MATTel MERGES TWO COLLECTIONS INTO ONE FOR 2024
In a surprising move, Mattel has decided to merge its Replica Entertainment and Pop Culture series into one collection for 2024. This decision comes after over a decade of running the two series in parallel. With this merge, Mattel aims to create a retrospective collection that will surely appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Replica Entertainment, also known as “Entertainment” or “Retro Entertainment,” has been a popular series among fans. However, some collectors have criticized Mattel for using repeat models over the years. Despite this, the series has seen 50 mixes since 2013, each containing four, five, or six models. While some themes and media franchises have had better representation, there have been standout models like The Flintstones, Beverly Hills Cop, Miami Vice, Ghostrider, and Gumball3000. Surprisingly, the Matrix has only been represented by one vehicle in the series.
One of the most iconic franchises in the Replica Entertainment series is James Bond. Known for its thrilling action and stylish cars, James Bond has been a staple in the series. Aston Martins, in particular, have had a special place in these movies. However, it wasn’t until Diamonds Are Forever that the name Aston Martin made its debut in the series with the ’71 Mustang Mach 1. Collectors can expect to pay between $20 to $50 for this collectible. Another notable appearance was the Aston Martin DBS from Casino Royale, which appeared in Mix 4 for 2014 alongside vehicles from Knight Rider, Fast & Furious, and The Karate Kid. Unfortunately, the Lotus Esprit S1 Submarine casting, introduced that year, has not made a return since.
As Mattel prepares for its merged collection in 2024, collectors and fans can look forward to a new and exciting range of models. The retrospective nature of this collection will undoubtedly make it a must-have for any diecast car enthusiast. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!
Title: Hot Wheels Collectibles: James Bond, Fast & Furious, and Back to the Future
Hot Wheels James Bond Cars: Rare Finds and Must-Haves
In the world of Hot Wheels collectibles, James Bond cars hold a special place. While they may be hard to come by, a few have been spotted on eBay, with the most expensive one listed at $100. One notable model is the 1963 Aston Martin DB5, which made its debut in Mix 6 of 2014 and continued to appear in subsequent series. To fully explore the Replica Entertainment/James Bond collection would require an entire story, but here are a few castings worth seeking out: the Toyota 2000GT Roadster, the ’80s Corvette, and the Aston Martin DB10. Of course, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Hot Wheels James Bond cars. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this exciting series.
Fast & Furious: A Line-Up That Will Leave You Breathless
When it comes to the Fast & Furious collection, Mattel has truly outdone themselves. The range of vehicles available is simply staggering. In fact, there are now two different Fast & Furious series to choose from: one featuring cars with Real Riders wheels, and another with a more affordable price range. In this article, we will focus on the Premium models from the Replica Entertainment line-up.
The journey began in 2014 with the introduction of the ’08 Dodge Challenger SRT8. While not the most iconic car from the movie franchise, it was a solid casting choice. However, the real excitement came with the arrival of the ’70 Dodge Charger R/T in Mix 4 that same year. This model quickly became a fan favorite.
If you’re looking to add a Fast & Furious car to your collection without breaking the bank, the ’70 Dodge Charger R/T is still available for under $30 from select sellers. While it wasn’t the first replica of Brendon Vetuskey’s casting, its Premium debut in 2014 caused quite a stir among collectors. Another noteworthy addition to the line-up is the Metalflake Blue Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) from 2017. While it may not be Paul Walker’s most famous GT-R, it’s still highly sought after and has yet to surpass the $60 mark in terms of price.
In 2022, Mix 3 offered a Fast & Furious exclusive collection, featuring five cars, including Brian’s ’99 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning. Mix 5 was even more exciting, as it included Brian’s Eclipse from the first movie and the GT-R from the second installment. Letty’s and Leon’s Nissans also made an appearance, making these sets a must-have for any avid collector. So, get your wallets ready and prepare to add these thrilling Fast & Furious cars to your collection.
Back to the Future: A Timeless Collection of Hot Wheels
In the race for the most iconic Hot Wheels collection, Back to the Future takes the lead. With a total of 16 appearances in the Replica Entertainment series, this franchise has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The journey begins with the Time Machine, which first appeared in Mix 3 of 2013, featuring Turbine Real Riders wheels. Two more iterations of the Time Machine were released in 2016 and 2020, each with its own unique design.
