Hot Wheels Cars You Likely Have Lying Around That Are Worth a Fortune Today

Culture

| LAST UPDATE 03/01/2023

By Zuzanna Krause

Some of these Hot Wheels cars may have sold for less than a dollar back in the day. But fast forward a few decades later, and these vintage collectibles are worth up to 6 figures! We're counting down the most valuable models today…

30. 1995 Treasure Hunt 1967 Camaro - $930

As a kid growing up in the '90s, we know Hot Wheels was an integral part of childhood. With each collection came a new favorite car, and the 1967 Camaro from the 1995 Treasure Hunt Series was no different.

Most Expensive Hot Wheels CarsMost Expensive Hot Wheels Cars
Reddit via u/temptationnet

Launched in 1995 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hot Wheels cars, the Treasure Hunt series launched over 140 different models over the course of 18 years. However, it was the 1967 Camaro from the initial series that racked in the big bucks. Someone paid a whopping $930 on eBay for this baby!

29. 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser - $1,000

Look at this bright pink beauty! The paint job on this car here is simply a 10 out of 10. From the bright eye-catching color to the pimped-out wheels and funky font on the car, the 1955 Candy striper Chevy Bel Air Gasses is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Rare Collectibles Hot Wheels CarsRare Collectibles Hot Wheels Cars
eBay via oldees59

The toy car actually made its way onto the scene about a decade ago, in 2014, and it quickly was tapped as a fan favorite. Those who are dedicated Hot Wheels fans were in trouble because only 4,000 of these babies were ever made. So naturally, they were going for about $1K.

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28. 1971 Boss Hoss with Black Roof - $1,050

For those that are true Hot Wheels fans, this one is for you. The Boss Hoss was initially released in 1970 as an exclusive Hot Wheels Collectors Club mail-away club kit, but the toy car was such a success that Mattel ended up adding the Boss Hoss to the following production line.

Expensive Hot Wheels MustangExpensive Hot Wheels Mustang
eBay via vintage.digs

The body of the Boss Hoss car was based on the Hot Wheels Custom Mustang from 1968, which was originally based on the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. Although the car was available in multiple color combinations, it was the black roof that ended up going for over $1,000 bucks.

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27. 1975 White Porsche Carrera/P-911 - $1,140

Now, this is a beauty of a car! The P-911 originally dropped as part of the 1975 Flying Colors lineup and lasted just over 25 years before Mattel pulled the plug on the model. However, during its run, the P-911 was updated every two to three years.

Porsche Carrera Hot WheelsPorsche Carrera Hot Wheels
eBay via poman1973

Earlier versions of the 1975 car had "PORSCHE" and "Porsche Carrera" labeled on the car but were later removed due to trademarking issues. However, the 1975 White Porsche Carrera was available with blue and red racing stripes down the middle, which ended up selling for a staggering $1,140.

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26. 1975 White Mustang Stocker - $1,299

It may not have the glitz and glam of the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser, but it sure has the heart. Nevertheless, the 1975 White Mustang Stocker is still sleek, clean, and desirable and represents Hot Wheels as one of its best vehicles to date.

Expensive Hot Wheels Cars FordExpensive Hot Wheels Cars Ford
Reddit via u/Ace-the-Dragon

The three stripes running down the center of the body really are eye-catching! The colors scream an all-American classic, especially with Ford written on the roof. As it so happens, the 1969-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a major inspiration for this one. No wonder it sold for $1,299 on eBay!

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25. 1967 Volkswagen Custom Without Sunroof - $1,500

Punch buggy, no punch backs! There was nothing like seeing a punch buggy as kids sitting in the car's back seat and playing the "punch buggy game." And as it so happens, Volkswagen Beetles are not only popular with seven-year-olds, but they are some of the most popular and collected Hot Wheels cars!

