Hot Wheels can be bought for a dollar, but the value of this one is quite a lot more!
Remember those old Hot Wheels cars you used to collect when you were a kid and which you probably ruined by setting up all sorts of elaborate stunts such as pushing them off a table and watch them soar through the air – and then crash land on the floor and break up on impact? Well, in hindsight, had you been more careful with these toy cars they might have been worth a lot of money today, as one recently discovered Hot Wheels has proved…
Joel Magee found a white enamel Hong Kong Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels and it has been valued at more than $100,000 – that’s more than four real new Camaros! The rare tiny model – one of just 16 made by Mattel in 1968 and believed to now be the only one in existence – was not supposed to reach customers, it was a prototype for designers who would coat the new cars in white enamel to check for imperfections and just a few ever reached retailers.
Considered the “Holy Grail of Hot Wheels collectibles” and one of the three most desirable Redline Hot Wheels made between 1968 and 1977, Magee found it in a collection of other Hot Wheels cars. The American, billed as the Toy Scout and who has appeared on shows such as Pawn Stars consulted a Hot Wheels expert who was able to confirm its rarity. The other two ultra-rare models are the Olds 442 and The Beach Bomb.
“I’ve collected toys forever and this Hot Wheels Camaro is the Holy Grail of collectibles,” said Magee. “I am beyond excited to have found it to add to my vast collection. This car is so extremely rare that there is only one known example which is this one.” He added that it sold for 59 cents new, and now it’s worth $100,000 or more. The Camaro is now part of his collection and it will tour the US with him at various toy fares and appraisal events.
We bet you are already scrambling to find that old box of toys, and we don’t blame you…
For more car news and reviews, www.wheels.ae
