Even though I had sold half of it before moving, it was challenging. The good part is that I can take better photos of the cars for future stories. And I can also reevaluate where it’s all going. I won’t give up on Hot Wheels yet. But I do plan on exploring other brands. Every new release from Mattel is another temptation I have to deal with.
And I’m sure plenty of other collectors feel the same way. Since the beginning of the Car Culture series back in 2016, we have seen two Exotic Envy mixes. On both occasions, it was an all-European affair. The first featured one McLaren, two Aston Martins, a Bugatti, and a Lamborghini. That mix did not have a Chase vehicle, as Mattel applied this strategy starting in 2022.
McLaren, Bugatti, and Lamborghini remained a part of the Exotic Envy theme with the 2022 release. The latter even had a black Chase vehicle. The diecast manufacturer replaced the two Aston Martins with an Alfa Romeo and a Koenigsegg. With the 2024 Exotic Envy set on its way, let’s see what this one has in store.
’71 Porsche 911Photo: Historic Diecast
Porsche is a big part of the Car Culture series, nudging closely behind the King: Chevrolet. But it’s the brand’s first appearance in Exotic Envy. And frankly, I’m surprised they opted for an older model instead of something more worthy of the name.
That’s not to say I don’t appreciate the ’71 911. This joint effort between Ryu Asada and Jun Imai has been on the market since 2018. That’s enough time for 14 variations, some more exciting than others. 2024 has been quite good for the casting, with appearances in series such as Vintage Racing Club and Porsche. The new yellow iteration features a mix of yellow, red, black, and white colors, making for a race-ready livery.
Mattel chose this casting as the Chase model for the new Car Culture mix. As expected, it sports a black-on-black look, with the same Larry Wood 5-spoke Real Riders wheels as its lesser counterpart. I am still waiting to see it for sale. But it will cost at least $50 on the open market when it comes along.
Lamborghini Reventón RoadsterPhoto: Historic Diecast
Phil Riehlman designed the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster more than a decade ago. It debuted in the 2010 New Models Mainline series with a Metalflake Matte Gray finish and PR5 wheels. Seven more iterations showed up until 2019.
And the casting seemingly vanished at that point. The big news about the latest Exotic Envy release is that it marks the model’s Premium debut. The designers at Mattel opted for an Arancio Argos finish and Real Riders 5-Spoke Modern rims. The wheel gap is off-putting at best.
If you can look past that problem, the Reventon Roadster could compete for the title of star of the show. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep going and ignore it once it arrives in a toy store near you.
The third car in the first Car Culture set for 2024 is a BMW. The M1 Procar has been around since 2017 but is still rare. In all these years, Mattel developed only four iterations. Three of those are Car Culture models.
The Anti Social Club M1 Procar is the most expensive one money can buy: I’ve seen some selling for over $500. But most BMW collectors would also be happy with the Motul car.
The new Exotic Envy variation almost looks like it drew inspiration from the Motul livery. However, it uses the same seven-spoke wheel design as the First Edition M1 Procar. I do not doubt that people will fight over these once they come out. I’m not that huge of a BMW fan, but I want to add one to my collection.
The Aston Martin V12 Speedster is the second casting in this new set to make its Premium debut. It is the first time I’ve thought of it, as neither of the previous four iterations had anything exciting to show. Mattel didn’t even bother changing wheels, using the same classic PR5 design repeatedly.
The model turned out okay with the British Racing Green paint job, white accents, and the six-spoke Real Riders wheels. But I’m unsure which category of collectors will be eager to pick one up. So many more Aston Martin models would have been better in this set. But some of you might disagree.
The last vehicle on the list will reunite fans of all ages and genders. The McLaren F1 is as iconic as it gets, and I can never become tired of seeing new variations. I preferred to see a new variation of the GTR casting, as that seemingly disappeared in 2022. But I’ll take any F1 I can get.
Since this Ryu Asada-designed casting debuted in 2021, Mattel developed six variations of it. Four were Mainline models, all rolling on the 5-spoke wheel design. Then, the diecast manufacturer used it in the 2022 Car Culture: Jay Leno’s Garage set. Those who explored the Hot Wheels NFT Garage could find the Spectraflame Silverstone Green F1.
I’ve seen prices ranging from $60 to over $400, so good luck with that. The Dark Burgundy finish on the new iteration reminded me of Rowan Atkinson’s F1. Seeing this color shade on a Hot Wheels vehicle is slightly unexpected, but it does the casting justice. I hope Mattel will consider Titanium Yellow or Cobalt Blue for the next iteration.
The McLaren F1 is the only vehicle in the new Exotic Envy set to use 10-spoke wheels, and it is still one of my all-time favorite designs. I spotted one seller from Japan listing an Exotic Envy set for $45. But you can get it slightly cheaper than that when more start flowing in.
