Photo: Mattel
I haven't bought a new Hot Wheels collectible in what feels like weeks already. Local stores have yet to receive any new Mainline cases, and I didn't find any recent Premium releases too attractive either. But it's all cyclical, and things can quickly change from one week to the next.
Most collectors I know are unhappy with Mattel's latest sELECTIONs vehicle: the 1972 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R. They would gobble up any Skyline R34 release, but they are more picky regarding older GT-Rs. But things are about to get slightly more exciting with the new Porsche collectible. This is not a new casting, as Mattel introduced the Red Line Club exclusive version of the 959 six months ago.
If you're a massive fan of this '80s icon, you might know by now that there are two other Hot Wheels castings replicating the design. Larry Wood designed the first one in the late '80s for its 1988 Speed Fleet debut. You'll find over 50 variations of it, but sadly, Mattel decided to pull the plug on the project in 2015. The other 959 replica is a Premium-only model that first appeared in 2020 as part of the Car Culture: Wild Terrain series.
A second variation appeared in the Deutschland Design mix, and a third one is on its way in Team Transport. But let's focus on the collectible at hand for a minute. As with many other recent RLC Exclusive releases, Brendon Vetuskey was responsible for this project. You'll see one of these items listed for $1,500 on eBay, which is outrageous. Keep digging patiently, and you can buy one for $50 or less.
The First Edition model featured a Spectraflame Oxblood finish and Real Riders Fifteen52 Outlaw wheels. Some collectors liked this design, but others felt it was the weak point of the car. So it comes as no surprise that Mattel has opted for a set of Real Riders Exotic on the second iteration of the 959. Arguably, the casting looks much better in Spectraflame True Black, and I wouldn't be surprised if Mattel sells more units this time.
Even though the buying limit is set at two collectibles per user, there's no telling how many RLC 959 will leave the factory in China. The diecast manufacturer used to put a cap at 30,000 units, but we might be looking at twice as many today. Still, scalpers are always ready to buy as many items as they can in the pursuit of securing a profit later down the road.
If you don't feel like paying twice as much for the 959 on eBay, your best chance is to log on to Mattel's webshop on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 9 AM PT. Spending $25 on the new iteration is an excellent way to celebrate 75 years of Porsche, especially since it features an opening rear section.
If you're a massive fan of this '80s icon, you might know by now that there are two other Hot Wheels castings replicating the design. Larry Wood designed the first one in the late '80s for its 1988 Speed Fleet debut. You'll find over 50 variations of it, but sadly, Mattel decided to pull the plug on the project in 2015. The other 959 replica is a Premium-only model that first appeared in 2020 as part of the Car Culture: Wild Terrain series.
A second variation appeared in the Deutschland Design mix, and a third one is on its way in Team Transport. But let's focus on the collectible at hand for a minute. As with many other recent RLC Exclusive releases, Brendon Vetuskey was responsible for this project. You'll see one of these items listed for $1,500 on eBay, which is outrageous. Keep digging patiently, and you can buy one for $50 or less.
The First Edition model featured a Spectraflame Oxblood finish and Real Riders Fifteen52 Outlaw wheels. Some collectors liked this design, but others felt it was the weak point of the car. So it comes as no surprise that Mattel has opted for a set of Real Riders Exotic on the second iteration of the 959. Arguably, the casting looks much better in Spectraflame True Black, and I wouldn't be surprised if Mattel sells more units this time.
Even though the buying limit is set at two collectibles per user, there's no telling how many RLC 959 will leave the factory in China. The diecast manufacturer used to put a cap at 30,000 units, but we might be looking at twice as many today. Still, scalpers are always ready to buy as many items as they can in the pursuit of securing a profit later down the road.
If you don't feel like paying twice as much for the 959 on eBay, your best chance is to log on to Mattel's webshop on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 9 AM PT. Spending $25 on the new iteration is an excellent way to celebrate 75 years of Porsche, especially since it features an opening rear section.
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