So is there another Fast & Furious line coming?

Evidence is mounting that something Fast & Furious-related is coming to Hot Wheels.  We don't know if it will be in the form of another special line, or if it will be integrated into the mainline, but something is in fact coming.

We now have better pics of the upcoming Ford Gran Torino Sport in green, and while we initially thought it was just a recolor of the 2011 First Edition, it actually is a new, fresh deco:

And it looks amazing.  Now why do we think it is part of a Fast & Furious set?  First, it looks exactly like the Torino driven by Fenix in the 4th (?) movie.  (Hopefully I got that right.  I was lambasted for getting the driver wrong the last time I reported on this model.)

Second, we have seen images of the Hot Wheels R34 Skyline with the exact same deco as the Fast & Furious R34 released last year.  Silver with blue striping.  Only this one is the modified casting with the metal spoiler.  Last year's R34 had the plastic spoiler.  So that is coming as well, we just don't know where.

It could possibly be that a second F&F line was already in the process of being made for the 7th F&F, which was set to be released this year until the tragic death of Paul Walker.  The models then could be integrated into the mainline, or released as a special edition anyway.  Nonetheless, something is coming.

Will it be many of the same models as last year, with a few additions like the Torino?  We have no idea, but there are plenty of possibilities, including the Hakosuka Skyline used in the 5th movie.

We will wait and see, but one way or the other, we are very excited to see another nice, clean version of the Gran Torino on its way...

Lamley News: New multipack version of the '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport is out...

UPDATE: We were told this was found in a multipack, but could this be a new Fast & Furious model?  It looks an awful lot like Letty's Torino, as was pointed out by a reader.  We have heard rumors of the new metal spoiler R34 Skyline in the same livery as the FF R34 last year, so we are now wondering.  Thoughts?

How much do you love Hot Wheels' approach to multipack models?  Gift packs used to be 10 cars, 9 of which were standard mainlines, with one exclusive.  If you liked the exclusive, you might pick up the pack.  The other nine models didn't give you too many reasons to pick it up.

But that has changed.  Gift packs still contain the special exclusive, but among the other models are many other multipack exclusive cars.  And while some are non-licensed, many are bonus recolors of previous licensed models.  The list of multipack exclusive models is now extensive, and many get a new color each year.

Well we have another that at least those of us at Lamley are pretty excited about.  Someone at Mattel must share the same passion that we have for the '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport.  It is our favorite muscle casting, and it has been everywhere since its debut in 2011.

Let's review:

2011 - 3 colors
2012 - 3 colors (one Walmart exclusive), Kroger exclusive Super Speeders
2013 - 2 colors, one Super TH, one RLC exclusive
2014 - 2 colors

That comes out to 13 different versions in four years.  And we happily have collected them all.

There is now a 14th, and it is a fifth color of the 2011 New Models version.  To refresh your memory, here are the three colors from 2011 and the fourth color from the 2012 Super Speeders line:

Here is the fifth, now found in multipacks:

Different wheels, and no "Gran Torino" on the side stripe, but the rest is the same.  Once we find it, it's going into the collection.  Even if we have to pay $10 to get it...

Just Unveiled: New color for the Hot Wheels Gran Torino Sport, and a Zamac Chevelle SS Wagon...

Just wanted to share a couple of images that appeared late last week that got us here at Lamley excited.

There are certain models that we are always happy to see in the mainline, and the two we are previewing today are high on that list, in fact both are in our top 5 American car castings done by Hot Wheels.

Both have already been released in the 2014 mainline, both with licensed logos on the doors, and now both are getting recolors.

Starting with the Gran Torino Sport in white:

The Milodon logo remains, and it looks sharp in white.  Interesting that last year's K&N version came in blue and was recolored white.  Same this year.

Now while the Gran Torino Sport is our favorite of the two castings, the latest version of the Hurst Chevelle Wagon takes the cake.  We have already seen this on our favorite Brazilian website, but we wanted to share.  This model was a GREAT choice for a Walmart exclusive Zamac:

Zamacs look best when the design is simple, that is why we were such fans of the 240Z, Ferrari F12, and Lamborghini Aventador J last year.  This model may be the best Zamac so far in the two years Hot Wheels has been doing them via Walmart.  But we will reserve judgement until we have it in hand.

15 Super Treasure Hunts in 15 Days: 01 '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport...

With the last Hot Wheels Super Treasure Hunt of 2013 hitting the pegs, it is time look back at them all. Over the next 15 weekdays, the Lamley Group will showcase one Super each day, in order from first released to last...

So let's start with the first, the '72 Gran Torino Sport.

