Hot Wheels Cars You Likely Have Lying Around That Are Worth a Fortune Today
| LAST UPDATE 03/01/2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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."
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.'
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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…
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.