Expensive Custom Cars Hot WheelsExpensive Custom Cars Hot Wheels
eBay via hotrod872012

According to Hot Wheels expert Mike Zarnock, "The first Custom Volkswagens that were made in Hong Kong didn't have a sunroof. [They] were only available in Europe, with most of them sold in Germany and the U.K.," meaning they were pretty rare, especially in varying colors. So that explains the $1,500 price tag.

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24. 1968 Brown Custom Camaro - $3,000

The Custom Camaro was first launched as part of the 1968 Hot Wheels line-up as one of the "Original 16" or "Sweet Sixteen" cars. Following its release, there were multiple forms of the car introduced - but the models evolved over time and differed based on where they were produced.

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eBay via mission1958

As far as the 1969 Brown Custom Camaro goes, it's one of the hardest to find. The Hot Wheels brown-over-white car has gone for a nice $3000, with some collectors believing it was only ever used for store display purposes and actually was never really available to the public.

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23. 1970 Red Baron With White Interior - $3,000

According to the Hot Wheels expert, Zarnock, the 1970 Red Baron with the white interiors is "a truly rare piece." At first glance, it definitely looks different than the standard "hot" car, so maybe we can understand the major price tag. $3000, to be exact!

Rare Vintage Hot Wheels CarsRare Vintage Hot Wheels Cars
Reddit via u/billsmitherson

In fact, Zarnock revealed, "there are less than ten of these known to exist." Okay, so it is very rare! "The prototype has a white, plastic interior, a blank metal base, no iron cross decals, and shorter rear fenders than the publicly-released version."

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22. 1977 White Z-Whiz - $3,000

The Z-Whiz debuted in 1977 and was an instant hit. The cars are based on the Datsun Z Series S30 body style, so when it came down to naming the car, the name had to have some major pazazz. So, Z-Whiz was born out of the phrase 'Z Car' and the phrase 'Gee Wiz.'

Mattel Hot Wheels ModelsMattel Hot Wheels Models
eBay via mr.timmons66

With such success of the 1977 Mattel toy, the Z-Whiz had three international releases: Italy, France, and Mexico. The white Datsun was the first Japanese Export to have ever made it to the Hot Wheels club. No wonder this bad boy is worth around $3,000!

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21. 1974 Magenta Rodger Dodger With White Interior - $3,000

The Rodger Dodger is all time Hot Wheels classic. The speedy car was initially based on a modified '73 Dodge Charger SE and, in '74, had developed into its own lane. The '74 version was released with a metal base, capped redlines, and yellow and red flames painted atop the magenta base color.

Hot Wheels Worth TodayHot Wheels Worth Today
eBay via Wonderworld Comics and Toys

The Magenta Rodger Dodger is impossible to miss with all that color going on, but what makes this guy worth that $3K? Well, the majority of the Rodger Dodgers were designed with a black interior, so those with a white interior are considered mega-valuable.

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20. 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger - $3,000

So what makes the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger a desired collectible item? Well, much like its fellow magenta complement, the blue vehicle is a rare one. In fact, the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger with the yellow and orange flames is too worth a whopping three grand.

Hot Wheels Cars Worth MoneyHot Wheels Cars Worth Money
eBay via vette-kinda-guy

But what exactly is it? Well, according to Car and Driver, the Mattel car didn't get such a massive release back then, so for those lucky enough to have copped it, you're sitting on a rare gem. Time to go looking for those 1984 Rodger Dodgers, right?!

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19. 1977 Flying Colors GMC Motorhome - $3,000

We have former Hot Wheels designer Bob Rosas and chief designer and innovator of Hot Wheels cars Larry Wood to thank for this one. The GMC Motorhome was born after Rosas asked GMC for their permission to design the Motorhome, and once they approved, the iconic car was born.

Rare Hot Wheels Cars ModelsRare Hot Wheels Cars Models
Reddit via u/PungentTaintOfLizzo

The Motorhome was part of the Truckin' Machines 6-pack with Redlines and later on as part of the 1977 Flying Colors series. The gold-plated 1977 Flying Colors GMC Motorhome can be pretty difficult to get your hands on, which may explain its $3,000 price tag.