Up until 2012, I viewed Treasure Hunts as a novelty.  Something to amuse if miraculously encountered in one's travels.  There was the occasional release that sparked my attention, but all in all I didn't care that much.

But when Mattel switched things around in 2012, and made Super TH's literally "Super" versions of basic releases, that changed.  I look for the Supers, I want the Supers, and I...wait for it...collect the Supers now.  They are now licensed models or popular generics (Bone Shaker), and all quite the lookers.  I surely have favorites casting-wise and design-wise, but all in all I like the whole lot of them.  Now finding out what models will be the next Supers is a big deal, because it means those models will look great.

And in 2013 that starts with the Gran Torino.  The Gran Torino has been my favorite American car casting since it was released in 2011.  Great 70's shape, great 70's grill, and since its release a really nice variety of decos.  We have seen it in "stock" mode as a New Model, an updated modern deco in 2012, and now having a little racing fun in K&N livery (not to mention the stunning RLC model this year).  And as a Super?  It looks fantastic.

Another tidbit?  This is one of my Super TH finds in 2013.  Actually, it was 2012, in November, on my way to Denver with the family to visit the Van Gogh exhibit at the Denver Museum.  The store?  Target in the fantastic town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  Right in the middle of the day.  It was a great start to what has proven to be a lucky year of Super finds.

(Check out the Gran Torino Super listings on ebay...)

Hot Wheels '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport (2013 Super Treasure Hunt):

(coming tomorrow:)

First Look: Hot Wheels HWC Special Edition '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport...

For those of you who frequent the HWC, you will know that this is technically not the first "First Look" of this model.  That distinction belongs to the legendary John Rino, whose photographs motivate a lot of people to take up the hobby.

Taking photos like those that John does (second to none), and those we try to do, takes a lot of trial and error, a lot of patience, and the ability to adjust.  Some models don't want to cooperate, others don't come out right at all, and others take a little doctoring to show what they really look like to the naked eye.

But then are models like the HWC Special Edition Gran Torino Sport.  We haven't dealt with a lot of the RLC models, in their amazing spectraflame finish, but now that we have one...uh, wow.  The paint on this model is astounding.  You don't want to touch it, get fingerprints on it, and blemish it in any way.  So we photographed it and put it away, in its new home with all the other HW Gran Torino Sports.  And we bought a second to keep carded.

This Gran Torino Sport is a brand new casting, with quite a few modifications from the basic version.  The metal base and opening hood are the most obvious, but there are others as well, as you look closer.  The stance is slightly higher, which is fine with us.  It gets to show off its GT Real Rider shoes that way.

We have talked about this model before, and it is one of our favorites.  In fact, I am very comfortable saying the Gran Torino Sport is personally my favorite Hot Wheels American muscle car casting (although some would argue it isn't a muscle car at all).

Getting this version was a no brainer, which has not happened with us and RLC cars much in the past.  A lot of Hot Wheels collectors who are RLC members like the nostalgic Hot Wheels castings.  Those from early on.  It has been nice to see other castings mix in lately, like the IROC Camaro, 240Z, and Shelby Cobra, which makes us hope we might see even a higher variety of models as RLC exclusives in the future.

In the meantime, enjoy the pics.  They practically took themselves.

Wait, one other thing.  It frustrates me that the RLC is not available to overseas collectors.  We hear rumblings that Mattel is looking into the logistics of a worldwide RLC, and it is our hope that changes soon.  Hopefully soon, whoever in the world that wants to acquire one of these models can.  In the meantime, here are some that are available on ebay for anyone to snag.  Click on the link below:

Hot Wheels RLC '72 Gran Torino Sport


Hot Wheels '72 Ford Gran Torino Sport (2013 RLC Special Edition):

With this year's Super Treasure Hunt:

Model of the Day: Hot Wheels 2013 '72 Gran Torino Sport recolored in white...

I think I have made it clear enough that the '72 Gran Torino Sport is one of my favorite Hot Wheels castings.  I have dedicated more than a few posts to it, and that will stay pretty consistent, at least whenever a new version comes out.

So far Hot Wheels has treated very well those of us that like this casting.  Three versions in 2010, when it debuted, three colors in 2011, and now at least two colors in 2012, along with a Super Treasure Hunt and an RLC exclusive.  Hence, it is clear that I am not alone in liking this casting.

With that all being said, I should probably just get to the pics.  I don't know which of the K&N versions I like better, but if I had to choose I would be partial to this version in white.  Some people may not like the black base and grill, but I think it looks really sharp.


Hot Wheels '72 Gran Torino Sport (2013 mainline):