Next up is Marty’s dream 1987 Toyota Pickup, introduced in 2014. This casting, designed by Manson Cheung, perfectly captures the essence of the BTTF theme. With its Preferred Series Off-Road Real Riders wheels and Wrangler Goodyear logos on the tires, this black truck is a must-have for any Back to the Future enthusiast.
In a surprising twist, Mattel used the Ford Super De Luxe casting, complete with manure inside, to pay homage to a memorable scene from the movie. This attention to detail adds a touch of realism and humor to the collection.
As the Back to the Future franchise continues to captivate audiences, the Hot Wheels Replica Entertainment series ensures that fans can relive the magic through these stunning collectibles. Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the fascinating world of Hot Wheels Back to the Future cars.
That should teach Biff Tannen a lesson! If you’d like a less visually gross situation, that pile of cow dung is perfectly detachable to suit your needs. Two more variations of the DeLorean followed suit, and the one I like most is the Hover Mode model: “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!” Can you think of any other memorable vehicles from the trilogy that haven’t been part of Mattel’s line-up yet?
Batman: 21 cars
I have never counted all of Mattel’s Batman-themed cars. And I’m afraid even to launch myself into this endeavor. There are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of releases across multiple series. One day, I will muster the courage to do an official count. But until then, I’ll quickly swift through the Replica Entertainment vehicles.
Batman has been part of it since day one, as the Classic TV Series Batmobile popped up in Mix 1 for 2013. Buying one for less than $30 is perfectly feasible. This theme has been part of the series 21 times in 11 years. The Batman Returns Batmobile marked its second appearance as part of Mix 6 for 2014. It was the first Premium iteration of the Rob Matthes-designed casting, and you’ll find several in Replica Entertainment.
I didn’t think much of the Camouflage Version of the Tumbler, but some people might feel differently. Besides that, you might enjoy the Batwing casting if you don’t mind that it doesn’t have wheels. The 2022 Mix 1 Batmobile is slightly more down to Earth, and I just realized I haven’t even seen The Batman movie yet.
Forza: 21 cars
You’ll find a mix of Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport cars in the Replica Entertainment series. One of my close sim-racer friends isn’t all that happy about these two games, but he’s a hardcore racer at heart. Surprisingly, Forza vehicles are much more prominent than Gran Turismo ones, but I won’t try to assess why that is the case. This theme is a late bloomer, as it first debuted in 2016.
Mattel unveiled an entire Forza Mix right after the Gran Turismo one. Neither was spectacular, but you might have a different perspective. I’d say the three most exciting vehicles in the Forza set were the ’73 Ford Falcon XB, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. The diecast manufacturer surprised us with a second Forza-exclusive set with Mix 5 of 2017, and this one was slightly better.
I’d buy that Light Blue Porsche 356 Speedster any day of the week. The entire set of five vehicles will cost around $65. It became apparent that Forza would dominate Replica Entertainment as the third all-exclusive set appeared in 2018. The diecast manufacturer knew that adding a JDM car like the Nissan Silvia S15 would up the ante and attract more collectors.
FORZA HORIZON MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION VI SELLS FOR OVER $100 ON EBAY
The highly sought-after Forza Horizon Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI die-cast model has been causing a frenzy on online auction site eBay, with some listings reaching prices over $100. This recent release, featured as part of Mix 4 for 2022, has captured the attention of die-cast car enthusiasts worldwide.
The competition was fierce as the Cyberpunk Porsche also made its debut in the same series. However, it was the Forza Horizon Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI that stole the spotlight. Its impeccable design and attention to detail have made it a must-have for collectors.
As a fan of the Replica Entertainment series, I vividly remember the excitement surrounding the release of this iconic model. The anticipation was palpable, and it did not disappoint. The Forza Horizon Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI is a true gem in the world of die-cast cars.
This is just the beginning of my exploration into the Replica Entertainment series. There is still so much more to discover and share. Stay tuned for my next report, where I will delve into a different angle and uncover more hidden treasures.
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the Forza Horizon Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI. This collector’s item is sure to continue its reign as one of the most coveted die-cast models in the market. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this gem to your collection.
