Mattel Axes This Hot Wheels Mustang GT for a Good Reason

Of course, how I managed to fix those mistakes and set things on the right course helped keep those projects afloat. I'm not trying to take credit here; I'm just emphasizing that managing complex tasks in different departments is difficult. Even though I've never done a deep dive into Mattel's work process, I am certain its complexity is beyond what most people imagine.

After all, the toy manufacturer employs over 30,000 people while juggling with about 20 brands under its name. Mistakes are bound to happen all the time. Collectors have recently complained about Quality Control for some Red Line Club exclusive models, but that may not even be an in-house department for the company.

I don't remember seeing any blatant mistakes in recent years, although they might have existed, and I just didn't notice them. But something recently happened with the new Transformers Silver Line set that caught my attention. You may remember I recently discussed the latest Optimus Prime Truck, and I'm sad to say that none of the recent movies have felt exciting. I have been watching Transformers cartoons since the '90s, and I guess I'm still there sometimes mentally. Anyway, let's move on with the Hot Wheels set before I become all emotional.

Custom Volkswagen Beetle

The first item in this set is the Custom Volkswagen Beetle, a car most people will associate with Bumblebee. It's one of many Beetle castings in Mattel's Hot Wheels portfolio, but I'd say it's one of the nicer ones. It's Larry Wood's design and has been around since the 2007 Ultra Hots First Edition release.

The best part is that it used a metal base for many years, alternating with a plastic one for the less special series. Sadly, we haven't had a version with Real Riders wheels since the 2021 Mooneyes Volkswagen Car Culture 2-Pack. You'll need a rather large display case for the entire Custom Beetle collection, encompassing 40 variations with more on the way in 2025.

I haven't seen a photo of next year's Neon Speeders release yet, but I intend to pick up this yellow one. It's great that the paint job isn't perfect and shiny, and the Autobot logo on the front fender further adds to the excitement. The Cast 5-Spoke wheels are just what you'd expect on a Beetle, providing the same vibes as on classic Porsches.

Corvette C7.R

The Corvette C7.R is Ryu Asada's work, and I still remember its debut in the 2015 HW Race: World Race. Mattel revealed three more variations before promoting this casting to the Premium line with the 2016 Hot Wheels Entertainment: Gran Turismo set. It was one of the best collectibles, alongside the Ford GT and the Lamborghini Veneno.

It was the first and only time the C7.R featured a metal base and Real Riders wheels. At least the 2019 Speed Demons variation used the typical ID wheels and a Spectraflame paint job. If my math is right, the 2024 Transformers C7.R is the 15th iteration of the casting and the first one in green!

It's also the first time I've seen it rolling on Modern Muscle 5-Spoke wheels, and it pains me to think that several previous versions used TRAP5 rims. This car depicts the Autobot Crosshairs, a character I'm not even remotely invested in as I can't even remember his role in the Transformers Universe. I would consider buying the C7.R regardless of that if it wasn't for the questionable stance of this thing. I might just stick to my C8.Rs for now.

Ford Mustang GT

And here it is, the troublemaker. But before considering what's wrong with this Ford Mustang GT, let's look at its history first. It's the oldest casting, debuting in the 2004 First Editions miniseries. Dave Weise designed the pony car replica, which had its first big breakthrough with the 2012 Hot Wheels Boulevard: Concept Cars set.

Becoming part of the 2013 Treasure Hunt line was perhaps its only other memorable moment in all these years. Between 2015 and 2024, we only had five variations, and neither was particularly exciting. At least the team came up with an updated tooling in 2022, but that hasn't necessarily had a profound effect on this collectible's impact on the market.

And here is where the situation becomes tricky: as part of the Transformers set, this is the first replica of a Decepticon robot/car. Barricade always seems to get a whooping from Bumblebee, and he properly deserves it. In the first movie, he transforms into a 2007 Saleen S281E police car. And that's where things might have gone wrong for Mattel.

Following a short production run, the company recalled the product from the market, and some speculated it all boils down to a licensing issue with Saleen. Rumor has it that we will see this item on the pegs again soon but with a few differences. The recalled version had the number 984 on the roof, and the new one will feature 643.

However, the other theory refers to the decals on the rear quarter panel: "To punish and enslave." It's not the message you want to send to little kids buying your products. Just like we can't have Jagermeister or Rothmans-themed cars, we can't have anti-social messages on these collectibles either. Of course, the whole thing has triggered a frenzy in the community, as some Mustang GTs were available on eBay for a short while, and they've become quite coveted. I'm curious to see how long it will take for this car to be available again.

Bugatti Veyron

The final two items in the Transformers set don't need to rely on the franchise's success to be popular with collectors. Most will buy a Hot Wheels Bugatti Veyron with their eyes closed, regardless of the color or wheel spec.

It would have been nice if an Autobot named Drift would've transformed into a D1GP-spec Nissan S15 or Mazda RX-7, but they went with a 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse instead (alongside the Mercedes-AMG GT R and the Sikorsky S-97 Raider). The Ebony Metallic and Blue Veyron is the second iteration of Sonny Fisher's casting, following the Fast & Furious (Series 3) release from 2023.

It uses the same MM5 wheels as the Corvette C7.R, but that won't deter any potential clients from buying it at the end of the day. I know this item will be the star of the Transformers set for many collectors, but I still think the Bumblebee Beetle is just slightly cooler.

Pagani Huayra

If you plan on buying a case of 10 Hot Wheels Transformers items, you must know that only one Pagani Huayra will be inside. It's the rarest vehicle here, as the case has three Beetle cars, plus two of each for the remaining castings. Jun Imai designed the Pagani Huayra for its 2013 HW City: Street Power debut, which looked stunning with the Metalflake Red finish and the J5 wheels.

I remember the 2014 Metalflake Green variation blew my mind: it was spectacular for a simple Mainline release, and I regret selling it. It's a pitty Mattel has only revealed three Premium variations of the casting, starting with the 2017 Replica Entertainment: Forza Motorsport, moving on to the 2020 Replica Entertainment: Gumball 3000, and ending with the 2022 NFT Garage (Series 4) Huayra.

While some people think the latter is worth over $300, you can still get it for less than $100. We didn't see a new version of the Huayra in 2023, so most people will be ecstatic to get their hands on the Rosso Dubai variation here.

It's a fitting piece of equipment for a Decepticon like Stinger, but I wish we'd see one with nicer Real Riders wheels and more attention to detail. I spotted a few sets (missing the Mustang) for $30 on eBay, but you can likely get them cheaper at your local toy store if you're lucky enough.