10 Exciting Hot Wheels Cars That Are a Blast From the Past

By that, I mean journeying through time and discovering old castings. They're not all amazing, but we all have different preferences. But it's easy to find models that will blow your mind. The hard part is sometimes buying them, as they might be too rare or old to see in a pristine condition. Sure, there's always the option of buying one that's beat up and restoring its former shine.

But that takes more patience and skill. Today, I'm looking through a series called Auto Affinity, which debuted 20 years ago. I was still in high school, and 2 Fast 2 Furious had only been around briefly. Collectors could get ten sets containing four castings with one or more iterations each. I initially planned to select the most exciting casting from each set, but ultimately, I ignored the Special Delivery mix in favor of something else. Without further ado, I'll show what Hot Wheels models I'd add to my collection.

1. Cadillac Escalade

I know of seven different Hot Wheels replicas of the Cadillac Escalade. Sadly, some are 'Tooned or Blings models, so they are unrealistic. The 2004 casting stands out from the crowd and looks cool in any display.

The only problem is that you'll find just eight variations, and that might not be enough to satisfy your appetite for it. The 6-Spoke Bling wheel design has been standard for the Escalade for most of its shelf life, with two exceptions: the First and Final Editions.

The Escalade debuted in Auto Affinity with two models; one had 5-Spoke Mag-Style Real Riders rims. Getting both items will cost between $15 to $30.

2. Dodge M80

Here's a car you might have forgotten about. You may not have heard about the Dodge M80 if you're younger. The American manufacturer unveiled the project in 2002 but never followed through with the idea.

That wouldn't stop Mattel from releasing a tiny replica of it, though. Phil Riehlman designed the casting for its 2003 First Editions release, which survived until 2012. That was enough time for 11 variations, two of which were part of the Auto Affinity Down & Dirty set.

They're also the only two you will see with Real Riders wheels on, and I don't remember seeing this design on another Hot Wheels vehicle before. You could get both of these cars for about $10, which is quite the bargain!

3. Dodge Viper GTS-R

Moving on, we've got another Dodge casting. But this time, we're looking at the Viper GTS-R that Mark Jones designed. Since its 2001 debut, we have seen 18 iterations, the latest of which is part of a Mopar 5-Pack that came out this year.

It means it's the only casting on the list that's still around today! This GTS-R was part of the "Got Speed?" set alongside other formidable machines such as the Cadillac Cien, the Ferrari 360 Modena, and the Mercedes SL55. I know it's not perfect and quite outdated by today's standards.

But it's also the only iteration to have ever sported Real Riders wheels, and that has to count for something, right? You could pay $60 for the whole set of four cars, but the GTS-R will cost less than $25 on any given day.

4. Elwoody

If you have been part of the game for long enough, you can instantly tell that the '50s Buick Woody is Larry Wood's work. It appeared on Real Riders wheels from day one and underwent 15 variations until its demise in 2006.

It had two iterations as part of the Great 8's set, and you'd be hard-pressed to choose between them. Mattel renamed it Elwoody for this collection, and the most interesting part is that it had a limited run of only 20,000 pieces! That's rarer than Red Line Club exclusive releases in 2024.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have the Corvette from this set, but I thought I'd show you something different for once. And fret not! The scarcity doesn't mean these iterations are expensive to buy!

5. Dodge Sidewinder

Haul 'N' Asphalt was a pickup truck-exclusive set featuring the Customized Chevy C3500, the Steel Flame, the '69 Chevy Stepside, and the Dodge Sidewinder. Let's focus on the latter one for a bit!

It's another Dodge concept vehicle that didn't make it into production. Like the Dodge Ram SRT-10, it had a Viper V10 engine inside! Riley and Scott designed the chassis, while Mark Jones completed the Hot Wheels replica. Between 1998 and 2009, there were a few noticeable iterations in the market.

But neither stands out as much as the Haul 'N' Asphalt version with 5-Spoke Mag-Style Real Riders on. It definitely looks like a one-of-a-kind Hot Rod, and you could own one for less than $10.

6. '58 Thunderbird

The Kool and Kustom set featured four castings with 11 variations. Some cars came in three different liveries, while the '49 Ford only had two. The '58 Thunderbird is yet another forgotten piece of art by Larry Wood, as it vanished from the market in 2016.

There are 10 variations to look for, and the Auto Affinity releases are definitely on top of the list. I particularly enjoy seeing the Metalflake Light Blue one as it sports BNG-type Real Riders wheels, a rim design Mattel discontinued many years ago.

Prices are once again quite affordable, and it's all increasingly more tempting the more I think about it.

7. '62 Chevy

This '62 Chevy casting is been gone for more than 10 years now! You could find it in stores between 2004 and 2013, often running some sort of 5-spoke wheel variation. Interestingly, Mattel used four variations in Auto Affinity.

The first appeared in the Motor City Muscle set, while the other three were part of the Rebel Rods mix. I enjoy that the diecast manufacturer didn't ruin these with any unnecessary graphics, producing vivid and darker iterations.

I'd love to have either the red or the black one, but that may kickstart the need to complete the line-up later.

8. '69 Brawner Hawk

Rebel Rods wasn't special just because of the '62 Chevy. It also featured the '71 Mustang Funny Car. But it also contained two very exciting and rather rare castings. Coincidence or not, Larry Wood designed both of them.

I'll only focus on the '68 Brawner Hawk for today, but I'm sure some of you will enjoy the '27 Miller equally. It's a replica of an Indy Car that will take you back to the '60s. But sadly, there are only two iterations to look for, both of which are Auto Affinity models. With a limited run of 20,000 units each, it's clear which is the most popular.

It's not just that the red one has Deep Dish Real Riders wheels, but it's a replica of Mario Andretti's 1969 Indy 500-winning race car! I found a single listing on eBay for this casting, and somehow, the seller is willing to let go of them for $30.

9. 1/4 Mile Coupe

The last two items on today's list are part of the Rockin' Rods set and have a similar vibe. Greg Padginton designed the 1/4 Mile Coupe, and its purpose in life is easy to understand.

Between 2003 and 2016, Mattel unveiled 22 iterations, mostly focusing on cheaper models. The 2003 Highway 35 World Race: Scorchers version had CM5 wheels on, which made it slightly more interesting than most. But the Auto Affinity design still reigns supreme with its white and blue livery and Deep Dish Real Riders.

I have seen this selling for as cheap as $6, and that makes you wonder about the real value of Hot Wheels cars after years and years since the hype died out.

10. Tire Fryer

Here's another suggestive name for you: Tire Fryer. It's one open-wheel casting I wouldn't mind having at home, although I'd be inclined to overlook most basic designs. There are only 12 iterations on the market, and the Rockin' Rods one is the most spectacular.

It has the BNG-type Real Riders, and the tires also have Goodyear decals for added authenticity. The black and silver livery works great with the traditional Hot Wheels flames, and I wish Mattel would reveal more similar products in this day and age.