Mattel took the world by storm when they revolutionized the toy car industry by introducing Hot Wheels in 1968. While Mattel did not invent the genre, they quickly became the industry’s front-runner with their stylish, speedy cars. They also set the standard by ensuring that the Hot Wheels would grip onto their plastic tracks, allowing the company to create memorable playsets to accompany their cars. Moreover, their licensing deals ensured that the toy line featured the most popular vehicles.
Hot Wheels began when Elliot Handler, one of Mattel’s co-founders, convinced himself that he could create the hot rod of die-cast cars. He kicked off the Hot Wheels brand by enlisting another toy engineer, Jack Ryan. They also brought in experienced car designers, like Harry Bentley Bradley, to design the vehicle.
To help the toys look correct, the team agreed to customize their licensed vehicles to look right at the toy’s scale. They also applied a unique Spectraflame paint, which featured a transparent color layer painted over chrome. Then, the design team looked for a light yet sturdy material that would allow them to reduce the vehicle’s weight, which led them to use mandolin strings and special bushings for the axles. This all led to stylish miniature cars that could swiftly accelerate on their hot wheels.
During the first decade of production, the Hot Wheels toys were defined by their stylish plastic wheels that featured a red line. Thus, this generation of cars became known as the Redlines. While Mattel has brought back this style in future lines, Hot Wheels fans love to hunt down the rare toys from the original Redline run. Thus, these toys have become extremely expensive on the second-hand market.
Presenting the ten most expensive Hot Wheels Redline vehicles that have sold on online auction sites
As the decades have passed, locating mint copies of the original Redline Hot Wheels has become increasingly challenging. Many of these toys have been heavily played with over the years. So, it is more common to find these toys in worn conditions, with chipped paint. However, mint copies still appear on the second-hand market from time to time. As these toys are rare, fans expect to pay high prices for the chance to own them.
So, we sought out the ten most expensive Hot Wheels Redline toy vehicles that have sold on online auction sites. To achieve this goal, we weeded out any listings for modern cars that still claimed to be Redline vehicles. We also excluded any listings for store displays, collections, or lots. Moreover, we only considered the most expensive listing of each car.
10. Hot Wheels Redline Rodger Dodger Enamel Blue (1974)
As Hot Wheels became successful in the toy aisles, Mattel introduced new vehicles to the toy line. Using their various licensing deals, Mattel was able to feature the hottest cars around. Likewise, they revealed a toy version of the 1973 Dodge Charger SE for their 1974 line-up. After customizing and redesigning the car, it debuted as the Rodger Dodger.
Like most Hot Wheels Toys, the Rodger Dodger was available in multiple color schemes. Initially, this mold came out in a plum and blue enamel paint variant. Mattel brought it back to store shelves for the next few years in a second enamel plum version and three various gold chrome releases. The three enamel paint versions all featured flame-themed tampos. Meanwhile, the later gold chrome versions traded the flames for geometric lines. Moreover, all versions of this mold featured a prominent V8 motor that poked out from the middle of the hood.
While this mold has returned to store shelves with retools decades later, the original redline version is still beloved by fans. However, one eBay listing offered an even rarer sample of this toy. Rather than present a toy bought from the stores, it featured a salesman sample. This seller also had other salesman samples of Hot Wheels vehicles and the case in separate listings. So, a buyer could obtain a complete set from the seller.
This listing featured the enamel blue variant of the Rodger Dodger from the 1974 release. When it closed on January 24, 2021, this Hot Wheels Redlines car was reported as sold for $8,178.00.
9. Hot Wheels Redline Custom Camaro Chocolate (1968)
As Mattel prepared to launch the Hot Wheels brand, they had their designers prepare 16 attention-grabbing cars. One of the chosen ambassadors to the brand was the ever-popular sports car, the Chevrolet Camaro, which the company introduced back in 1966. Even though the company planned to release a new model in 1968, Hot Wheels designer Harry Bradley based the car on the 1967 design. He then customized the appearance to remain appealing in Hot Wheels standard size.
When Mattel released the first Custom Camero with the rest of the Sweet Sixteen, it was made available in a wide variety of colors. Each of these cars featured the specialized Spectraflame paint that allowed the metal to shine through the paint. There was a color choice: blue, antifreeze, lime, green, red, medium blue, olive, aqua, purple, rose, light blue, creamy pink, copper, orange, gold, and dark brown. Notably, a rare white enamel variant was present only during the prototype phase.
One of these rare original Hot Wheels vehicles was available on eBay in 2022. The listing labeled the car’s color scheme as chocolate, which matches the dark brown Spectraflame variant. Even though this vehicle was in excellent condition, it was loose from its package. When the listing ended on September 22, 2022, this toy vehicle was reported as sold for $8,500.00.
8. Hot Wheels Redline Custom Fleetside Orange Over Chrome (1968)
Another vehicle that kicked off the Hot Wheels brand was the Custom Fleetside, which Mattel’s Harry Bradley based on the Chevrolet Fleetside. Chevrolet introduced this iconic pickup truck in 1958, which was already a classic part of car culture in 1968. As such, it made an excellent addition to the first line-up of Hot Wheels vehicles.
