5 Hot Wheels Cars Mattel Hasn't Used in Years

Being part of the game for over a decade, I've met all kinds of enthusiasts. Everyone has a different style of approaching the hobby, that's why their collections are so diverse. One funny thing I noticed with newcomers is that they tend to go on a speed run, purchasing everything in their way. And once they're done with all the newly-launched cars, they'll ask: where do I go from here?

In recent years, I have looked at various Hot Wheels series to uncover older models that people might love. Some of them are still around today, while others are now part of Mattel's archives. Today, I'm here to show you five more castings the diecast manufacturer hasn't used in years! They are all part of the Hot Wheels Heritage collection that showed up in 2015.

This collection branched out in two directions: the Real Riders line-up and the Redline series. I do not like the latter, so I'll focus on the other ones now. Oh, and you should know that it contained 18 castings, including the Porsche 917-K, the Ford Transit Supervan, and the Datsun 240Z, to name just a few.

Bubble Gunner

I know it's not like me to talk about unlicensed castings, but this one made me curious to learn more. It's not only one of the oldest vehicles in this set but also from Mattel's portfolio. Larry Wood designed it a decade before I was born for its 1979 Classy Customs debut.

Four more variations followed until 1983 when the diecast manufacturer somehow lost interest in it for almost 30 years! The retooled version showed up in 2011 with The Hot Ones mix, but it wasn't until 2015 that it finally ditched the BW wheels in favor of something more modern. The Hot Wheels Heritage version is the only Premium iteration in its "career," which is why it's so special.

Metalflake Dark Yellow was a suitable color, complemented by red, orange, and purple stripes. It might not have been as impressive without the 5-Spoke Mag-Style Real Riders wheels. And I must say I was rather surprised you can still pick it up for $7 or less.

Hare Splitter

It's not at all difficult to figure out what this car is. You must also applaud Mattel for developing this alternative name for the Volkswagen Golf MK1 (Rabbit). Unsurprisingly, this, too, is Larry Wood's work, and it's just as old as the Bubble Gunner. There were seven variations between 1979 and the mid-'80s.

And then, it vanished from the market until the 21st century. It came back with the 2012 The Hot Ones mix, and I think I'll have to review that one soon. Sadly, Mattel only used it twice (2012 and 2013) before coming up with the Heritage variation. I guess that's the company's way of sending off a product: fit it with your coolest features!

Metalflake Light Green was a brilliant choice for the little Golf, and that '70s throwback livery further increases its appeal. The Preferred Series, Real Riders wheels, might sweeten the deal if that's not enough for you. And then there's also that opening hood to think of! Get ready to spend between $15 to $40 to add it to your collection.

Custom Chevy Greenbrier Sports Wagon

Here's a casting I have never seen in a toy store before. And there is a good explanation for that. Mark Jones designed it about a decade ago, and it was only available for two short years: 2015 and 2016.

Unlike the previous two castings, this was a Premium-exclusive model. Two variations (out of three) were part of Pop Culture (Nestle and Peanuts), but both fall short of the Heritage First Edition release.

Maybe it's because of the shape of the car, the metal flake Blue finish, or the 10-spoke wheels, but I think it's a must-have for any Hot Wheels collection! Most of the listings I've seen on eBay have it sitting at less than $10.

Backwoods Bomb

You might want to sit down for this information: Larry Wood's Backwoods Bomb debuted in the 1975 Flying Colors series! Part of me tells me camping may have been more popular back then than today, but I may be wrong. Four variations came out until 1977, and then nothing. Fast-forward to 2012, and The Hot Ones was once again the series Mattel chose to resurrect this long-forgotten casting.

Interestingly, the diecast manufacturer used it for the following year's 13th Annual Hot Wheels Nationals Convention RLC Party. After an initial Mainline release in 2015, the world got the Heritage version of the Backwoods Bomb.

I don't think anyone would use flames on his camper truck in this day and age, but this is Hot Wheels we're talking about, after all. The orange and black combo is pretty cool in the grand scheme, and the Mag-Style Real Riders are the cherry on top here. Do yourself a favor, and don't pay $30 when you can get it for a fraction of that price.

'71 Plymouth Satellite

The final item on today's list is the '71 Plymouth Satellite. It's nothing like the brand-new 1955 Plymouth Savoy we saw in Boulevard Mix 3. But it's exciting to know that Brendon Vetuskey designed both of them.

Five of the seven iterations of the '71 Satellite were Premium models, starting with the 2013 Retro Entertainment: The Brady Bunch release. It showed up with the Tasmanian Devil on its door the following year, and it all ended in 2019 with an X-Men-themed design.

The Heritage version featured a typical Hot Wheels livery, using orange and red flames against a black body. Some may agree that this is one of the all-time most exciting Hot Wheels Station Wagons. And it's once again refreshing to know that a $10 budget is enough to seal the deal with most of the sellers on eBay.