On the heels of last year's release of the RLC Exclusive BRE Racing Datsun 510, comes news that another Japanese racing classic will be an RLC Exclusive in 2014.
RLC members were treated this morning to the first E-Sheet images of the Carroll Shelby SCCA Toyota 2000GT, which will be released to RLC members later this year. We will adhere to Mattel's request that we not show RLC sneaks, but this one is not a hard car to picture in your head. Just imagine this car in this exact livery on Hot Wheels NEO wheels (that same that are on the RLC 510):
This marks a full-circle return for the Hot Wheels Toyota 2000GT. In 2012, Mattel had a great idea for an adult collectible series that focused on many different racing vehicles. Each mix focused on a specific racing series. Unfortunately due to price point, bland early mixes and over-ordering, the Racing series met its demise before the last two mixes could be made. One was a mix focused on rally racing, the other on the SCCA racing series. One of those vehicles was to be Shelby's Toyota 2000GT and was supposed to be the first release of the new casting. But due to the aforementioned circumstances, it never made it passed prototype stage, and the casting didn't debut until the following model year in the mainline (and as a Super TH).
But it is back in the livery in which it was intended to debut. And it should be popular. Like the BRE 510, it appeals to JDM fans (obviously), but American racing fans as well. Carroll Shelby is an American icon, even when he was racing a Japanese sports car.
While we are thrilled about the release of this model, be warned that it will be in very limited numbers. We assume the numbers will be in the 3000 range, so expect a sellout. And if you are not an RLC Member, and live in the US, now is the time to join. RLC memberships are limited, and they are selling out quickly.
You can get the membership details here:
Hot Wheels 2014 RLC Memberships
What do you think?