When Harry Bradley was tasked with creating this toy car, he based his designs on the Chevy El Camino. Through heavy customization, he was able to transform it into a toy that resembled the Fleetside. Mattel then released this toy in multiple Spectraflame colors. It came in purple, orange, aqua, green, copper, blue, and red. Each of these colors was transparent, so they showcased the metal underneath.
One of these original Sweet Sixteen Hot Wheels Redline vehicles appeared on eBay in 2020. Even though this toy was loose, it still gathered traction with sellers. Furthermore, this vehicle was not pristine, for it had some scattered chips. Despite its defects, the listing closed with a recorded final sales price of $9,988.88 on November 09, 2020.
7. Hot Wheels Redline Custom Mustang Red (1968)
Like many vehicles within the Sweet Sixteen line-up, the Ford Mustang was a staple of American culture. This muscle car drove into the scene in 1964. It quickly became one of the most popular muscle cars around. Thus, Harry Bradley customized a toy vehicle based on the 1967 Ford Mustang for the first set of Hot Wheels.
Like the rest of the Sweet Sixteen cars, the Custom Mustang was painted with Mattel’s Spectraflame colors. Coating the metal with transparent paint allowed the metal to shine through the color. Thus, they felt even more like full-size vehicles. The Custom Mustang was available in olive, anti-freeze, gold, purple, aqua, blue, lime green, green, red, light blue, ice blue, brown, creamy pink, rose, orange, and watermelon.
One of these rare original cars from the Hot Wheels toy line appeared on eBay in 2022. This vehicle was still sealed on its blister card. Thus, the buyer could enjoy the original packaging, highlighting the car’s low-friction wheel bearings, exclusive torsion-bar suspension, and “mag” wheels. This red vehicle also came with its original collector’s button. When the listing ended on April 29, 2022, the toy car reportedly sold for $9,995.00.
6. Hot Wheels Redline Red Baron Wood Carved Prototype from Larry Wood Collection (1970)
Even though Larry Wood was not part of the Hot Wheels brand from its inception, he became one of the most influential members of the team. Wood joined the Hot Wheels design team in 1969 after Howard Rees invited him to join Mattel’s team. Previously, he had designed cars for Ford, so he had a strong feel for how cars should look.
Larry Wood quickly became one of the toy line’s most beloved designers. His work at Mattel lasted for decades, with his final toy design appearing in 2019. Even in his retirement, Larry Wood remains active in the community. He even creates freelance art. Thus, fans were excited when many pieces from his personal collection became available.
One of the unique prototypes that Larry Wood had in his collection was a wood-carved one for the Red Baron Hot Wheels Redline car. This creative die-cast toy vehicle came out in 1970. Even though Howard Rees was credited as the designer of this toy, the prototype was within Harry Wood’s collection.
When the Red Baron Prototype hit eBay in 2017, it quickly became one of the most expensive Hot Wheels toys ever. While this toy was created from hand-carved wood, it was painted to resemble the final product. The seller documented that they had obtained this item from Larry Wood’s collection, which was sold at the Nationals in Pittsburg. They also noted that there had been at least 34 other prototypes in the collection. This vehicle reportedly sold for $9,999.99 on April 13, 2017.
5. Hot Wheels Redline Cheetah Prototype (1968)
Before Mattel released the first sixteen Hot Wheels toys, most of the chosen vehicles underwent massive changes. In the case of the Python die-cast car, it began its development cycle as the “Cheetah.” Thus, the prototypes that Harry Bradley worked on were labeled as Cheetah cars. He took inspiration from a customized car that Bill Cushenbery introduced at the Car Craft Dream Rod show and then created the Cheetah. While the toy car began as the Cheetah, Mattel’s team later renamed it the Python.
Former Mattel employees are not the only ones gifted with unique cars and prototypes. In the case of the Cheetah Prototype, it was traced back to the Strauss Collection. Michael T. Strauss was an influential individual in the Hot Wheels fan community. His prominence even led to people referring to him as the father of Hot Wheels collecting. Thus, there is little surprise that he had rare, unique cars within his collection.
The Hot Wheels Redline Cheetah Prototype was made available on eBay in 2018. Unfortunately, this vehicle had no certificate of authenticity. Thus, buyers had to trust the seller’s word that this was a genuine prototype from the Strauss Collection. The prototype notably had a full black roof and red paint. When the listing closed on January 08, 2018, it reportedly sold for $10,000.00.
4. Hot Wheels Redline Mustang Stocker in White Enamel (1975)
Even though the Ford Mustang was part of the original sixteen Hot Wheels card, many other models of Mustangs popped up in the toy line. For instance, Ira Gilford and Larry Wood introduced the Mustang Stocker to the Hot Wheels line in 1975. While it is unclear what Mustang this car was based on, it became a welcome part of the Flying Colors line-up.
The 1975 launch of the Mustang Stocker die-cast vehicle came in a few different colors. These color variants included two yellow enamel variants and a white enamel car. Two of these original cars featured red and blue stripes that raced from the hood to the trunk. Meanwhile, the red lines featured the words “450 HP” on the hood and “Ford” on the roof. The second yellow enamel variant had a purple racing stripe that ran along the center of the hood, roof, and trunk. This design remained successfully in production from 1975 until 1978. It then returned for a run that started in 1982 and ended in 1983.
