This is the most surprising discovery I've found in collecting and racing cars. I'm not sure I've seen these cars raced or even mentioned before. The original Speed Demons were released between 1986 through 1989. This series launched 11 new castings, all featuring Ultra Hot wheels (the exception being 1989 which did not have UH wheels). I don't believe these castings made a good impression on collectors or kids, as the monsters/beasts and robots are quite tacky. But they are very fast.
Some of these castings continue to be made today, but none of the post 1980's versions are nearly as fast as the originals. In particular, beware of the 1994 Speed Demons 5-Pack that includes these castings with UH wheels. The top 5 cars in this series are all from the 1986 release. Finding them in unopened blister packs can be tricky (see picture of the blister above).
There are 4 Elite Speed cars in this series and 3 High Speed tier cars. The 4 other castings are duds.
Some of these castings continue to be made today, but none of the post 1980's versions are nearly as fast as the originals. In particular, beware of the 1994 Speed Demons 5-Pack that includes these castings with UH wheels. The top 5 cars in this series are all from the 1986 release. Finding them in unopened blister packs can be tricky (see picture of the blister above).
There are 4 Elite Speed cars in this series and 3 High Speed tier cars. The 4 other castings are duds.
Elite Speed
Top Tier
Double Demon
1986, Speed Demons 44 grams, Ultra Hot Wheels The Double Demon runs very smooth and fast. Not especially heavy, but very balanced and with great wheels. This car is in my overall Top 15 beating every mainline Hot Wheels car. The casting was brought back in the 1990's and continues to be released today. |
High Speed
2nd Tier
Car |
Year, Series |
Wheels |
Vampyra |
1986, Speed Demons |
Ultra Hot wheels |
Sharkruiser |
1987, Speed Demons |
Ultra Hot wheels |
Fangster |
1986, Speed Demons |
Ultra Hot wheels |
Good Speed
3rd Tier
There are no other competitive cars in this series. Phantomachine, Zombot, Rodzilla and Ratmobile are all duds.