New Hot Wheels Team Transport Set Looks Like an Instant Classic

The people at Mattel are well aware of that. Digging through the archives, you will find plenty of trucks of all shapes and sizes. Team Transport isn't entirely new, as it has several predecessors. But I've talked about that in some of my previous TT stories. So far, for 2024, we've had two sets coming out.

Mix 1 was almost all-American, except for the Fiat 131 Abarth. Mix 2 was considerably more enticing, introducing a brand-new casting: the '66 Porsche 906 Carrera 6. It also featured new iterations of two popular existing models: the '96 Honda Accord and the Sauber-Mercedes C9. Now, we can finally admire Mix 3 in all of its splendor.

But I'm eager about Mix 4: it will feature five novelties! And I've already put one of them on my bucket list for 2024. We'll likely have to wait at least two more months before getting a closer look at it. And it will take even more until it arrives in a store near you.

Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R LBWK

Ryu Asada was a master at designing JDM castings, and the Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R LBWK is a testament to that. If you have ever heard about Wataru Kato or Liberty Walk, you're probably familiar with this machine.

It's almost surprising Mattel chose to launch it in the Mainline series first, as that basic 5-spoke wheel design just didn't do the car justice. The casting moved on to the Nissan Collector set in 2023, finally using Real Riders wheels. You'll see another non-premium iteration in stores this year. But the one model that isn't likely to become a peg-warmer is this Team Transport release.

With the new Mini Classic 4-Spoke Real Riders rims, this casting can finally claim the coveted Kiusha King title. It could have only been better if it had opening doors, but that's not something we can hope to see anywhere else outside the Elite 64 or the RLC series.

Fleet Flyer

The Fleet Flyer has been around since the start of the Team Transport series. I am still keen on finding that epic Momo/Porsche 962 combo from Mix 2 of 2018. I recently showed you a preview of the BRE Collector Set and discussed the old BRE Fleet Flyer iteration.

I can name at least two more epic variations. The Falken Tires one is still decently priced, but I can't say the same about the Supreme set. I have seen one of those with an asking price of $400. It's not likely the LBWK Fleet Flyer will ever become that expensive, which is a big relief.

It uses the same blue-on-black theme as the Nissan, and I can already imagine how big of an impact these would make pulling into a car show. It's the fourth time this casting uses the Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels. But I think either the Deep Dish or Steelies ones were much better.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Manson Cheung designed the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which debuted in Team Transport in 2020 in the Silver and Black IWCRacing livery. The Iconic Racers Collector Set version was even better, as it had a cleaner look.

It was almost surprising that Mattel opted to bring the casting to the Mainline series the following year. You must purchase 11 items (including the new release) to own the complete collection. Last year's Super Treasure Hunt model is rather costly, and someone was bold enough to post it up on eBay for $700.

I suggest you find something for less than $100, which is perfectly feasible. I have mixed feelings about the 2024 Team Transport release. There's nothing wrong with it per se, but it feels like we've had too many silver/grey iterations for this one to bring any more excitement to the table.

'55 Mercedes-Benz Blaues Wunder

The moment every single Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz fan has been waiting for is finally here. It's not often that the hauler takes center stage inside a Premium Collector Set.

But that's exactly what happened last year with the Jay Leno's Garage display. With two Ford vehicles and Jay's Tank car, the '55 Mercedes-Benz Blaues Wunder stole the show as it was the only brand-new casting. It's an iconic machine for MB fans, and I imagine it would still leave a lasting impression on you today.

Sadly, for authenticity's sake, I'm not sure what Mattel can do with this casting in the future. It's almost to be expected that the Team Transport release looks just like the Premium Collector one. Suppose the designers decide to change colors: that may ruin the excitement for most people. So, changing wheels or decals is perhaps the only feasible move forward for the classic German hauler.

'63 Chevy Nova

Rob Matthes designed the '63 Chevy Nova casting, and it's a shame we don't see it more often. It's almost like a cosmic object that only occurs every few years. The First Edition appeared in the 2009 Dragstrip Demons collection alongside 29 more spectacular 1/4-mile warriors.

It was part of the same series the following year, albeit with a different livery. Then it vanished until 2018, when it was again a Dragstrip Demon special with a II Much II Soon theme. The following (and latest) release was in 2021, this time in Boulevard. And we haven't seen it since.

All five variations share the same wheel design: the Mag-Style Real Riders. Be sure to check out the two ones with Goodyear tires, though! It's great that Mattel brought some diversity to Mix 3, as it carries us through the USA, Germany, and Japan in one go.

'88 Chevy Silverado 3500 & Rally Trailer

At last, there's something new to look for in Team Transport Mix 3! The '88 Chevy Silverado 3500 is a rather unexpected surprise, a joint effort by designers Mark Jones and Ronald Wong. You can think of this casting as a replacement for the Customized C3500 (available between 1998 and 2019).

The VP Racing Fuels livery matches the design of the Chevy Nova, and the Real Riders Steelies are just what you'd expect on a truck this age. One of the cool things about it is the hitch that allows it to tow the Rally Trailer. This Team Transport combo has three items inside, and many collectors will see that as a bonus.

We have seen the Rally Trailer four times before, as part of the Team Transport line-up and the Group B Collector set. As always, I advise you to be patient until these sets arrive in a nearby store. Pre-ordering them from sketchy sellers could end badly, and it's not worth paying triple the price for something that isn't unique at all.