Mattel is not the sole company attempting to captivate children and adults with their merchandise. However, they are one of the most successful players in the market, offering both Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. Lately, I have been paying more attention to brands like Tomica, Ignition Diecast, and Tarmac Works when discussing the 1/64th scale. Selecting the perfect collectible for your display often comes down to cost and availability.
While you can find Mattel’s lineup in almost any toy store, the same cannot be said for smaller brands. This has significant implications for the industry. It appears that Mattel should put in more effort when launching a new product. I have noticed an increasing number of collectors expressing their dissatisfaction with the Red Line Club’s vehicle selection, and the Elite 64 series is even worse.
Matchbox enthusiasts have different preferences compared to Hot Wheels fans. However, there needs to be an incentive for people to purchase these products. Most of the time, Hot Wheels RLC vehicles sell like hotcakes, with stocks depleting within minutes of release. On the other hand, you can still find Matchbox products that were released months ago. This doesn’t necessarily mean poor sales, but it does raise some questions. The recent McLaren 720S Spider is a prime example. Gulf liveries are incredibly popular among Hot Wheels collectors, as I have previously highlighted. However, applying one to a Matchbox replica of a modern car seems rather haphazard. It’s not terrible, but the diecast manufacturer needed to do more to distract collectors from the subpar wheels.
Who cares about True Grip tires when the rim design resembles that of a cheap, unknown brand replica? If you are charging $25 for a 1/64th-scale vehicle, it should at least come with attractive wheels and movable parts! This is the key to winning over diecast collectors: opening doors, a trunk that opens, a removable engine cover – anything! My opinion may change when I hold the item in my hand, but it currently appears less appealing than the basic McLaren 720S Spider in Metalflake Belize Blue, which you can purchase for less than $3.
The main attraction of this upcoming sale seems to be the acrylic case with the decorative outer box. However, some Matchbox fans may have a different perspective. Regardless, the product will be available on Mattel’s shop on February 12, 2024, at 9 AM PT. Personally, I will be passing on it, and based on comments I’ve come across in enthusiast groups, it seems many collectors feel the same way.
According to the Source autoevolution.com