UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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Hot Wheels issued a number of premium sets starting in the early 2000's. Some of these sets were only offered through retailers like Target or Wal-Mart and some were exclusive to Hot Wheels Red Line club members. A number of these sets feature all-metal castings or new/special wheels. There are many fast cars in these sets, but for the most part very little elite speed cars, Below is a break down of these sets and my ranked cars. I don't claim to have all of the cars in these sets, but I have a good majority and have acquired the ones I've researched as being fast. Of course, there will be good ones I've missed, so please share any feedback.
Reminder that there is only one casting represented in the break down below. So whatever is shown would be my fastest version of that casting within these sets. For example, the GMC Motorhome has a fast version in the Super Chrome series and the Classics series, but the Super Chrome version was faster, so that's what's represented.
Reminder that there is only one casting represented in the break down below. So whatever is shown would be my fastest version of that casting within these sets. For example, the GMC Motorhome has a fast version in the Super Chrome series and the Classics series, but the Super Chrome version was faster, so that's what's represented.
Since '68
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Released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels. There were 4 sub-segments of these cars and include many metal based cars. There are a number of fast cars in this series, although none at the Elite Speed level, although the '68 Nova was close. The top three cars are shown in the picture above with the '68 Nova in silver.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
'68 Nova |
2008 |
High Speed |
Shoe Box |
2007 |
High Speed |
Neet Streeter |
2008 |
High Speed |
'67 Pontiac GTO Convertible |
2008 (Muscle Cars) |
Good Speed |
'67 Pontiac GTO |
2008 |
Good Speed |
Roger Dodger |
2007 |
Good Speed |
The '57 Chevy, Split Window '63 and Hot Bird were competitive.
Hot Wheels Classics
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The Classics series was a popular issue that was first released in 2005. There would be 5 series with the last ending in 2009. These were all metal cars and included many vintage cars and new versions of classic Hot Wheels castings. There are a number of fast cars in this series, but honestly, given that there are approximately 130 cars released, this series as a whole is somewhat disappointing. The picture shows my top two cars.
Car |
Year/Series |
Speed Level |
Dodge Challenger Funny Car |
2007, Series 3 |
High Speed |
'56 Flashsider |
2008, Series 4 |
High Speed |
The '68 Chevy Nova, '69 Corvette, '69 Pontiac GTO, '69 Pontiac Firebird and King Kuda are also competitive. All of these cars are from Series 3.
Super Chromes
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A Target exclusive set issued over two years and featuring 19 castings. The set pays homage to the 70's vintage chrome cars. These mostly all-metal cars feature a number of fast performers. The four fastest cars are all quite heavy and are pictured above (the Mustang Funny Car is in the front and the GMC Motorhome is on the right). The super chromes label became part of the mainline in later years.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
Ford Mustang Funny Car (aka '71 Mustang F/C) |
2007, 10-Pack |
High Speed |
GMC Motorhome |
2006 |
High Speed |
'70 Chevelle SS (Convertible) |
2007, 10-Pack |
Good Speed |
S'Cool Bus |
2006 |
Good Speed |
Race Aces
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Another Target exclusive series. These cars were designed for racing and track use ("Made For Speed"). Like the FTE wheels, they have nickel-plated axels. The cars have plastic bodies which keeps their weight relatively low, thus limiting speed potential. There were only 14 cars in the series. I have all but one (missing the rare Blown Camaro) and multiples of the faster castings. The CCM County Club Muscle car is well known as a great racer and that's my second fastest car in this series. Octainium (in green above) is one of my fastest lighter cars (under 40 grams), shown in the picture above.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
Octainium |
2008 |
High Speed |
CCM Country Club Muscle |
2009 |
High Speed |
RD-10 (in gold above) is a competitive car. Most of the other cars are above average. I have not raced the Blown Camaro.
The Hot Ones
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In 2011 Hot Wheels resurrected the Hot Ones branding for a new series. There were approximately 100 cars released over two years. I have a little more than half of these, with an emphasis on the ones that are supposed to be fast. There are a variety of wheel types, including the Hot Ones wheels from the 80's. The BMW M1 car is in white above with the UH wheels and is my fastest.
Some of there cars will benefit from dry lubes to free up the wheels.
Some of there cars will benefit from dry lubes to free up the wheels.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
BMW M1 |
2012 |
High Speed |
Bubble Gunner (pink) |
2012 |
Good Speed |
El Rey Special |
2012 |
Good Speed |
The other competitive Hot Ones are the 1984 Pontiac Fiero 2M4, the 1932 Ford Sedan Delivery truck and the Packin' Pacer.
Neo-Classics &
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Through HotWheelsCollectors.com an annual set of special, limited edition cars were released. Among these annual releases was a series called Neo-Classics, plus additional cars offered through the Red Line Club (RLC). These are very attractive cars, usually all-metal with spectraflame paint. Some of the releases had rubber tires, but many featured Red Line tiers. There were 70 Neo-Classics released between 2003 and 2016. In total I have 42 Neo-Classics and RLC cars. There are a number of fast cars, but nothing outstanding (and they are also expensive). The Nitty Gritty Kitty is pictured above (#09), along with Poison Pinto and Rocket-Bye-Baby. These cars represent my fastest from these offerings.
Car |
Year, Series |
Speed Level |
Nitty Gritty Kitty |
2009, HW.com Exclusive |
Good Speed |
Poison Pinto |
2003, Neo-Classics |
Good Speed |
Rocket-Bye Baby |
2009, Neo-Classics |
Good Speed |
Other competitive cars include Mutt Mobile from the 2002 HW.com series, the Olds 442 and Pit Crew Car from the 2009 Neo-Classics release, Ice-T from the 2010 Neo-Classics release and the Noodlist (pink) from the 2014 RLC convention.
