Collecting Hot Wheels Cars

Hotwheels cars were introduced in 1968 by the Mattel company. They hoped to find a market with boys in the same way Barbie dolls had with girls. They were on the ball. Mattell hotwheels have been a success from day one and are avidly collected around the world.
In 1968 there were 16 Hotwheels cars produced. these are now known as the "Sweet Sixteen".These 16 cars came in different colors and were produced in United States and Hong Kong factories.By 1972 all Hotwheels production was in Hong Kong. From 1968 to 1977 all hotwheels cars had a red line painted round the tires. This distinguishes these early models from those produced later and these cars are known as Redline Hotwheels.
Of the 16 original Hotwheels produced, 9 were custom versions of actual cars of that period and the remaining 7 were racing cars and show cars.
The features which make the redline hotwheels easily recognisable are
1. Spectaflame paint.Bright shiny metallic paint in bright colors.
2.Redline wheels with red line around the side of the tires.
3. Chrome rims and hubs.
4.Customisation.Whilst the redline hotwheels were models of actual cars they were all customised in a custom or hotrod style.
When you start to collect hotwheels cars it is a good idea to start with the current years models.They cost less than earlier models and are easy to obtain.You can get a Mattel Hot Wheels check list to keep track of your collection. You can then progress back through the years and add to your collection when you find a good deal or by trading with other collectors.