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18. 1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car - $3,500

This gives a major Transformers vibe. The decked-out blue Hot Wheels car is truly iconic. According to Fatherly, there were only 144 Funny Cars made and released - including the Collector Number 271. That would definitely qualify this one as a major collectibles item!

Rare Hot Wheels Collector ItemRare Hot Wheels Collector Item
Fester Addams via Facebook

Of the 144 Funny Cars that were invented, "24 were sent to Mattel Toy Club members," and around 80 never even made it out into the public! That leaves roughly 40 uncounted Collector Number 271 Funny cars. "The rest were put into random Hot Wheels shipments that went to Wal-Mart and KB Toys," according to Zarnock.

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17. 1972 Pink Superfine Turbine - $3,500

This 1972 Pink Superfine Turbine is definitely super fine! The rare collectible Hot Wheels car shines bright like a diamond with its hot pink complexion. The Mattel car was designed by Larry Wood and was part of three new castings that debuted that year.

Hot Wheels Larry WoodHot Wheels Larry Wood
eBay via m0llllyy

With a massive jet engine sitting front and center, a black interior, and a bright pink exterior, this car is valued at $3,500. Although the Superfine Turbines are difficult to spot in general, it's the pink that's most rare and naturally most desired by dedicated car collectors.

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16. 1972 Green Open Fire - $4,000

Unlike many other Hot Wheels series, the only year for Open Fire was 1972. The Open Fire Hot Wheels cars were first produced in Hot Kong and were available in five different Spectraflame colors upon release. But what made it such a hot commodity at the time, and now years later?

First Hot Wheels CarsFirst Hot Wheels Cars
eBay via secchance

The 1972 Green Open Fire Hot Wheels car was the first vehicle to sport a double set of wheels in the front and rock an exposed engine. The vehicle was also based on a stretched-out version of the AMC Gremlin. So now, does that $4,000 price tag check out?

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15. 1971 Red Olds 442 With Black Interior - $4,500

Some Hot Wheels cars are rarer than others, and the Olds 442s fall directly under that category! Based on the 1970 Oldsmobie 442, the Olds 442 was first debuted in the 1971 Hot Wheels range of cars and is dubbed as the rarest casting of the vehicles from the Redline era.

Hot Wheels Spectraflame RareHot Wheels Spectraflame Rare
Instagram via @pinkbeachbomb

The cars were first available in a variety of Spectraflame colors with a white interior, but it's the red exterior and black interior that's a hot commodity. Some believe it was a pre-production prototype and considered a manufacturing anomaly. Either way, if you're lucky enough to have one stored away, get ready to roll in the big bucks.

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14. 1970 Red Ferrari 312P With White Interior - $5,000

Mattel didn't sleep on the Ferrari 312P! The sleek vehicle was first launched as part of the 1970 Hot Wheels line-up. Ferrari first built the 3000cc prototype the year before, without a cockpit and windshields. However, Mattel kept the cockpit and installed windshields later on, in addition to other alterations.

Ferarri Hot Wheels PriceFerarri Hot Wheels Price
Pinterest via Johnny Wong

As for the Red Ferrari 312P, this model is a true knockout. The round white stickers with the number 60 and the iconic Ferari are a real selling point for car lovers. Not to mention the eye-catching red color and white interior (which ultimately bumps up the price tag).

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13. 1968 Pink Beatnik Bandit - $5,000

So what makes this hot pink car worth the big bucks exactly? Well, the color, to start off, is what truly attracts dedicated Hot Wheels fans. The Beatnik Bandit model was released with 18 shades at first, but at the end of the day, it was the pink that is valued at $5,000 bucks!

Hot Wheels Cars CollectionHot Wheels Cars Collection
Etsy via JuniperPlusJoy

The 1968 Beatnik Bandit was part of the original Sweet Sixteen Hot Wheels debut and was based on the car with the same name designed by artist and cartoonist Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. So, make sure to start searching through your old Hot Wheels for this baby because she's worth a whole lot of cash!

