HOT Wheels is an iconic brand of small-scale toy cars that’s been around since 1968. It was developed by toymaker Elliot Handler, who was also the co-founder of US-based toy company Mattel.
Hot Wheels’ are so popular around the world that collectors can be seen all over the globe, making collecting these small cars a favourite hobby of many.
In fact, there are some exclusive models that are hard to find in most toy stores.
The sentimental value of these toys has become the craze among a handful of individuals who are willing to spend large sums of money to get the Hot Wheels models they want.
Getaran spoke to Mohamad Khairi Akram Bin Azaman's, 27, who is a fan and hardcore collector of Hot Wheels toy cars. He has been collecting these toys for more than 10 years.
Where did the interest in collecting Hot Wheels come from?
This interest started back in primary school. Back then I had a circle of friends who often showed me their Hot Wheels cars. Normally, at such an age, we wanted to show our schoolmates the Hot Wheels cars that we had to each other. So every time I got the latest model, I would definitely take it to school.
When did you start collecting and how many Hot Wheels collections do you have?
As far back as I can remember it started in primary school back when I was in standard one. Back then I only had one Hot Wheels car.
Not to say that I will continue to own and collect as many models in the near future. It takes time.
Maybe some individuals feel this hobby of mine is a waste but I also started slowly and according to my ability. From a car to countless until now. Even when the movement control order (MCO) was implemented in 2020, I became more and more obsessed with Hot Wheels. I shopped for car models that I was interested in at the time.
How much have you invested in total?
Talking about investing, it’s a bit subjective actually. I can’t say in general how much money I’ve already spent to own each model I have. This is because the value or price of the collection also depends on the purchase from myself and the resale of my collection to other individuals.
Roughly speaking, as far as I remember, so far it may be in the RM3,000 to RM4,000 range investment that I have already made, and like I said it is based on investments that are always coming in and out. There are models that I am not interested in, so I will resell and buy a new model.
Which is the most expensive Hot Wheels car you have, and why is it so expensive?
Currently, the most expensive model I have ever bought costs RM1,200 per unit, which is the Skyline GT R34. Many also ask why it is so expensive.
Among the reasons it is expensive is because this car model is one of the cars featured in the movie Fast and Furious. In addition, only 12,500 units were produced worldwide. The serial number also plays a role, if the serial number of the model is smaller, then the price is higher.
What are some challenges in the care of your Hot Wheels collection?
So far, the challenge in caring for my collection has been to prevent it from being held or touched by children. This includes children, relatives, and neighbours who come over and want to play with the cars.
I'm not a stingy person and don't allow them to touch this collection, but I'm more worried about cars going missing or scratches to the body of the cars. In addition, as a hardcore collector, the dust and grime that appear on the cars are also a challenge, even though it is normal. So I have to be a little diligent to clean it. – The Vibes, May 29, 2022
* This story first appeared in our Malay-language sister portal Getaran
