My mostThe original Hot Wheels cars or Redlines were produced from 1968 through 1977.  They are identifiable by their red striped wheels.  These cars featured thin, low friction axles and mostly all-metal castings.  By my count there are 152 distinct Redline castings.  After 1972, many of the Redlines were modified versions of previous castings or were simply modified slightly and renamed.  For example, AMX/2 was released in 1971, but was later called Xploder in 1973 and Warpath in 1975. 

The cars were made in either Hong Kong or the USA, although exclusively in Hong Kong after 1972.  I'm not clear yet if there a speed difference by where they were manufactured.  There were also three wheels types during the redline era with "bearing wheels" being used in 1968, "capped wheels" from 1969 through 1972 and "thru-hole wheels" after 1972.  

The early release years from 1968 through 1972 featured all-metal cars with Spectraflame paint.  Largely for cost cutting reasons the cars from 1973 through 1977 were painted with enamel or "house paint".  The last few years also started introducing models with a plastic bases.  From a racing stand point, the fastest cars are dominated by the earlier years, which is likely a combination of the the capped wheels and the heavier faster castings.

Many of these castings are elite speed performers.  My initial collection of Redlines has already proven that these cars can be very fast.  I'm estimating that 11 of these cars will break into my Top 100 fastest diecast cars (see picture above).  The key with these cars is finding loose ones in great condition, most importantly with strong wheels and axles or buying the cars in blister packs, which can be expensive.  I've acquired Redlines primarily through Ebay, but also at Hot Wheels/ toy shows and through Dave at ToyCollector.com.  Ebay has a great selection, but it's difficult to judge condition by pictures and descriptions, so it can be risky.

My overall goal is to acquire every high speed potential Redline, which is a somewhat daunting quest, as I search different sources for speed without over spending.  In November and December, 2020 I acquired and tested 28 new Redlines, including another Noodle Head.   I now have four near mint plus condition Noodleheads, but my best is only my third fastest Redline, so I'm still looking to upgrade.  The Noodlehead is often recognized as the fastest Redline and one of the fastest diecast cars.  I also believe I can find a faster Side Kick, also known as a very fast Redline.  

As of this writing my fastest Redlines are below.  As you can see 1970 and 1971 were strong years.   I don't have much representation yet among the 1968 Sweet 16 cars, given how expensive it is to find near mint plus versions. 

My most recent Top 25 addition was the Sugar Caddy coming in at #8.

Top 25 Fastest Hot Wheels Redlines

Rank & Origin	Year & Weight	Est Speed Level
1. Short Order (HK)	1971, 54 grams	Elite Speed
2. S'Cool Bus (HK)	1971, 69 grams	Elite Speed
3. Noodlehead (USA)	1971, 70 grams	Elite Speed
4. Tri-Baby (HK)	1970, 48 grams	Elite Speed
5. Jet Threat (HK)	1971, 52 grams	Elite Speed
6. What 4 (HK)	1971, 48 grams	Elite Speed
7. Hairy Hauler (USA)	1971, 59 grams	Elite Speed
8. Sugar Caddy (HK)	1971, 51 grams	Elite Speed
9. Side Kick (HK)	1972, 64 grams	Elite Speed
10. Whip Creamer (USA)	1970, 59 grams	Elite Speed
11. Lola GT70 (USA)	1969, 52 grams	Elite Speed
12. The Hood (USA)	1971, 53 grams	Elite Speed
13. Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (HK)	1969, 52 grams	High Speed
14. T 4 2 (HK)	1971, 45 grams	High Speed
15. Peeping Bomb (USA)	1970, 42 grams	High Speed
16. Swingin' Wing (USA)	1970, 44 grams	High Speed
17. AMX/2 (USA)	1971, 44 grams	High Speed
18. Special Delivery (USA)	1971, 49 grams	High Speed
19. Strip Teaser (HK)	1971, 51 grams	High Speed
20. Fuel Tanker (HK)	1971, 53 grams	High Speed
21. Mod Quad (USA)	1970, 52 Grams	High Speed
22. Rocket-Bye-Baby (HK)	1971, 53 grams	High Speed
23. McLaren M6A (USA)	1969, 52 grams	Good Speed
24. Pit Crew Car (HK)	1971, 47 grams	Good Speed
25. Power Pad (USA)	1970, 43 grams	Good Speed

My next most competitive cars are Boss Hoss (Silver Special), the Dump Truck, Funny Money, Ice-T and Grass Hopper.  Followed by Mantis, Ferrari 312P, Ford J Car, Cockney Cab, Ferrari 512S, Tow Truck, Mutt Mobile, Paddy Wagon, Mighty Maverick, Seasider and Turbofire.  The next group after consists of Carabo, Chaparral 2G, Fire Chief Cruiser, Six Shooter, Splittin' Image, Super Van, Ford Mark IV, Porsche 917, Snake, Mongoose II, TNT Bird, Custom Nomad, Bye Focal, Toreno, Bugeye and Large Charge.  I've purchased 41 other redlines that were less fast and have since sold them. 

Recent buys that were disappointments include Double Header, Open Fire, Vega Bomb and Bye Focal. 

Cars I'm looking to acquire include the Classic Cord, Custom Charger, Custom Eldorado, Custom T-Bird, Olds 442 and the metal based GMC Motorhome.