The fastest Matchbox cars are very much defined by their wheels.  If you are looking for fast Matchbox cars, the vast majority are going to be represented by cars with specific wheels.  7 wheel types represented 46 of my 50 fastest Matchbox cars.  

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Here is an example of the shiny disc wheels from the Laser Wheels series released in 1987 featuring 30 models.  And on the right the same casting from the Superfast series (with 24 models) featuring the Starburst wheels.  Both of these are important series with many elite level cars.  Important to note that these cars are just so-so without graphite, but with dry lubes they really come to life.

The red BMW 850i features the 10-Spoke Flower wheel which were part of Matchbox cars released from 2000 through 2010.

The 5-Spoke Triangle wheel was a primary wheel type with the revamped Superfast line from 2004 through 2007.  These cars are generally pretty quick and feature 6 of my top 50 fastest Matchbox cars and an even larger percentage of my Top 100 Matchbox cars.

The 9-Spoke Lace wheel was associated with cars released from 2001 through about 2003.

The original Lesney 5-Spoke wheel has had a few variations as the wheels expanded in width.  More recently the 50th Anniversary released some models with those vintage wheels. 

The 6-Spoke Spiral wheel was associated with cars released between 1994 and 1998.