorate their 40th anniversary, Mattel decided to go all out, and, well, they certainly have!

The car itself is cast with 18-karat white gold and encrusted with 2,7000 diamonds – if there is one word to describe this car it is lavish.

In addition to this, it has red rubies as taillights and features a custom-made diamond case, too.

The car was valued at $140,000, however, it sold in auction for $60,000.

Rear-Loading Beach Bomb (Pink, 1969)

Known as one of the most collectible Hot Wheels cars in existence, the rear-loading Beach Bomb was a prototype that remained in the possession of a Mattel employee.

It is unique in the fact that the surfboards load into the rear of the car. However, this proved to be too heavy and was then replaced with a slightly different version whereby the surfboards are located on the sides.

While a few different colored copies have slipped into public hands, there are only two Pink versions in existence.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to dust off your Hot Wheels collection that has been sitting in the attic for years – you could be in for a nice surprise!

Hot Wheels are some of the most iconic toys of our childhood and the rarest ones can go for a decent buck. Hopefully, this guide has informed you about the most valuable Hot Wheels.