HOT Wheels diecast metal cars continue to enthrall collectors with more enthusiasts seeking out the miniature wonders to add to their collection in recent years.
Passion for the miniature metal cars, a product of the 1960s, continues to grow in Malaysia, with a new generation picking up the habit of collecting the cars.
The craze reached a crescendo recently with the launch of the Hot Wheels 1985 Proton Saga special edition in April this year, which saw ardent collectors rush to shops retailing them.
The unique feature was the design of the packaging, featuring artwork of the country’s national flower, the hibiscus rosa-sinensis, along with a Malayan tiger, hornbill, Petronas Twin Towers, and National Monument.
The Vibes recently visited Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya to seek out collectors selling the Proton Saga and their array of limited-edition vehicles that could be priced in the thousands of ringgit, while cheaper versions start at RM5.
Retired businessman Yap Kim Bok, 75, who has been operating Legendary Toys together with his son for the last 11 years said he got into the business to help his son sell his collection of cars.
“We have a variety of cars here, but locals like to seek out Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline and many other Japanese cars, while the older folks like the Volkswagen Beetle or the Combi van. The older the car, the more valuable it is.
“In my collection, I have a few cars that are 40 years old, which are Ferrari, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Mini Cooper, and others.
“Our cars range from RM10 to more than RM500. We also have the 55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser, which is worth more than RM1,500 but that is not for sale, it is for my collection.”
He said that customers are abundant, but they are not spending as much as before.
“Previously, I could sell up to 100 cars on the weekend. They used to splurge, but because of our current economy, many have limited their purchases.”
As for the craze for the Proton Saga, he said that when it first arrived, people were scrambling for it, but now, not so much. He is currently selling it for RM60.
The mall started operations in 1988, while the flea market has been around for more than 20 years. It is a well-known place for those who are seeking antiquities, paintings, stamps, handmade arts, jewellery, t-shirts, and a variety of secondhand items.
Apart from the various shops, hobbyists and collectors have been coming on the weekends to seek out Hot Wheels collections, Lego, action figures, comics, and many other new and old toy collectibles.
Another avid collector Chia JH, 70, who manages a stall on the weekends for the last 12 years, said he started collecting Hot Wheels in 2003.
“I just started it as a hobby many years ago because I like toys. Then I found out that Hot Wheels have value to it. The older it is, the more valuable it becomes.
“So, I started collecting more of the same Hot Wheel cars from the distributor and started selling it and trading it for other cars.”
Chia, who is a retired engineer, said that he has more than 20,000 cars in his collection, amassed over the years and worth more than RM100,000.
“When I was collecting my cars, I had already decided that this would be my retirement plan to earn an income.”
He also added that he has a collection of Hot Wheels Fantasy Cars, which not many collectors have and that will become rare and valuable in the future.
Chia said that his customers range from the age of six to 70. He sells his cars from RM10 to more than RM1,000.
As for the Proton Saga, he said that he has stock and customers are still enquiring about it.
“People like it because it is our national car.” – August 4, 2024.