High Speed Wheels
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A new series came out in 2012 called Team Hot Wheels High Speed Wheels. Or just High Speed Wheels. These colorful cars feature a new wheel type, High-Speed Wheel or HSW. Supposedly these wheels are mounted on nickel-plated axles (like FTE's). There were 29 castings in the series. In 2014 the series continued, now called High-Speed Wheels Track Stars Series. 18 cars were released. These cars had a different wheel called the High Speed Racing Wheel, a precursor to the Skinny Disc wheel. The 2014 cars are hard to find and quite expensive. I have the majority of the 2012 cars, but just 6 of the 2014 cars.
In sum, this set is pretty medicore. Several competitive cars, but only one car makes my top three tiers. Teegray is in dark blue above.
In sum, this set is pretty medicore. Several competitive cars, but only one car makes my top three tiers. Teegray is in dark blue above.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
Teegray |
2014 |
Good Speed |
Other competitive cars from this series include: 4Ward Speed and Split Decision from 2014 and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Toyota Off-Road Truck, Prototype H-24, Ballistik and '84 Pontiac from the 2012 set.
50th Anniversary Originals
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As part of its 50th anniversary, Hot Wheels released this 5 car set. These all-metal cars are quite attractive and were packaged on cards very similar to the original 1968 releases (called the Sweet 16), These cars are all-metal and feature Red Line wheels. The Custom '67 Mustang (in red above) is known as a superior racer, but it has been less than that for me (and I have 7 of them). The '68 Cougar (yellow/gold above) is actually my fastest car here.
Car |
Year |
Speed Level |
'68 Cougar |
2018 |
High Speed |
Custom '67 Mustang |
2018 |
Good Speed |
'67 Camaro |
2018 |
Good Speed |
The other two cars in the series are the '67 Barracuda and the Volkswagen Beetle and are average at best.
Cars of the Decades
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Exclusive to Wal-Mart, this series was issued in 2011 and 2012 showcased cars across eight decades. Nothing special overall with this set with the exception of this Camaro.
Value |
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'67 Chevy Camaro |
2011, Cars of the 60's |
High Speed |
The Dodge Viper (Cars of the 90's) is a competitive car.
Fast & Furious - by Mattel
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These cars are not exactly a premium set, but they are not your standard cars. They were issued by Mattel (not under the Hot Wheels brand) showcasing the cars in the numerous Fast & Furious movies. These cars are slightly larger than the standard Hot Wheels release (1/55th scale). In fact, a few of them are too wide for a standard track. The bodies are metal, the bases are plastic. I believe there were 32 different castings.
I have of 10 of these cars and some of them are surprisingly fast. Part of the benefit is good weight, wide stance and long bodies. The Ford Escort (blue above) nearly broke into the Elite Speed level.
I have of 10 of these cars and some of them are surprisingly fast. Part of the benefit is good weight, wide stance and long bodies. The Ford Escort (blue above) nearly broke into the Elite Speed level.
Car |
Year/Series |
Speed Level |
Ford Escort RS1600 |
2018? |
High Speed |
2014 Maserati Ghibli |
2017? |
Good Speed |
1970 Plymouth Roadrunner |
2018? |
Good Speed |
Modern Classics (2008)
This was an attractive set of 15 all-metal cars released in 2008. I know several of these cars are supposed to be very fast, but without any lubes, the wheels don't work effectively. The Olds 442 is competitive though. I recently purchased the '67 Shelby GT500, the Chevy Camaro Concept and the Buick Grand National with hopes for some speed. Again, I think with some lubes those wheels can come to life, but otherwise I would steer clear.
Flying Customs (2006, 2013)
I believe this was a Target exclusive series. I have about 20 of these cars and they are just ok. The Corvette Sting Ray (silver from 2007) and '81 Ford Fairmont (2013) are competitive. The Fairmont is the same casting as the legendary Frontrunnin' Fairmont from the original Hot Ones. The Mustang Funny Car from this series is very fast, but not as fast as the Super Chrome version. In 2020 more cars are being released under the Flying Customs banner, The first mix was very disappointing.
Cool Classics (2013-2014)
This series was released over two years and includes 60 total castings, all with a metal base. They feature a new wheel type, Retro-Slot wheels. I have 16 of these cars and my assessment is similar to that of the Modern Classics: mediocre cars, but with high potential if you can improve wheel spin. Competitive cars for me are the '69 Mustang Boss 302 (green #14) and the T-Bucket.
Hot Wheels Heritage (2015)
This series replaced the Cool Classics series as a premium offering. There were 18 cars released with Red Line Basic Wheels. I have 7 of these cars and they are pretty average. My competitive car is the Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GTR. With improved wheel spin, high potential cars would include the '84 Ford Mustang SVO and Long Gone (also known as the Long Shot).
Retro Style Series (2016-2017)
This was a Target exclusive covering 31 castings. I have 15 of these cars and they are mediocre at best. Wheel spin is poor. no competitive cars, but like some of the other series, they have some high potential cars
Hot Wheels id (xxxx+)
The Hot Wheels id series features cars that have embedded microchips which allow for fun interactions with the related app. These cars also come with special wheels. The cars look pretty cool and the entire concept is great. From a speed stand point though these cars are pretty average, perhaps slightly better than the mainlines. I have 23 of these cars, so there are certainly fast ones I might be missing. I'm not motivated to get more to be honest, but open to learning if other fast ones exist. But there is one exception mentioned below.
Note that my assessment is based on downhill or gravity racing. One visitor provided feedback that the cars fast on the id track are likely not fast for drag racing and perhaps vice versa.
Note that my assessment is based on downhill or gravity racing. One visitor provided feedback that the cars fast on the id track are likely not fast for drag racing and perhaps vice versa.