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12. 1971 Spectraflame Purple Bye Focal - $6,000

Originally based on the '70 Dodge Challenger, the Bye-Focal was initially designed by Hot Wheels legend Larry Wood. The car debuted as part of the 1971 Hot Wheels range and immediately was a hot ticket-buying item for those perusing the Hot Wheels section!

Rare Hot Wheels EbayRare Hot Wheels Ebay
eBay via buschandsons

We all know colors are the ultimate tell-all when it comes down to the Hot Wheels business. Although the purple variation is the most difficult to get your hands on, they are available in various Spectaflame colors. Besides the purple exterior, collectors loved the glasses and "Bye-Focal" decals featured on the driver's side of the car.

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11. 1971 Purple Olds 442 - $7,000

The Olds 442 really is the car that keeps everyone up on their toes! Besides the 1971 Red Olds 442 with a black interior being one of the most sought-out collectible cars, the 1971 Purple Olds 442 is also highly desirable by avid Hot Wheels car collectors.

Redline Hot Wheels Cars ExpensiveRedline Hot Wheels Cars Expensive
eBay via myfavoritethings13

The purple colorway was released as part of the Mainline range of vehicles in 1971 and is known as one of the rarest of all Redline cars. But just when we thought the red version of the Olds 442 was worth a whole lotta moolah, the purple Olds 442 is valued at a cool $7K!

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10. 1969 Brown ’31 Woody - $8,000

This little car may be compact, but it sure does look mighty (and expensive)! The '31 Woody was part of the 1969 Hot Wheels like-up and was instantly a top priority for all Mattel fanatics. Upon its release, the cars were packed with a metal 'Collector's Button.'

Rare Hot Wheels Collector's ItemRare Hot Wheels Collector's Item
eBay via baseballcards-and-bobbleheads

The car's interior was available in white as well as a rarer champagne and dark brown shade. However, it's the brown exterior that captivated the crowd's attention, as its rare coloring was tough to find. Car and Driver reports that only a "few dozen" are available today.

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9. 1968 Cheetah Base Python - $10,000

The Python was first released as part of the 1968 Hot Wheels series after it was based on the Dream Car show built by Bill Cushenbery. At first, the vehicle was publicized as the "Cheetah" for the "New California Custom styled Hot Wheels" commercials before the name was changed.

Rare Hot Wheels PrototypesRare Hot Wheels Prototypes
eBay via bruno1980

Before the official name change had occurred, there were only six Cheetah prototypes that were created and, of course, then made it to the public. Fans barely had a chance to even get their hands on such a prized possession at the time, and now they're worth a cool ten grand.

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8. 1969 Ed Shaver Blue AMX - $10,000

The Custom AMX dropped in the 1969 Hot Wheels line-up and was first only made in the USA with a white interior. The cars were sold with silver 'bearing' Redline wheels before Chrome 'Capped' Redline wheels were brought into the picture. However, Ed Shaver's blue AMX presented a whole different story…

Custom Hot Wheels CarsCustom Hot Wheels Cars
eBay via vette-kinda-guy

A rare version of the AMX was created due to Mattel's sponsorship deal with race car driver Ed Shaver, making it one of the rarest Hot Wheels cars out there. However, the only difference between the cars was the stickers - so be advised when purchasing the $10,000 car!

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7. 1969 Brown Custom Charger - $13,000

The Custom Charger just makes you want to hop in the front seat and go for a cruise around the neighborhood! The toy car was launched as part of the 1969 Hot Wheels range, based on the real-life 1969 Dodge Charger. And, well, the resemblance is uncanny.

Rare Hot Wheels Cars SaleRare Hot Wheels Cars Sale
Facebook via Redline Restorations by Mr.Timmons66

Although it was first released in a range of Spectraflame colors, the brown color is considered the most valuable and sought-after. Often the brown color can be misleading, and in actuality is just a darker shade of the Spectraflame Orange. Considering there were only a few known to exist, one lucky buyer nabbed this gem for $13K.