One of these vintage die-cast Hot Wheels cars was available on eBay in 2022. This vehicle was still in the blister card, which was in excellent condition. Not only was the blister crack-free, but the card was also unpunched. It gained traction with buyers as it was a white enamel variant of the Flying Colors Mustang Stocker. When the listing closed on July 11, 2022, this Hot Wheels Redlines car reportedly sold for $12,988.90.
3. Hot Wheels Redline Custom Barracuda Bronze with Rare Package Error (1968)
Occasionally, collectors and consumers encounter toys with distinctive packaging errors that make them stand out. Despite the quality checks of mass-produced items, some products exit factories and hit the market with various errors. Regarding packaging, toys can be packed into the wrong package, feature the wrong name on a card, come with another toy’s accessories, or even be inserted into the blister or box in the wrong position. These errors do not always mean a significant value increase, but they help toys stand out.
In 2020, one of the rare Hot Wheels Redlines vehicles, a Custom Barracuda, became available on eBay. The seller highlighted that this bronze-colored toy vehicle featured a rare packaging error. While most Hot Wheels toys faced toward the right in the packaging, this car was inserted so that it faced toward the left. Otherwise, the toy was in mint condition, with only a few blemishes on the card. Despite the factory error, the end sales price likely came from the prestige of the Redlines vehicle.
Harry Bradley designed the Custom Barracuda for the Hot Wheels Redline toy line in 1968. He based his designs on the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda to design this toy. This vehicle was prominently part of the original Sweet Sixteen that launched the entire brand. This vehicle came in multiple paint schemes, including Spectraflame Aqua, Gold, and Purple. It was also manufactured in both the US and Hong Kong between 1968 and 1969. As part of the first release of Hot Wheels, this vehicle has become highly treasured by collectors.
Thus, this auction ended on July 01, 2020, with a final recorded sale price of $15,000.00.
2. Hot Wheels Redline Olds 442 Lite Pink in the Blister Pack (1971)
Larry Wood introduced the 1970 version of the Old 442 to the Hot Wheels Redline toy line in 1971. Even though this vehicle was not a member of the original Sweet Sixteen, it became one of the rarest Hot Wheels molds around. Moreover, it was one of the earliest toys designed by Larry Wood, coming out during his second year at Mattel. These elements make it highly desirable to collectors and expensive on the second-hand market.
The Hot Wheels: Redline 1971 Olds 442 came in multiple Spectraflame colorations, such as light blue, light pink, and purple. Like the color schemes, the glass came in a few different tints, like clear or light blue. All variations of this Hot Wheels vehicle featured a white interior. Moreover, it featured an opening hood that revealed a detailed engine.
One of these Hot Wheels Redlines vehicles popped up on eBay in 2020. Despite this mold’s noted rarity, multiple variants are present on auction tracking sites. Thus, it did not make it to the top of our list. Moreover, the packaging was not in the best shape. For example, the seller noted that the hole had been bent around the right bottom corner. Otherwise, elements like the blister were clear with no visible defects.
When this listing ended on October 08, 2020, the toy car was documented as sold for $16,100.00.
1. Hot Wheels Redline Green Custom Charger Resin Prototype from the Larry Wood Collection (1969)
In 1969, Ira Gilford’s design for a Custom Charger became a part of the Hot Wheels Redline toy line. He based his designs on the 1969 Dodge Charger to create this classic part of the line. The Custom Charger mold came in a wide variety of colors. These color choices included Lime, Gold, Orange, and many more. The rarest of these color choices turned out to be the Spectraflame Brown variant. This toy car also featured a white interior and clear windows.
While there are a few different rare color schemes for this mold, there is no doubt that the rarest item is a prototype. Like many other toy companies, Mattel creates various prototypes to test the designs for their upcoming products. These allow designers to visualize their concepts and spot any potential issues. It also permitted executives to request changes before the product was finalized.
While it is common for employees to retain ownership of prototypes they created, sometimes prominent collectors or prominent figures from the company gain ownership. In the case of Larry Wood, he was one of the most celebrated designers of Hot Wheels toys for decades. As he rose to prominence in the company, eventually becoming the lead designer, he became known as Mr. Hot Wheels. Thus, his collection included cars from multiple designers, including Ira Gilford.
A prototype of the Custom Charger from Larry Wood’s private collection appeared on eBay in 2021. This unique prototype was created out of resin and painted green. Moreover, it came with a Certificate of Authenticity. When the listing closed on October 20, 2021, it ended with a documented $20,000.00 sales price.
Do you have old and used Hot Wheels Redline toys?
If you have a collection of old and used toys, you can turn those toys into cash. There is no reason to let those old toys collect dust. Contact us today to sell your Hot Wheels Redline toy collection.
Our professional, friendly, and expert staff have decades of experience as collectible toy buyers. If you are ready to sell your collection today, follow our link above or call us at 888-946-2895.
Made in Collaboration with:
Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!