fastest hot wheels redlines [1968-1977]
My Noodlehead collection
The 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 are mostly all-metal castings. By my count there are 153 distinct Redline castings and I've been able to acquire 103 of them (and most of the ones that have speed potential). After 1972, some of the Redlines were modified versions of previous castings or were simply renamed.
The cars were made in either Hong Kong or the U.S., although exclusively in Hong Kong after 1972. There were also three wheel types during the redline era with "bearing wheels" being used in 1968, "capped style wheels" from 1969 through 1972 and "through-hole wheels" after 1972. The through-hole wheels are the easiest to apply graphite to.
The early release years from 1968 through 1972 featured all-metal cars with Spectraflame paint. The last few years started introducing models with plastic bases which did not help with speed. 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, although that can be expensive. I've acquired Redlines primarily through Ebay, but also at Hot Wheels/ toy shows and through Dave at ToyCollector.com. I also had some of the 1976 models from my childhood (still in good condition, amazingly).
I've acquired multiple copies of some of the faster and heavier models. See my collection picture on the bottom of the page. Cars I would love to acquire (if I can find them at a reasonable spend) include the Classic Cord, Custom Charger, Olds 442 and the GMC Motorhome.
The cars were made in either Hong Kong or the U.S., although exclusively in Hong Kong after 1972. There were also three wheel types during the redline era with "bearing wheels" being used in 1968, "capped style wheels" from 1969 through 1972 and "through-hole wheels" after 1972. The through-hole wheels are the easiest to apply graphite to.
The early release years from 1968 through 1972 featured all-metal cars with Spectraflame paint. The last few years started introducing models with plastic bases which did not help with speed. 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, although that can be expensive. I've acquired Redlines primarily through Ebay, but also at Hot Wheels/ toy shows and through Dave at ToyCollector.com. I also had some of the 1976 models from my childhood (still in good condition, amazingly).
I've acquired multiple copies of some of the faster and heavier models. See my collection picture on the bottom of the page. Cars I would love to acquire (if I can find them at a reasonable spend) include the Classic Cord, Custom Charger, Olds 442 and the GMC Motorhome.
Some racing details:
- I race on a two-lane, 27 foot Magic Derby track (equivalent to about one-third of a mile). The Derby track is 22% wider than a typical Hot Wheels orange track, allowing me to race more car sizes/scales.
- I've applied graphite to the cars, which really brings out the speed potential for diecast. I'll go into more detail on that in the future. Some cars only improve slightly, but others improve significantly when dry lubes applied. For the redlines, I did not apply graphite to the bearing wheel cars. I was not confident enough with removing the wheel without damaging the axle, etc.
- The times listed are the average of the best two times out of six races.
- 5-star performers are the most elite and there are only 84 of them out of all the cars tested as of April, 2024. 4-star performers is the next best tier.
- See the home page for more details on track design, testing, etc.
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The top 5 redlines. The 5-star Noodlehead and the 4-star Short Order, Sugar Caddy, Double Trouble and S'Cool Bus.
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The rest of the top 10. The Hood, Side Kick, Tri-Baby, Rodger Dodger and Jet Threat.
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Top 25 Fastest Redlines
Results summary:
- The Noodlehead is my best performer and a 5-star car (one of only 76). This casting is nearly 70 grams and largely recognized as the fastest Redline. I have several of them and most of them are very fast. At one point I had a Hong Kong version and it was considerably lighter, so I focused on the USA manufactured versions.
- I also have 4 Redlines that are 4-star performers including Short Order, Sugar Caddy, Double Header and S'Cool Bus.
- The early years dominate the fastest list. 19 of the 25 below are from 1969 through 1972 (spectraflame paint years) and 8 of the top 12 are from 1971 specifically.
My next most fastest cars are Sir Rodney Roadster, Lola GT70, Hairy Hauler, Fire Chief Cruiser, Mod Quad, Swingin' Wing, Grass Hopper, Mantis, Neet Streeter, American Victory, AMX/2, Fuel Tanker, Snake, Sand Drifter, Ferrari 512S, TNT Bird, Six Shooter, Baja Bruiser and Chaparral 2G. The next 59 range from lower 1-Star to average to less competitive.
My Redline collection and an example blister
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