10 Hot Wheels Cars Which Might Reveal You're a Speed Freak

I could easily spend $20,000 on diecast cars alone, and it would only take me a few days to order them all. I'm talking about 1/64th-scale collectibles here, as any bigger ones would take an even bigger budget for an impressive display. With that cash, I could also convert my RX-7 to a proper drift car. Life is all about making decisions, especially when dealing with financial restraints.

But I hope this series of Hot Wheels articles will help some of you discover some of the coolest items released by Mattel since its early days. If you've only been hooked on the hobby for a few years, you may have a different perspective on the Speed Machines collection. A set of six cars came out under this name in 2023, but it felt more like a shadow of its former glory.

Adult collectors mainly focus on finding cars with metal bases and Real Riders wheels. And the Co-Molded 6-Spoke rims just don't have what it takes to compete in today's environment, at least not for a premium price. I mentioned "former glory" because Mattel used the "Speed Machines" name as early as 1983. However, it was the 2010 lineup that used CM6 wheels, just like the 2023 set.

You could think of Speed Machines related to the Ferrari Racer collection that the diecast manufacturer promoted between 2007 and 2009. The topic is extensive, and I'll likely dive deeper into it soon. But let me give you some figures before looking at the ten Hot Wheels Speed Machines that could have you addicted.

You'll have to look for 43 different castings for a complete collection, which adds up to 77 items. I've only done the math for the following ten cars, and it's already rather scary to think of the required budget. Keep reading until the end of the story, and I'll tell you how much you'll need to pull out of your pocket for these tiny jewels.

1.'01 Acura NSX

The '01 NSX is the only Acura that appeared in Speed Machines over a decade ago. The good news is that this Kevin Cao-designed casting had two variations. It's not hard to tell that it's a replica of the racing spec version of the iconic Japanese car.

This machine has fascinated me since I saw Keiichi Tsuchiya driving one many years ago. The diecast manufacturer had unveiled eight casting variations before the Speed Machines version in Lime Green.

While green is one of my favorite colors, I'd much sooner opt for the Metallic Red and White version that followed. Buying both of them will cost between $140 and $190, and we're just starting here.

2. Citroën C4 Rally

Here's a special one for you. There aren't many Hot Wheels Citroen castings (only three, as far as I know). So, the C4 Rally is certainly a sight to be seen. Phil Riehlman designed it for its 2010 Mainline debut, and it had a short life span as the sixth and final iterations arrived in 2013.

The team in El Segundo designed to include just one version in Speed Machines. It looks fantastic in white and red, with black and grey accents for that rally livery look. It may just be one of the most underrated Hot Wheels vehicles ever, and you'll probably have to pay around $75 for one.

3. Corvette C6R

If you have read my previous stories, you will know I have a big crush on Corvettes. Jim Mero inspired me to love these cars during my interview with him, and I can't believe I've never driven one yet. If I could get my hands on a C6R, I'd be raving about it for days, but that seems tricky.

I'd be pretty happy with either one of the two Speed Machines iterations, but the yellow one is certainly top of the list. No wonder it costs between $45 to $100 on the open market!

4. Enzo Ferrari

Someone spread a false rumor that Ferraris will return to Hot Wheels on April 1, and I fell for it. It's not likely the current license holder will stop working with the Italian brand, so we'll have to work with existing collectibles instead. Prices are way up for scarcity reasons, so I don't own a single Hot Wheels Ferrari.

Speed Machines contains 11 different "Prancing Poney" castings, with two variations for the Enzo. Red is the classic way to go, but I find the Metallic Blue one fascinating. Ready $200 to $300 if you want them both.

5. Ferrari 599 XX

With 11 castings to choose from, I struggled to include just two of them on this list. Some of you would have structured it differently, and that's perfectly normal. I oscillated between the 333SP and the 599 XX for several minutes before deciding on the latter. There are four variations: black, red, yellow, and a ZAMAC model.

On two occasions, the 599 XX reached Super Treasure Hunt status. The black replica is my least favorite and one of the cheapest to buy, alongside the yellow 599 XX. As for the ZAMAC, you best not tell your wife about it, as prices start at $600 apiece.

6. Lamborghini Countach

Lamborghini is this series' second most popular manufacturer, with five cars inside (tied with Porsche). The Police Gallardo LP 560-4 was pretty cool, but I ultimately eliminated it from the list.

And I've never felt strongly about either of the two Reventons either. That left me with two cars; the Countach is the first one. Mattel has created several Countach castings in the past.

But this one replicates the 25th Anniversary model. Dave Weise designed it, which debuted when I was eight (1997). The Speed Machines iteration was the last but final appearance, and it's a real nostalgic throwback to the '80s. If you can find one for less than $100, it's quite the bargain.

7. Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV

The Murcielago LP 670-4 SV takes us 20 years into the future, revealing how far automotive technology has advanced during that period. Speed Machines was the debut series for this casting in 2011, and yellow just looks right on any Lambo.

There's only one variation of the casting in the series (with just two more to look for if you want the complete collection). For once, I don't mind the black wheels. I hope Mattel will return it for a Car Culture or Boulevard release soon. Until then, you'll need between $165 to $320 to take it home.

8. McLaren F1 GTR

Seeing all these amazing cars makes me think that the 2010 Speed Machines series marked the start (or the end) of the Golden Age of Hot Wheels. After two Ferraris and two Lamborghini, you can think about the McLaren F1 GTR (one of my all-time favorite HW castings).

It's the only other collectible besides the 599 XX to have four iterations in the series, each sporting a different design. The one in Metallic Red with yellow wheels is the most stunning, which is why it costs the most (up to $250).

9. Porsche 911 GT1-98

I have loved the 911 GT1-98 since I used it to race on the virtual Autobahn in Need for Speed: Porsche over 20 years ago. It's one of the cars I'd include on my "To Drive Bucket List," but I'm not sure what it would take to convince Porsche to let me give it a go. So, a tiny replica of it will have to do for now.

This Mark Jones-designed casting isn't perfect, but it's still pretty exciting. It's a shame Mattel discontinued it right after the Speed Machines series, and you know what that means. I've seen cheaper Super Treasure Hunt collectibles, as this item costs between $154 and $180 on most days.

10. Saleen S7

I recently showcased an iteration of the Saleen S7 as part of the Hot Wheels Hall of Fame: Legends series dating back to 2003. That was the sixth take on the Phil Riehlman-designed casting, as it had debuted in 2002. The 2006 Bullrun iteration was spectacular in Purple with its 6-Spoke Real Riders wheels, and collectors had to wait several years before another cool S7 came out.

It just so happens that the two Speed Machines models were the last hoorah for the tiny Saleen supercar. I'd have difficulty choosing between the orange and the yellow ones, so I'm happy to report that buying them both won't cost more than $150. And that brings me to the last point of the day. I promised I'd tell you how much these 10 Speed Machines castings are worth on today's market, judging by eBay standards.

The 20 collectibles could set you back between $2,300 and $3,500. It will still leave you 57 items short of having the complete Speed Machines collection. So, I imagine the whole endeavor might scare the living daylight out of some of you. But I'll dive deeper into the topic with my next story.