Why is Hot Wheels so popular?
Not only are its toy cars tricked-out versions of real production models conceived by actual automotive designers, Hot Wheels also builds street-size versions of its most popular machines, deploying them everywhere from car shows to its YouTube channel, creating an intergenerational cult of fans.
Is Hot Wheels popular?
The popularity of collecting Hot Wheels has grown in recent years, and Elson said there are as many kinds of collectors as there are models out there. He said people who get into collecting these miniature cars need should have a personal reason to do so rather than just a financial one.
What year did Hot Wheels become popular?
1968
The success of the 1968 line was solidified and consolidated with the 1969 releases, with which Hot Wheels effectively established itself as the most important brand of small toy car models in the USA.
What is Hot Wheels target audience?
Currently, the toys are aimed at boys ages 3 to 8; men in their 30s or older often rediscover the toys when they have children or develop an interest in collectibles.
What inspired Hot Wheels?
Since 1968 Hot Wheels as a brand certainly occupies a unique place in car culture unlike any traditional OEM. When it originally started pumping out diecast toy cars in 1968, it began as a reflection of the custom rides seen on the streets surrounding Mattel’s headquarters in El Segundo, California.
Why was Hot Wheels created?
Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler (shown left, with wife and Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler) challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market.
Who created Hot Wheels?
Elliot Handler
1968. The original Hot Wheels were made by Elliot Handler.
Who started Hot Wheels?
Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler (shown left, with wife and Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler) challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market.