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6. 1970 ‘Mad Maverick’ Base Mighty Maverick - $15,000

Although it was initially named 'Mad Maverick' during its prototype years, the vehicle ended up with the official name of Mighty Maverick during its 1970 Hot Wheels line-up debut. It was first based on the 1969 Ford Maverick but just with a little more pizzazz (and a V8 motor under the hood).

Hot Wheel Mad MaverickHot Wheel Mad Maverick
eBay via bedevil71

So what makes this one so unique? Well, according to Hot Wheels expert Mike Zarnock, "Very few of these [Mad Mavericks] are known to exist. There are two blue ones, one purple one, and one unassembled, unpainted piece." So naturally, the car was able to sell for $15,000.

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5. 1968 Over-Chrome Camaro - $25,000

Just by looking at the car, we can understand why it sports such a high price tag. The color is truly showstopping. So what's the story behind this one? Well, when Hot Wheels released its 1968 Camaro line, they decided to produce a few antifreeze over-chrome-finish cars to really market the release.

Rare Vintage Cars ebayRare Vintage Cars ebay
eBay via 88mphtoysgames

However, these babies weren't meant for the general public. Due to their eye-catching paint job, they were used in television commercials and advertisement campaigns. So, Mattel only produced around 20 of these Camaros, which explains its $25,000 price tag!

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4. 1968 Over Chrome Mustang - $40,000

Who doesn't want to ride around town in a mustang? Hot Wheels knew it was time to give the people their dream car, and they certainly delivered. The Mattel brand released the Mustang in '67, but it was the year later that got everyone really talking.

Chrome Mustang Hot Wheels PriceChrome Mustang Hot Wheels Price
eBay via treasurehunter999

However, there were some strings attached. The company launched the Hot Wheels Over Chrome Mustang in 1968, which was created for advertising purposes only! Meaning it was never meant for retail. However, some lucky owner got their hands on the car and sold it for a whopping $40,000!

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3. 2008 Diamond-Encrusted Custom Otto - $100,000

Before it was encrusted in diamonds, the Custom Otto was part of the original Hot Wheels packing from 1968. The car was revamped in 2008 for the brand's 40th Anniversary - and in doing so, it got a major glittery upgrade so much that it ended up going for $100 grand.

Diamond Hot Wheels PriceDiamond Hot Wheels Price
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage via Getty Images

Understandably so, Mattel decided to go big for their 40th birthday - and what better way than to get dressed up in diamonds! The car is pimped out in 18-karat white gold, encrusted with 2,700 diamonds and red rubies for the taillights, and comes with a matching custom-made diamond case.

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2. 1968 White Enamel Camaro - $100,000

According to dedicated toy collector Joel Magee, "This Hot Wheels Camaro is the Holy Grail of collectibles." Now that's something. The Enamel White Prototype Custom Chevrolet Camaro was part of Hot Wheels' original 16 models by Mattel in 1968, and it was originally sold for…

Most Famous Hot Wheel CarMost Famous Hot Wheel Car
eBay via vette-kinda-guy

59 pennies! That's right, the car that is worth upwards of $100,000 was once sold for under a dollar. Oh, how times have changed! Although these cars were never released in a blister pack, it is said there are around 25 White Enamel Camaro cars that are available.

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1. 1969 Pink Rear-Loading Beach Bomb - $150,000

And last, but certainly not least, the most expensive Hot Wheels car in the world: the 1969 Pink Rear Loading Beach Bomb. The designers behind the California-style model of the Volkswagon created a scaled-down version of the bus with a mini surfboard sticking outside the trunk window. However, it was redesigned due to handling issues.

Rarest Car Hot WheelsRarest Car Hot Wheels
Instagram via @pinkbeachbomb

There were 144 prototypes created, with 50 known today - but what truly makes the Beach Bomb so prize-worthy today is it is the only one in this shade of pink with a heavier weighted bottom while still holding the original design. The car can be found on display in the Hot Wheels museum in Maryland.

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